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