Editing a Ghostwritten Manuscript: Part Two

The manuscript has been written, money has exchanged hands, and now you have a 400-page book and only an inkling of what to do next. If you’re lucky enough to have a publisher, the next steps are quite simple: turn the manuscript over to your editor and wait for his or her revisions.

If, however, you’re self-publishing or going another route, who will edit your ghostwritten manuscript? The good news is you have no shortage of options. Let’s work through a few common scenarios to see which path is right for you.

Scenario A: Working with a Publishing Services Firm

Let’s say you are working with a company that will help bring your book to life and you met your ghostwriter through said company. Don’t stop utilizing their resources now! Talk with your representative at the firm and ask about editing options. Odds are they also provide editing services or can put you in touch with a freelance editor to copyedit and/or proofread your manuscript.

Scenario B: Self-Publishing

If you are taking this project on all on your own, your ghostwriter may be your best bet at finding an editor. Ask him or her for recommendations. In some cases, ghostwriters work for companies that specialize in writing and editing, and they can direct you to a colleague.

Scenario C: Looking for a Publisher

You may not have a book deal yet, but now that you have a manuscript, you’re on the hunt for an agent and a publisher. I suggest being up front with whomever you speak with and telling him or her that the book has been ghostwritten. Don’t worry that publishers are afraid of taking on authors or books that have used a ghostwriter—it happens all the time.

The final question in your mind may be: “What do I do when I get edits back from any and all of the aforementioned sources?” If the edits are minor and you feel you are able to take care of them yourself, go for it. However, if the manuscript needs major revisions, you may want to get in touch with your writer for some help. Carrying a consistent tone and style throughout a book is important, and your original ghostwriter will be able to rework the draft better than someone less familiar with the writing. Besides, maintaining a relationship with your writer is always a good idea—who knows when the next book idea will come along!

Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project

How Long Does It Take to Ghostwrite a Book?

Many authors want to know how soon a ghostwriter will have their book ready. Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy answer to that question. Each project is unique and thus takes a different amount of time. However, you can pinpoint a few factors that will speed up or slow down the writing of your book. I even came up with a handy acronym—PACE. Preparedness, availability, complexity, and expectations.

1.     Preparedness. Say you have all of your notes, audiotapes, files, interviews, case studies, and outlines ready and raring to go (properly organized and synthesized of course). If so, you’re a ghostwriter’s dream—they can immediately get to work on writing your book. But if you’re struggling to put together your layout and materials when you hire your writer, it may take some time for the two of you to collect and work through the information that you have.

2.     Availability. This goes for both parties. The more often that you and your ghostwriter can connect, the faster the book will come to fruition. But if you are a busy executive or your writer is juggling several projects at once, expect a slower turnaround time. Try to email, meet, or talk on the phone at least once a week to check in on the status of the book.

3.     Complexity. By nature, some books are straightforward and others can be Pandora’s boxes of intricacy. It stands to reason that the more complex your book, the longer it will take to write. To help expedite the process, look at your project and your materials as if you were a stranger to them, like your writer will be at first. Try to anticipate possible questions, tricky spots in the narrative, or confusing parts of your concept. The better you understand your book, the more helpful you will be to your writer.

4.     Expectations. Ghostwriters are happy to work with a deadline in mind, but try not to place them under the gun. Expecting a perfect, polished manuscript in a month simply isn’t reasonable. In any situation, you will want to give your writer at least 3 – 6 months to complete the project. This time frame gives you two enough time to get to know one another, transfer materials, and go through at least two drafts of the book. Don’t fall for the ghostwriting services that promise you a completed book in 90 days—even if you get your book back in that time frame, it is unlikely that you’ll be happy with the final product.

Some authors spend years slaving over manuscripts, while others are able to write 100,000 words in a month. Project goals and deadlines are important, but keep in mind that it is not the physical book that is important, but the words on the page. The more time and care you spend working with your writer to get your draft to its best possible state, the more successful your book will be.

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Editing a Ghostwritten Manuscript

Your ghostwriter has just finished the first draft of your book, and now it is time for you to review the manuscript. Follow our guide below to make sure your writer has hit the mark and to guide your revisions.

1.     Does the writing sound like you?

a.     Yes: Excellent! Gold star for your writer.

b.     No: Point out passages that do and do not sound quite right. Specific examples of word choice, tone, and style will help your writer get a better sense for how to revise.

2.     Is the writing truthful and factually correct?

a.     Yes, everything is based on my experiences or research: Great. Make sure to avoid any unnecessary fabrication.

b.     No, some parts were embellished: Be wary of passing off exaggerated stories as your own. Remember what happened to the A Million Little Pieces guy? Stick to the truth and nothing but the truth unless you’re writing fiction.

3.     Did the writer hit the key points of your narrative or idea?

a.     Yes: Good news. Make sure the big points are present and prominent.

b.     No: If you think any key items are missing, let your writer know. It can also help to pinpoint a chapter or section where you think the missing pieces should be included.

4.     Do you like the book?

a.     Yes: You should. If all has gone according to plan, you and your writer have worked together on the project and your input has been put to good use.

b.     No: Perhaps you don’t hate it, but you’re just not happy with the first draft. Be honest with you writer, and explain why you aren’t in love with the manuscript. This is your book, and you should be proud and enthusiastic to be the author.

If you are able to answer yes to all of those questions, the rest of the revisions will be easy. Pay attention to the details (such as diction—if you’ve never said obsequious in your life, don’t put it in the book) as well as the overall flow of the book. Honest, detailed feedback is the best kind, and you and your ghostwriter can work your way to an even better second draft.

Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project