October 30, 2012

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.

October 26, 2012

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.

Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project 

October 16, 2012

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.

Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project