Do you wish you could write a book for your industry?
- You’re an expert in your field
- It would be good for business
- But, you simply do not have the time
Another option for you is hiring a ghostwriter.
While I am away stomping out breast cancer at the 3-Day, 60 Mile Walk for the Cure, I am thrilled to feature this guest post from my writer friend, Anne Wayman.
Anne is an experienced ghostwriter of books and an author herself. I asked Anne if she could present some features of an ideal ghostwriting client. That way if you are thinking of going this route, you have tips from an expert. Please welcome Anne and enjoy her guest post.
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6 Signs of the Ideal Ghostwriting Client
by Anne Wayman
Ghostwriting books can be truly profitable, fun and a great way to explore new ideas. It can also quickly turn into a nightmare.
Most of the problems I’ve run into ghosting a couple of dozen or so books were actually client-generated, but part of the responsibility falls to me. As a professional ghostwriter, it’s up to me to help the client/author have reasonable expectations.
Here is what I look for in a client:
1. It’s the person’s idea to do a book.
There are many reasons for writing a book.
- Sharing life experiences
- Showcasing business successes
- Disclosing a newly discovered sales process
Whatever the topic, it won’t work if the person hires a ghostwriter only because others urged the individual to write a book.
If the person can’t convince me he/she really wants a book written, I pass.
If someone else is pushing the person to do the project, it will probably fail because the passion isn’t there. The person won’t dig deep enough to generate a good book or do the necessary editing.
2. The person doesn’t have a clear idea or vision for the book.
If a book is going to be written and written well, it needs a clear vision or purpose.
This is something I or any good ghostwriter can help the client get to. Adroit and complete questioning about what they really want to say will usually clarify things.
It can take two or three sessions to get this done. I like to get the purpose boiled down to about 10 words. Then we know we’re on the right track.
3. The individual has a clear understanding of their audience.
Most people who come to me start out thinking their book is for “everyone.” It’s up to me to convince them if it’s for everyone, it’s really for no one at all.
Each book has a target audience – an ideal reader who represents the audience.
When we both understand who that is, the project is easier and the book is better.
4. The person will take the time to get the information from their head to yours.
Usually I find folks are pretty willing to spend the time to do the interviews with me, or to sketch out the chapters or whatever method we’re working with.
If the book blows up at this stage, it’s usually because they aren’t writing it for themselves – someone is pressuring them.
5. The client will spend the time necessary to read and comment on the manuscript as it develops.
As a ghostwriter, I need the client/author’s feedback as the manuscript develops. You know how much time editing can take.
Although the client doesn’t have to do quite that much work, he or she does have to commit to something like two or three hours a chapter.
There are people who will nit-pick you to death. Something in between is what you want.
6. The individual does not have unrealistic expectations.
A lot of what I do is educating potential clients/authors about how difficult it is to create a best seller.
If they have a publishing contract and a platform, it’s totally possible. But, the average person who hires a ghostwriter, comes without a contract and maybe with a small platform.
With the right magic title and a lot of luck, the author might break through to a best seller list; however, it’s unlikely.
That doesn’t mean the project isn’t worth doing. I’d rather the author was pleasantly surprised than terribly disappointed.
A ghostwriting client that meets these requirements, and is willing to pay the ghostwriter’s fee, paves the way for a much smoother project.
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Anne Wayman has been freelance writing and ghostwriting books for over 30 years.
Anne offers freelance writing advice at her blog, AboutFreelanceWriting.com
I think a ghostwriter is best chosen for those who have something to say, but are unable to pen the words that matter. Because if the individual could write, the time it takes to impart the information is probably shorter than the time spent imparting it. And, then one could hire an editor to insure its completion.
So, every time I see a ghostwritten book, i decide how well that person communicates- before I elect to read the tome.
Guest blogging or editorials are different. This is for a short duration; either because the author is on vacation, ill, or overcome with writer’s block. The Guest is not under any obligation to adopt the style of the host. That means the host regards the guest as a valuable partner. If you regard the host as a valuable source, you will usually be well rewarded to examine those pieces.
How many times have I heard “Everybody says I should write a book.” I am trying to recall, but I don’t think any of those people ever went on to hire us. You are right. It has to start with a desire to have the book written, not peer pressure or flattery of friends.
@Roy You say “So, every time I see a ghostwritten book, i decide how well that person communicates- before I elect to read the tome.” No you don’t. Every time you see a ghostwritten book, you have no idea that it is ghostwritten. A ghost writer is just that – a ghost. Invisible.
Hi Roy – yes, I make a distinction between ghosting books which I do, and ghosting articles etc. which I rarely do and never for content mills.
Ghostwriter David-Thanks for stopping by and sharing your point of view. I agree, I particularly liked Anne’s point that the book needs to be the author’s idea rather than springing from the pressure of others.
Thanks again for sharing your comments.
Hi Roy: Thanks for your thoughts. I do a ton of ghostwriting of articles. They are almost always industry-specific. Perhaps it’s just my style, but I think it is equally important to write in the voice of my client. Typically, their intent is to become recognized as an industry leader. They better be able to express that face-to-face.
One of my favorite clients is brilliant in his industry – extremely innovative. He says he can’t write, and maybe that’s true, or maybe it’s just he doesn’t like to write. In any event, the man is full of “sound bites” that I love. I have totally adopted his skilled storytelling and sound bites when I write for him.
I love ghostwriting because it gives me the opportunity to explore all different people and ideas. Perhaps I have a bit of the actor in me as I take on their persona.
Thanks again for commenting, Roy.