Working with a Ghostwriter on Your Memoir: Part One

When you set out to write your memoir, it can be difficult to know how things will go when working with a ghostwriter. Will he or she ask a lot of questions? Will he or she get your tone and style right? How much should you tell him or her?

If you hire the right ghostwriter, those questions become much easier. A good ghostwriter will spend a lot of time working and talking with you before he or she even begins to write. There will be many phone calls, e-mails, and meetings so you two can get to know each other. By definition, a memoir is a very personal piece of writing, and your ghostwriter will work hard to get a strong grasp on you and your story.

Thinking back over your whole life, whether you’re 30 or 90, can seem like a daunting task. Make it easier by working piece by piece with the ghostwriter. As a result, you will tell several versions of your story several times. The more detailed your retellings, the better. This will help your writer get the feel for the events, characters, and experiences in your life. Plus, when the ghostwriter knows all the ins and outs of you and your life, he or she will better be able to translate your experiences into words. In the end, you want your ghostwriter to feel as if he or she has lived life right alongside you.

When the writing begins, you two will continue to work closely to check the facts and the voice of the memoir. Memoirs don’t often require a ton of research (you, the author, are the primary source), but they do require you to look closely at things such as word choice, phrasing, and tone. Don’t be afraid to give your ghostwriter feedback if you feel the writing doesn’t sound like you—it’s the writer’s job to write as much like you as possible. As always, remember that ghostwriting is all about collaboration, and the more you and your ghostwriter can give to the project, the better your memoir will be.

Stay tuned for tips on how to make the memoir process easier for both you and your ghostwriter.

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How Much Research Does a Ghostwriter Do for You?

The amount of research a ghostwriter will do depends on two big factors: (1) your contract and (2) your subject matter. When you begin to work on your project, you and your ghostwriter will discuss how much research needs to go into the book. For example, a memoir would require a minimal amount of research, whereas a history or medical book would require a great deal. Business-related books often fall somewhere in the middle. If you hire an experienced ghostwriter, he or she will be able to give you an estimate of how much research needs to be done and how long that will take.

A book that requires heavy research can often take longer, since the writer will need to do a lot of preparation before beginning to write the book. While the ghostwriter does the research, you can still be an active participant. During the research and interview phase, your ghostwriter should give you regular status reports on the material he or she is finding. This way, you can help guide the research without having to spend hours on the Internet or in the library. You can also do research of your own or work on drafting other parts of the manuscript.

If you have hired a ghostwriter because you have a busy schedule, you should communicate to the ghostwriter that he or she will be doing the majority of the research. It is unlikely that a ghostwriter will ever do all of the research—you, the author, should be involved as well. This can be as simple as pointing the writer in the right direction and coming up with a few resources of your own. When it comes to ghostwriting, communication is key, so the more you talk with your writer, the more likely you are going to be satisfied with the end product.

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The Name Game

I have heard people ask many questions when it comes to ghostwriting. Two I hear the most are “What is the difference between a coauthor, cowriter, and ghostwriter?” and “Why on earth would you give your ghostwriter credit?” Read on for my answers.

Coauthor: A coauthor is just that, a collaborating author. Two or more authors work together on the concept and creation of the book. Both will get credit on the cover, and both have equal standing when it comes to rights and authorship of the book.

Cowriter: This term is a bit more fluid. A cowriter can have the status of a coauthor or can simply be a colleague working on the project. Generally speaking, a cowriter is of a slightly lower status than the primary author. Nonetheless, a cowriter is typically credited on the cover and inside the book. For example, the cover will read “John Doe with Jane Doe,” Jane Doe being the cowriter.

Ghostwriter: A ghostwriter is a professional writer who writes and shapes a book on the basis of stipulations of a client. The two biggest differences between a ghostwriter and a coauthor/cowriter are that (1) the ghostwriter works anonymously and (2) the ghostwriter always works for a fee. Traditionally, ghostwriters are not noted on the cover but are sometimes obscurely mentioned in the acknowledgments page (e.g., “This book would not have been possible without the efforts of Jane Doe”).

Here is a great example of attribution at work:

 

Why Give the Ghostwriter Credit? For years, ghostwriters did not, or could not, lay claim to their writing.   This custom is changing, however, as more and more authors are openly acknowledging their ghostwriters.   In many cases, readers realize that the author did not write the book by himself or herself, whether that is because he or she is a busy politician or a reality TV star who hasn’t really mastered the written word.   It is common knowledge that ghostwriters are out there doing the work, and some authors are now giving credit where credit is due.   Of course, mentioning the ghostwriter is not a requirement, but admitting to seeking out a professional writer is also no longer taboo.   Many people will treat the ghostwriter much in the same way as a cowriter, as in “by John Doe with Jane Doe.”

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How to Find a Qualified Ghostwriter

If you’re like most aspiring authors, the search for a good ghostwriter can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of websites and companies promising you success, but you aren’t sure where to start. Plus, authors don’t usually put the name of their ghostwriter on the cover of their book. Here are a few quick and easy tips to help you find the ghostwriter who is right for you.

DIY: Shop around Online

When you type “ghostwriter” into your Google search bar, you get several million hits. Not so helpful. Start by adding key terms in your search, such as “memoir” or “business.” The more specific you can be, the more likely you will be to find a ghostwriter who suits your needs.

Ask Your Colleagues

If you know of colleagues or friends who have used a ghostwriter, ask them whom they worked with and whether they would recommend that person. They can also point you toward a few ghostwriting companies or groups that may have a good match for you.

Go to the Pros: Consult with Ghostwriting Services Groups

There are several publishing consulting companies that can help connect you with the right ghostwriter. They have networks of hundreds of different writers and can match you with a writer, help you set up a contract, and even work with you to get the book published. This method can be faster and easier than conducting your own search, though it may cost a bit more.

Can They Pass the Test?

Once you have narrowed down your options, you will want to interview a handful of ghostwriters to see who is best for you. Meet with them in person if possible, or talk on the phone. Ask for writing samples, a list of their previous work, and a copy of their résumé. Remember that you want to find a ghostwriter who has experience in your field, whom you feel comfortable working with, and whose writing you are drawn to. Be picky! After all, this is your book, and you want it to be in the right hands.

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FAQ: Will a ghostwritten book sound like me?

The short answer: yes. The slightly longer answer: yes—but better.

If there were a class called Ghostwriting 101 (and perhaps there is), the first lesson on the first day would be an exercise in writing voice. All good ghostwriters are masters of understanding the nuances that differentiate one writer from another. They will pick up on your particular idioms and turns of phrase, as well as the overall tone to be carried throughout the book. Your ghostwriter’s job is to learn as much as possible about how you speak and write and then to emulate that in the book.

Before the first word hits the page, the ghostwriter should have a thorough understanding of both your voice and your style. The more you speak with the ghostwriter, the more he or she will learn from the way you talk, write, and present a message. Each e-mail, phone call, and draft will build that understanding and make your book stronger. From the beginning of the project to the end, you and your ghostwriter should be in constant contact. This is to assure not only the accuracy of the book but also its authenticity. In order for the book to sound like you, the ghostwriter must get to know you as well as possible.

Another way to help your ghostwriter is to provide him or her with writing samples. These samples can be drafts of chapters for the book or articles or essays you have written on different topics. When you go through these samples, you can direct your ghostwriter by marking passages that match the style you are looking to emulate in your book.

If you are not comfortable with your writing skills, you can also give examples from other books in your field and explain how you are similar to or different from that author. Even recordings (video or audio) can help guide your writer. So, for instance, if you are giving a seminar or a speech, be sure to get your writer a copy so he or she can continue to study your personal voice.

In the end, your book will have the benefit of showcasing your voice and style as well as the ghostwriter’s expertise. That’s why we say that the book can sound like you but better. By working together, you and your ghostwriter can create a book that surpasses each of your individual abilities, and that book will be infinitely more successful.

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Five Key Traits of a Successful Ghostwriter

When you begin your search for a ghostwriter, you should look for a few key traits, no matter the topic of your project.

1. Great Writer

Your ghostwriter should have strong writing skills in your particular discipline. For instance, if the writer has experience in celebrity autobiographies and you are working on a business or medical guide, you two may not be a good fit. You should look for a writer with experience in your field and a compelling, strong writing voice that you feel suits the tone of your book.

2. Efficient

Although many ghostwriters often work on a flat-fee basis (meaning you don’t pay them per hour), your ghostwriter should be able to produce quality work quickly. After the initial period of research, setting up a schedule with your ghostwriter can be beneficial so you can see the progress that is being made and stay involved during the drafting stages.

3. Good Listener

Even if your project requires the ghostwriter to do most (or all) of the writing, your input is important. Ghostwriters often work from interviews, audiotapes, and conversations with the author to guide their writing. You will want your ghostwriter to actively engage you with good questions and to listen to and build on your comments and suggestions.

4. Creative

Hundreds of thousands of books are being published every year, and you want your book to stand out in a crowd. Working with a ghostwriter who is creative and has a knack for turning the mundane into the exciting can help your book receive the attention it deserves.

5. Professional

Ghostwriting is a job, not a hobby, and you are the client. Your ghostwriter should be experienced and dedicated to his or her occupation and should maintain a collaborative relationship with you, the author and client.

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Ghostwriters: Do They Love Your Book or Your Money?

When you begin your search for a ghostwriter, finding one who cares about your book—not just the paycheck—can seem like a challenge. You, the author, want your book to be taken seriously and to be given the attention it deserves. You don’t want it to be just another source of income for your writer. The best way to make sure that happens? Be passionate about your book.

Think long and hard about why you want to write your book. Do you have a groundbreaking new method, message, or finding for your audience? What could readers gain from your experience? Convey your enthusiasm to your ghostwriter, and explain to him or her why your book is necessary, important, and beneficial. If your ghostwriter is excited about your project and believes in your goals, he or she is more likely to go above and beyond to make your book a success.

It also helps to look for a ghostwriter with experience in your field. Say you are writing a business book: a ghostwriter who has written other business guides in the past is more likely to be familiar with your topic and interested in getting it in written form to readers. You may have to conduct a few interviews to find the ghostwriter who is most suited to your project, but that time will be well spent when the finished product is done right and done with enthusiasm on both sides.

Remember that you and your ghostwriter are a team. You provide each other with the necessary materials for success, and neither one can function without the other. Yes, your ghostwriter needs a paycheck to create the book, but he or she also needs your support and your passion to drive the project. In return, the ghostwriter’s dedication to your book will show in the manuscript. By staying involved and collaborative, you can ensure that you and your writer can create the best possible book, regardless of the money spent.

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