Working with a Ghostwriter on My Innovative Business Book

Every (good) business book is different, and if you are an aspiring business book author, there are some ways to help you and your ghostwriter produce a useful and profitable book. In this blog, we will discuss the four key components of a successful business book and how to create one with the help of a ghostwriter.

1. New Approach

If your book is truly innovative, you will have a new, unique approach to some facet of the business world. It is imperative that you and your ghostwriter spend time discussing the ins and outs of your project. Take the time to examine the details in depth and answer any questions your writer may have. The ghostwriter should understand your subject just as well as you do so that he or she can put it into eloquent, powerful writing.

2. Research

In most cases, ghostwriters complete a significant portion of the research for a book. Because your project is new and different, you’ll want to give the ghostwriter a fair amount of direction when it comes to research. Providing a handful of strong, relevant case studies or examples will be very beneficial and will help your writer get off to a good start. The more information you can provide, the better, as a good ghostwriter is a master of choosing what is important and then synthesizing it into clear prose.

3. Expertise

This is important for you and your ghostwriter. If you are tackling the business book genre, you should have some brand-name recognition. This means that your name and bio should be big selling points for the book, as readers will recognize you as a business leader. You will also want to work with a ghostwriter who has experience in the business book field and can help set your book apart from its competitors.

4. Readability

For many people, business books are not high on their “must-read” lists. Sometimes this is because the books are very targeted, other times because the writing just isn’t as compelling as the latest thriller novel. This is where a strong author/ghostwriter relationship is key. Explain to your ghostwriter the type of market you want to reach, and be sure to listen to your writer’s feedback. Chances are he or she is familiar with the audience and can help you extend your reach. Together, the goal is to gain access to as broad a readership as possible while still providing a specific, useful, and interesting book.

Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project

Can a Ghostwriter Work from My Audiotapes?

Audiotapes are a great way to tell a ghostwriter about your project or your story. Oftentimes ghostwriters record interviews so they can go back through the material, anyway. You can follow a few simple steps to make your audiotapes as concise and valuable as possible.

If you’re starting from scratch, begin by doing two things. First, create an outline or time line of the key issues and events your book will cover. Second, send that document to your ghostwriter and get his or her feedback and questions. Then you are ready to press “record”! Work as chronologically as possible and take notes regarding when you switch topics or make an important point. It can also help to listen to the tapes again to expand on certain items or correct any inconsistencies.

If you’re working from previously recorded material, be sure to review everything in detail. Whether the tapes are personal narratives, recorded speeches, or something else entirely, take detailed notes to show your writer which parts are important. You may find that you need to add or clarify material as you go.

Another way to make your audiotapes useful is to record using the tone of the book. For example, if you are writing a humorous memoir, record your story as though you were telling it to a friend, with colloquial speech, jokes, and all. On the other hand, if you’re creating a business book, use more serious language and tone. Your ghostwriter will learn to transform your speech into writing, and it helps when the two coincide.

Finally, once you have sent the ghostwriter your audio materials, be prepared for follow-up questions. The more detail and explanation you can provide to your writer, the better your book will be.

Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project

Always Look for the (Fill-in-the-Blank) Ghostwriter

When you’re on the hunt for a good ghostwriter, it can help to look for certain traits and habits. Because ghostwriters cannot always provide samples from the books they’ve worked on, you should try to find a writer who is (1) interested, (2) punctual, and (3) busy.

1. Interested: This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are ways to tell whether a ghostwriter is interested in your book or in your money (I even wrote a blog about it). Does the writer ask insightful questions about the project? Does he or she have experience in your field? Does the writer have good suggestions to improve the book and make it more marketable? If you answered yes to any of those questions, you’ve found a ghostwriter who truly cares.

2. Punctual: In the business of books, time is of the essence. The content of your book may be time sensitive, or you may want the publication to coincide with an anniversary or an event. A ghostwriter who responds to e-mails and calls promptly, turns over research or samples on schedule, and keeps you up-to-date as possible is a keeper. While writing is a creative art, it is also a profession. A good ghostwriter can balance inspiration and a timetable in a practical, businesslike manner.

3. Busy: This trait may not seem as obvious—why would you look for someone who can’t devote all of his or her time to you and your project? To be frank: because they’re good. Even though ghostwriting has long been a hush-hush business, word gets around about who is good and who is not. A busy ghostwriter is a popular ghostwriter (read: talented) and is worth pursuing. This is not to say that a writer without another current client isn’t a good writer—lulls happen to everyone. But a busy schedule is the next best thing to a recommendation from your fellow (published) authors.

There are a lot of factors that will make or break the author/ghostwriter relationship, and we will explore all of these in past and future posts. You will need to decide what style and personality suit you and your project, but we can guide you toward the right choice. By looking for interested, punctual, and busy writers, you can be assured that you are on your way to success.

Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project