The secret's out!
You've uncovered the super secret identity of the world's only Chief Ghost! Here are some stats to set the stage:
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25 years as a professional writer, educator and mentor
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15 years ghostwriting for Fortune 500s, startups, visionary thought leaders and government officials in AI, data analytics, and emerging tech spaces spanning every industry
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Thousands of bylines, ebooks, anthologies & dozens of best selling books translating complex ideas into powerful, story-driven thought leadership, fiction and memoir
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Founder of one of the earliest, consistently successful ghostwriting agencies worldwide, and training dozens of writers in the craft
- Voice of 6–8 figure entrepreneurs and global innovators featured in top tier publications, on podcasts and on television
I've also taken numerous martial arts classes and am proficient in none! We'll get back to that later, perhaps!
Where Have You Seen Me?
HI, I'M MARY
I knew from a young age that I had dramatic flair and loved to write, but it wasn’t until my high school English teacher tricked me into winning a journalism scholarship that I realized writing just might be a solid option!
The path from there has been quite circuitous, taking me from life in Boston's projects to shucking corn in a booth at the Minnesota State Fair, and eventually speaking on stage at conferences and becoming a trusted voice behind some of the most transformative creatives in emerging industries, including tech leaders reshaping the world with AI.
MY STORY
As a quiet kid growing up in a tough neighborhood, I was lost in my imagination. I created stories where I would right all wrongs—places where a cool kid wearing a pleather vest and carrying a 90-pound boom box could live in peace!
And I read books, ALL of the books, and wrote research reports nobody asked for. I was a keen observer, learner, and dreamer. Unbeknownst to me, I was developing an advanced understanding of story structure, voice, the mechanics of writing, and psychology.
No one else "beknownst" it either—not until 12th grade when I submitted a college essay on a fluke and won a journalism scholarship. I accepted it, and then dropped out so fast it barely happened. I wasn't ready. But the experience changed the trajectory of my life, leading to cross-country travel and a reality that I thought would exist only in my imagination—one that I wish my Dad lived to see.
Now for that "why."
WHY TEACH THINGS?
After many attempts at college, I became a teacher, with writing as my secret love, taking over my summers off. Then, one summer lasted forever as I carved a lucrative writing niche for myself in corporate America, launching one of the first ghostwriting agencies in 2009.
A lifetime of observing behavior developed a second sense for asking the right questions to extract a nuanced understanding of anything, rapidly differentiating clients' genius and insight from the noisy mind scraps that distract from the true story.
Ghostwriting requests, and then referrals, poured in from interviewees convinced I read minds as I captured unspoken intent. Scaling to an agency was a necessity and I taught dozens of ghostwriters how to ghost me to keep up with demand for endless bylines, business writing and books, most of which revolved around emerging technologies.
MY PROMISE
Over the past 20 years, I've helped people pinpoint and unlock their unique talents and thought leadership to create an unshakeable foundation for long-term success.
I've also seen a new variety of snake oil salesman emerge with exaggerated claims and one-size-fits-all fluff. They understand that people are often lured by quick-fix "systems" and charge wild amounts to teach you things they haven't successfully done themselves. Screw that.
Be sure to subscribe so I can help you avoid all of that and move confidently toward emerging opportunities in our evolving age of AI! It's time to rethink work in a way that keeps you relevant and in demand, without losing your humanity—and without paying for 'expertise' that is really just a google search ahead of your own. Let's get started!
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Mary possesses an extraordinary knack for interviewing – adeptly capturing the intricacies of my intended message, whether it pertained to contributing to broader public discourse or sharing my personal experiences.
____ Seujan Bertram, Global C-Suite Executive
Mary has an innate ability to convey complex ideas clearly and concisely, she approaches every project with a meticulous and detail-oriented mindset, thoroughly investigating every aspect of the subject matter. Her research is comprehensive and insightful, often leading to fresh perspectives.
____ Kim Surico, Marketing & Demand Gen Director
We've recommended Mary to several of our clients, and have the pleasure of working with her on their behalf. Whether it's collaborating with executives at a highly specialized technology company to develop a thought leadership series, or with senior marketing and PR folks to kick out data-driven blog posts and by-lines for a fast-paced analytics startup, Mary delivers. And (importantly), clients love her!
____ Karri Carlson, Co-founder & Ops Boss at Leadtail
If you are thinking about content creation or social media strategy, put down your mouse and call Mary now, especially if it is 2 am at night. Ok, maybe wait till breakfast.
____Raj Raheja, Co-CEO of Heartwood
Mary isn't just a good writer or a good partner, she is a great writer and great partner. I grew up watching 30 something and knew one day I would be in the marcom industry, it took me 26 yrs to find such great creative writer to work with.
____ Terry M. Isner, Owner/CEO of Jaffe
Mary is one of the most talented writers I've had the pleasure of working with. She knows the social media space like few others and can create content that truly drives conversation and engagement!
____ Justin Lafferty, Jargon Slayer
Mary writes with humor and emotional intelligence, always taking a fresh angle on the day's tech stories. Her contributions to SocialTimes were invaluable.
____ Devon Glenn, Writer, Editor, Copyeditor
Mary C. Long is the CONSUMMATE public relations professional. What an amazing writer. Mary "nails it" each and every time she shares a thought leadership contribution.
____Fay Shapiro, Founder, Publisher & CEO of CommPRO
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