How to become a published book author in no time at all

A few days ago, I received this email:

Dear Dr. Edzard Ernst,

I am xxyy*, Editorial assistant from xxxzzz* Publishing Group Ltd. contacting you with the reference from our editorial department. Basing on your outstanding contribution to the scientific community, we would like to write a book for you.

Researchers like you are adding so much value to the scientific community, yet you are not getting enough exposure. No matter how many papers you publish in famous journals, you will be still unknown to common people. To solve this problem, we came up with this unique solution.

With our book writing service, we will write your research contributions in common man’s language. We will also include all your published papers into this book in a way that a common man can understand it. And then, we will publish your book with our publishing group. Before, publication, we will send the draft to you for scientific accuracy, once you approve our draft, we then proceed for publication. You will get all the rights of your book, and all the sales generated from your book will be credited to you.

Your book will then be listed on famous websites like Amazon, eBay, Goodreads, and many other popular book websites. As a result, you will get good credit and people will recognize your hard work and your scientific contributions.

Last but not least, after the publication of your book, it will be published in Google News, Yahoo, and other major news channels. What more can you ask for?

All we need is your book writing contract, and you will get all the rights for your book.

Will be waiting to hear from you.

Best Regards,

xxyy

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Amazed and curious, I replied:

Thanks xxyy,

that sounds interesting; please let me know what costs are involved.

Regards

E Ernst

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The answer came a few days later. Here is the passage that addressed my question:

Usually, Researchers want their articles converted into common man’s language and make them into a book. But if you have a special requirement, then please let us know, so that our writers can write according to your needs. And once the drafting has finished, we will send it for your review for scientific accuracy. This includes book cover & page design, ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for your book, proofreading service and publication fee. And Our service fee for this is $1895. And it will take around 1 month to complete your project. Last but not least, once your book is published, we will write a news article about you and your book and will publish it in major newspapers to get proper publicity.

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I have to admit, I am still amazed! The price seems not high (though, judging from the quality of their English, the price/value balance might still be doubtful). Whenever I write a book, it takes me the best part of a year. Once I calculate a realistic $-figure for this effort, it would surely be more than one dimension higher.

So, am I going to have my next book ghost-written by this or any other service?

No, thanks!

(*Yes, I deleted the names)