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.
Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project
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