Curious About How Ghostwriting Works? Here Are Some Answers to Some FAQs.
First, a Quick Rundown on What Book Ghostwriting Is and Isn’t.
Book ghostwriting is:
A collaboration where you, the author, provide the idea, concept or source material for a business book, a self-help book or a memoir. I, the ghostwriter, work with you to gauge the viability of your idea, provide any additional research and develop your manuscript so that it says what you want it to say.
Book ghostwriting isn’t:
- Dictating and transcribing, or writing a book based on the ghostwriter’s original concept
- Revising a manuscript based on the author’s changes
- Typing up a manuscript to incorporate the author’s changes
In essence, the ghostwriter produces a manuscript you can present to traditional publishers or self-publish. It’s your book and you own and retain all rights when your book is published.
What’s your typical process?
It’s completed in two phases. Phase 1:
- Review of your source material (full or partial manuscript) to gauge where you are in the process.
- Provide an assessment that includes strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for improving your work.
Phase 2:
- Create an outline I’ll use as the roadmap to develop the manuscript.
- Move through the final phases, including restructuring the content, integrating any missing information, ghostwriting, line editing, copyediting, and proofreading.
We’ll keep tabs on the progress via phone, Zoom, or other teleconference method through each draft to polish the manuscript.
I have a lot to share and I’m not sure if it all belongs in the book.
Everything you share is confidential. Period.
Do you do any additional research if I need it?
Not usually, but researching or interviewing other parties can be done at an additional cost.
What if I have no manuscript or notes–just an idea; can we still work together?
Yes. We can hammer out the essence of your book over several phone/Zoom sessions. From there, I’ll develop an outline to use as a blueprint to develop your manuscript.
How long will it take to complete my manuscript?
Typically three to six months, depending on the nature of the topic, the source material you provide and the amount of research needed to complete the manuscript.
What about rights and royalties?
Your book is yours and yours alone–all rights and royalties included.
How much does ghostwriting a manuscript cost?
Long answer: A ghostwriter is your invisible weapon in putting your ideas onto paper. Ghostwriting involves disseminating large amounts of information, extracting the gold, and developing it into a marketable manuscript–all while staying true to your original concept, intent and voice. So it’s not cheap, but it’s a wise investment for serious authors who want to cross the finish line.
Short answer:
Nonfiction: $35,000 US – $50,000 US; Memoir: $40,000 US – $55,000 US
*Canadian rates will vary. Find out which service(s) might help you most.
How do I pay?
Monthly or quarterly via PayPal. No balloon payments.
How will we work together?
Our highly connected world makes collaborating easier than ever. So we’ll chat by phone, email, via Zoom or face-to-face if we decide visiting the other’s city is beneficial to us both.
Who makes a good ghostwriting candidate?
- You’re ready to dedicate the time and effort required to make your literary dreams come true.
- You’re coachable and open-minded.
- You have the funds to commit to the project.
- You have an idea and are ready to write a book.
What can I expect from you?
- A sounding board to brainstorm and test ideas
- Updated information on the publishing industry
- Guidance to help you create a marketable product
- Support to get you from ideas to finished manuscript
My topic is controversial. Can you handle that?
Bring it on.
What if you steal my idea?
I have my own ideas. Plenty of them.
Not sure which services you need? Check out my book ghostwriting services to discover how I can help speed up your journey from idea to finished manuscript.
If you’re ready to jump right in, contact me today to set up a 30-minute call.