Should I use a ghostwriter?
This is a question many of my ghostwriting and book coaching clients have pondered. So, why would someone use a ghostwriter to write their book?
In my experience, there are two main reasons why people use a ghostwriter for a business or non-fiction book.
- A lack of time
Many people are aware that being a best-selling author would be a great way to boost their businesses. A lot of my clients are solopreneurs, who are working flat out much of the time. They know that it would be difficult for them to find the time to write a book, even if they’ve written a best-seller before, like some of my clients.
- A concern about writing skills
You don’t actually have to be a great writer to write a good book. But you’d better make sure you have a great editor and proofreader in place, if you aren’t!
What sort of investment do you need to make to get a ghostwriter on board?
£5,000-8,000 on average.
How long does the process take?
For a business or average length non-fiction book three to six months. If you’re working from podcast transcripts or existing course materials, perhaps less.
Who should you choose?
Someone who you get on with, who shares the same values. It’s not essential that they have experience in writing about your sector, although it definitely helps. Professional writers are used to writing about a wide range of subjects, in many cases. Our working life is all about absorbing research, working out the story and presenting it in a succinct and lively manner.
What do you need to know?
You will have to relinquish control! Although the ghostwriter will try their utmost to incorporate your personality and the way you communicate into your book, fundamentally, it’s not going to be you writing it. There is space in the editing process to make the copy sound more like you, but using a ghostwriter inherently means there will be some compromising going on.
What does a great ghostwriting collaboration look like?
You get out what you put in, so as a result, if you can get really clear on your voice and how you want to come across, then you’ll give the ghostwriter the best chance of meeting your expectations.
I have a specific process I undertake at the beginning of a ghostwriting project, in order to take care of both this and also what you want your audience to gain by reading your book.
The ultimate aim of your ghostwriter is to create an impeccably written, engaging manuscript that sounds as much like you as possible and delivers what your target audience wants and needs.
Need more help?
If you want to chat about ghostwriting, book coaching or written content creation in general, please just get in touch. You can schedule a free, no-obligation fifteen-minute Coffee Chat with me here.