Ghostwriting and the Traveling Executive

Creating a book can be tricky at the best of times, but what if your job required lots of time and travel? How will you be able to fit in reviewing chapters, coordinating with your ghostwriter, and supplying materials? As always, the secret to success is organization. This means organization of your projects, your priorities, and your personal time.

When you first hire your ghostwriter, let him or her know that you travel frequently and will sometimes be in and out of communication. Provide your known travel plans for the foreseeable future and note when you will be completely off the grid. This will give your ghostwriter a good idea of when and how you can be reached.

Next, try to create a schedule with your writer based on your travels. If you know you'll have some downtime or a long plane ride in a few weeks, that would be a good time for your writer to send you the first couple of chapters. And once your writer gets started on the project, you two can nail down the schedule on the basis of your availability and the ghostwriter's need for feedback. You should be prepared to set aside a good chunk of time at the beginning and end of the ghostwriting process, but be sure to stay involved during the middle portion to ensure a great final product.

Try to set aside some time each week to check in with your writer via phone or e-mail. Give your writer advance notice, saying, "On Thursday afternoon, I will be devoting several hours to the book. You can expect a call/e-mail from me, and I will complete X task." Tasks can be anything from catching up on ghostwriter queries to sending edits. Even if you've hired an autonomous ghostwriter who can handle the bulk of the project without your input, you'll still want to keep in touch.

For many execs, publishing a book is a very time-sensitive matter. You may be creating a corporate anniversary project, an in-demand memoir, or a groundbreaking business book. Your ghostwriter will understand these time constraints. However, you should also be able to take some time out of your schedule for this book. Your involvement, no matter the subject of the book, is key to creating a finished product that you and your readers will enjoy.

Each project is different, so my best advice is simply to be organized and stay in touch with your writer. You two will create a schedule and a system that works well for both of you. Check out some of the other entries on this site for tips on how to communicate with ghostwriters, prepare your materials, and make a realistic timetable for your project.

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Reviewing Ghostwriter Samples: What to Look For

You’ve found a few promising ghostwriters, and now you’re up against the task of weeding through their writing samples. How do you know what to look for, especially if they haven’t written a book quite like yours? Below are a few obvious and not-so-obvious elements to keep an eye out for when reviewing ghostwriter samples.

Correct Spelling and Grammar

This one is a no-brainer. But also look for certain trends (e.g., serial commas) that you like, as well as competency with your chosen style, whether that’s CMS, AP, or something different.

Word Choice and Phrasing

Keeping in mind that the ghostwriter was likely trying to reproduce the style of the author, look for certain turns of phrase, sentence structures, and other elements that you find appealing. Although most ghostwriters will do their best to mimic the voice of the author, their own personal voices will come through in the writing as well.

Use of Jargon, Stats, and Other Info

Does the writer make even the most technical information clear and interesting for readers of various levels? If so, that’s a good sign. No matter the subject of your book, it should appeal to the broadest possible audience—after all, the whole point of writing a book is that someone else will read it! Good ghostwriters can tackle complex subjects and create text that accurately and clearly represents data and pertinent information.

Familiarity with the Topic

This is especially important if you get a chance to review a sample from a book in your field. You’ll want evidence that the writer is comfortable with the topic and uses the necessary terms properly. Even brief samples can give you an idea of how much a writer knows (or has learned) about a particular subject.

Tone and Talent

Does the sample make you want to read more, despite less than thrilling subject matter? Is the writing presented in a straightforward and interesting manner? I often encourage authors to go with a writer who writes well rather than one who is simply well educated. Part of the ghostwriting process is the mutual exchange of information, and it is very rare that a ghostwriter is an expert or professional in the same field as the author. Ghostwriters are smart people, and even if you choose a writer with little experience in, say, business books, that doesn’t mean he or she won’t turn out a beautifully written book. Go with your gut—if you think a writer is talented and you are willing to give direction, you two can be a good match.

Finally, remember that ghostwriters are only as good as their authors. Even the greatest writer can do only so much with an author who is not fully committed to the project or who supplies only minimal material and direction, and sometimes this shows in the finished product. Feel free to ask writers for details on their projects—in some cases that info will be confidential, but they can always tell you what helps them work best. Use that new knowledge to be the best author you can be and to choose the ghostwriter who is best suited to you.

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Niche Writers Versus Generalist Writers: Which Is Best for My Project?

This is a question you will want to answer early in your search for a ghostwriter. I’ve put together a brief quiz (below) to help you determine whether a niche writer or a generalist writer will be best for you and your book.

1.     What is the topic of your book?

a.     It is a very focused topic in an academic field.

b.     It is a business book.

c.     It is a memoir/biography.

2.      What kind of materials will you be incorporating into your book?

a.     heavy research and statistics and perhaps material from scholarly articles

b.     some research and statistics but also practical advice and information

c.     personal documents, memories, and experiences

3.     Who is your intended audience?

a.     other professionals in my field

b.     working professionals looking to better an aspect of their lives, careers, or businesses

c.     anyone who wants to hear the story, though I do have a certain group of readers in mind

4.     Will the average reader (with a college education) understand the bulk of your book?

a.     It seems unlikely; much of the book is targeted toward a select group in my field.

b.     Yes, though I intend for my book to be educational.

c.     Yes, I think many people will enjoy learning from and about my life (or the life of the person I am writing about).

5.     What is the level of complexity of your book in terms of jargon and concepts?

a.     High: knowledge of specific language, terms, and theories is necessary to understand my work.

b.     Medium: my book builds upon previous works and theories, but I will take great care to explain unfamiliar terms or concepts.

c.     Low: I want my text to be easily readable, and the beauty of the prose is important to me.

Mostly As: It sounds like you are working on a complex, scholarly book, and I’d suggest working with a niche writer. You’ll want a writer who is familiar with your topic or field so that you two can do your subject justice. Be sure to provide as much information in as straightforward a manner as you can, especially when you’re getting started on the project. This will help your ghostwriter learn and allow you two to put your information into a strong text.

Mostly Bs: You could work with either a niche writer or a generalist writer. Your book seems flexible in terms of complexity, and even a writer outside of your field would be able to put together a well-written book that would appeal to readers. Of course, a niche writer may be able to improve further with his or her background knowledge on the topic. The more challenging or specific your topic, the more strongly you should consider finding a niche writer.

Mostly Cs: A generalist writer would be a great fit. Ghostwriters, by profession, have to have strong writing skills and the ability to turn out strong prose and compelling narratives. If you want to find a niche writer, you may do so—there are some writers who specialize in memoirs, biographies, and the like. As long as you find someone whose writing you like and whose working style meshes with yours, you should be good to go.


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Before You Hire a Ghostwriter, Ask Yourself...Am I an Ideal Client?

We’ve spent a lot of time talking about how you can find the perfect ghostwriter, but the interview process goes both ways. When you’re interviewing your potential ghostwriters, they are also interviewing you. And many ghostwriters are in high demand and have the ability to pick and choose their projects. So what do ghostwriters look for in an ideal client?

A clear vision. Your vision for your book doesn’t have to be set in stone (in fact, it could be problematic if it is), but you should have a good idea of what you want to see in the final product. Depending on your genre, map out your thoughts in terms of tone, style, and even layout (e.g., bulleted lists, tables, sections, etc.). When you go in for the interview with your ghostwriter, you might even want to put together a sample chapter (it doesn’t have to be perfect) that you can show your writer to give him or her an idea of how the book will flow.

Organization. Are most or all of your materials in one place and in some kind of order? If so, you’re golden. Many ghostwriters plan to do extra research when working on a project, but it certainly helps to have as much (organized) information available as possible.

A realistic schedule. In past blogs, we’ve talked about how long it takes to ghostwrite a book and do it right. Some websites advertise with slogans such as “We’ll write your book in 30 days!” but very few good ghostwriters can provide that kind of turnaround time. Give your writer as much time as possible—ideally four or more months—so he or she can create the best possible product.

Availability. You may be a busy executive, a celebrity, or even a world traveler. But during the book-writing process, your ghostwriter will want to have access to you. If your calendar is completely hectic for the next six months, maybe now is not the right time to do your book. Ghostwriters can work very autonomously, but you will want to be available and involved to make sure you are happy with your book.

Good feedback. Good feedback is not always positive feedback, but it should always be constructive. Ghostwriters look for clients who communicate quickly, concisely, and respectfully. Providing good feedback on everything from minor questions to the final manuscript will make the working relationship between you and your writer that much more enjoyable and effective.

Compatibility. Just as you want a writer who suits you, so, too, will a ghostwriter look for a client with whom he or she is compatible. You two should match up in terms of working style, communication, and personality. If you have certain weaknesses that may hamper the progress of the book, look for a writer who balances you out. You and your ghostwriter are a team, and you should create the best team that you can.

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Day-to-Day Communication Tips for Working with a Ghostwriter

Keeping the lines of communication open with your ghostwriter is essential to creating the book of your dreams. Many authors work with writers who live in different cities or states, but even if your writer works just down the street, you’ll want to follow some best practices for keeping in touch. Below are a handful of ways you and your writer can keep each other up to date on the progress of your book.

E-mail: This is the fastest and easiest way for you and your writer to stay in touch. Unless you have an insanely busy schedule or an overflowing inbox, try to e-mail back and forth two or three times a week. E-mail is where you will ask simple questions and set up meetings and interviews. E-mail is also handy because you can keep a record of the entire process. This is especially important for things such as compensation discussions, important information regarding sources and materials, and any changes you want to make to the manuscript.

Status Reports: At the end of each week, your ghostwriter should send you a status report. This report can include accomplishments of the week (pages written, materials completed, etc.), goals for the coming week, and any unresolved issues that will need further attention. The report will allow you to monitor your writer’s progress and give you a chance to give feedback and guidance.

Phone Calls and In-Person Meetings: Your phone calls and in-person meetings should be used for interviews, macro-level information/material exchanges (think audiotapes), and other big-picture discussions. These contexts allow you to have an extended conversation, bounce ideas off each other, and plan the finished document. Don’t call your writer to provide him or her with minute changes to wording or grammar—a lot can get lost in translation. Direct text changes (and anything else specific that you want the writer to reference) should be sent via e-mail and backed up so you have a written record.

Texts, Instant Messages, and Skype/FaceTime Calls: Some authors and ghostwriters are moving into working in the ever-expanding fields of new media to work on projects. The three options listed above are slightly more informal methods to communicate with your writer, but if you two both like to Skype, then go for it! Just remember to use the other channels above for the conversations you need to track.

I’ve also posted other blogs on this site that discuss working with a ghostwriter long distance, as well as finding ways to work interviews and manuscript reviews into your busy schedule. Be sure to scroll through for more information!

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Five Questions to Ask a Potential Ghostwriter

During your initial interview with a potential ghostwriter, both of you will have a lot of questions. While many of those questions will pertain to your specific project, the five questions below should be asked no matter what your book is about.

Question 1: What is your availability?
Some ghostwriters work on more than one project at once, and before you even start discussing your project, you’ll want to know whether the ghostwriter can work on your timetable. Before meeting with a potential writer, draw up a rough schedule and assign dates to important pieces of the ghostwriting process such as interviewing, reviewing materials, drafting, and revising. Most writers need at least three or four months from signing on to a project to having a strong manuscript ready. In some cases, the writing process can take up to a year. Decide when you want to have the manuscript ready, and make sure that time frame works for your material, your personal schedule, and your potential ghostwriter.

Question 2: What kind of experience do you have in my field?
The more experience and education a writer has in your field, the easier it will be for the two of you to craft a book. You won’t need to constantly explain the theories, jargon, or nuances of your topic, and the writer will be able to craft your material into a well-written book that will appeal to your intended audience. If you want to create an innovative new business book, try to find a ghostwriter who has written in the business genre. I should also note that a lack of expertise can be bolstered by interest and enthusiasm. If a writer is willing to go the extra mile to learn everything about your field, direct experience may not be 100 percent necessary.

Question 3: What is your writing approach?
This is a broad question, but you will want a specific answer. It is important to learn whether your writer is very independent or whether he or she will want a great deal of input from you. Does the writer like to check in daily, weekly, or monthly? Does the writer create the entire manuscript in one go or work chapter by chapter? Does the writer like to create many drafts and many revisions? You should pair yourself with a writer whose working style meshes with yours.

Question 4: Why do you think you are a good match for this project?
While the vast majority of ghostwriters are not mercenary wordsmiths, there are a few out there who are. Just because someone can create a pretty turn of phrase does not mean you should hire him or her for your book. Ask a potential ghostwriter why he or she is interested in working with you. You should expect an answer that combines interest in your topic, a love of writing, and enthusiasm for bringing the end product to the audience. If your writer is invested in the process, he or she will be more likely to believe in your book and in you, and the book will be better for it. Even though you will compensate a writer for his or her services, your project can still be a labor of love.

Question 5: How much will it cost?
Yes, this is probably one of the most important questions you can ask. Most ghostwriters work on a project-by-project basis and do not have flat fees for their services. Each book is different, and a good ghostwriter knows that many variables can add or detract time and effort from the project. Go into the interview with a budget in mind, and see what you can do with that money. A more expensive ghostwriter is not always a better ghostwriter, but you will want to be sure to budget for quality work.

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The Value of Constructive Criticism

I’ve often heard clients say that they are afraid of or nervous about giving a ghostwriter criticism and changes. This can happen for a number of reasons: the author doesn’t want to hurt the ghostwriter’s feelings, isn’t comfortable requesting that changes be made, or doesn’t know how to explain the changes he or she would like to see. But withholding your option can have serious consequences. Your writer could continue further and further down a particular writing path that isn’t right for your project. You writer could miss important facts or information. Most importantly, you could end up not being happy with your own book.

Enter constructive criticism. Think of yourself as the editor while your ghostwriter drafts your book. All editors tell their authors that certain parts of a book need to be altered or improved. Your feedback is essential to the success of your project, and—trust me—your ghostwriter can handle making changes. Ghostwriters are professionals; they won’t scream or cry or tear out their hair if you tell them they’ve done something wrong. In fact, they expect to make revisions during the drafting process. They will take your suggestions and alter the writing until it meets your specifications. That, my friend, is a very real part of their job.

Of course, you must treat your ghostwriter with professionalism and respect. If you want to make a change, let your ghostwriter know by bringing the passage or chapter to his or her attention and explaining why it doesn’t work for you. Give specific examples of what you don’t like and equally specific suggestions for changes or new approaches. Simply saying “I don’t like this” won’t help anybody. You are the expert in your field or on your topic, and a ghostwriter is an expert writer, but only by working together can you create a book that contains the presentation and the information you want.

A final note about feedback: don’t focus solely on the negative bits. By all means mark any and all changes you would like to make, but also take note of the things your writer did well or places where he or she improved upon your original ideas. Try to figure out what you like about a particularly good section of the book, and see how you can apply it to a more problematic passage. This method will benefit everyone involved: you’ll feel like less of a downer, your writer will have a better idea of what you like, and your book will reflect all the hard work you two put into it.

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