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.

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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.

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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.

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Working with a Ghostwriter on Your Memoir: Part One

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.

Stay tuned for tips on how to make the memoir process easier for both you and your ghostwriter.

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How Much Research Does a Ghostwriter Do for You?

The amount of research a ghostwriter will do depends on two big factors: (1) your contract and (2) your subject matter. When you begin to work on your project, you and your ghostwriter will discuss how much research needs to go into the book. For example, a memoir would require a minimal amount of research, whereas a history or medical book would require a great deal. Business-related books often fall somewhere in the middle. If you hire an experienced ghostwriter, he or she will be able to give you an estimate of how much research needs to be done and how long that will take.

A book that requires heavy research can often take longer, since the writer will need to do a lot of preparation before beginning to write the book. While the ghostwriter does the research, you can still be an active participant. During the research and interview phase, your ghostwriter should give you regular status reports on the material he or she is finding. This way, you can help guide the research without having to spend hours on the Internet or in the library. You can also do research of your own or work on drafting other parts of the manuscript.

If you have hired a ghostwriter because you have a busy schedule, you should communicate to the ghostwriter that he or she will be doing the majority of the research. It is unlikely that a ghostwriter will ever do all of the research—you, the author, should be involved as well. This can be as simple as pointing the writer in the right direction and coming up with a few resources of your own. When it comes to ghostwriting, communication is key, so the more you talk with your writer, the more likely you are going to be satisfied with the end product.

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The Name Game

I have heard people ask many questions when it comes to ghostwriting. Two I hear the most are “What is the difference between a coauthor, cowriter, and ghostwriter?” and “Why on earth would you give your ghostwriter credit?” Read on for my answers.

Coauthor: A coauthor is just that, a collaborating author. Two or more authors work together on the concept and creation of the book. Both will get credit on the cover, and both have equal standing when it comes to rights and authorship of the book.

Cowriter: This term is a bit more fluid. A cowriter can have the status of a coauthor or can simply be a colleague working on the project. Generally speaking, a cowriter is of a slightly lower status than the primary author. Nonetheless, a cowriter is typically credited on the cover and inside the book. For example, the cover will read “John Doe with Jane Doe,” Jane Doe being the cowriter.

Ghostwriter: A ghostwriter is a professional writer who writes and shapes a book on the basis of stipulations of a client. The two biggest differences between a ghostwriter and a coauthor/cowriter are that (1) the ghostwriter works anonymously and (2) the ghostwriter always works for a fee. Traditionally, ghostwriters are not noted on the cover but are sometimes obscurely mentioned in the acknowledgments page (e.g., “This book would not have been possible without the efforts of Jane Doe”).

Here is a great example of attribution at work:

 

Why Give the Ghostwriter Credit? For years, ghostwriters did not, or could not, lay claim to their writing.   This custom is changing, however, as more and more authors are openly acknowledging their ghostwriters.   In many cases, readers realize that the author did not write the book by himself or herself, whether that is because he or she is a busy politician or a reality TV star who hasn’t really mastered the written word.   It is common knowledge that ghostwriters are out there doing the work, and some authors are now giving credit where credit is due.   Of course, mentioning the ghostwriter is not a requirement, but admitting to seeking out a professional writer is also no longer taboo.   Many people will treat the ghostwriter much in the same way as a cowriter, as in “by John Doe with Jane Doe.”

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How to Find a Qualified Ghostwriter

If you’re like most aspiring authors, the search for a good ghostwriter can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of websites and companies promising you success, but you aren’t sure where to start. Plus, authors don’t usually put the name of their ghostwriter on the cover of their book. Here are a few quick and easy tips to help you find the ghostwriter who is right for you.

DIY: Shop around Online

When you type “ghostwriter” into your Google search bar, you get several million hits. Not so helpful. Start by adding key terms in your search, such as “memoir” or “business.” The more specific you can be, the more likely you will be to find a ghostwriter who suits your needs.

Ask Your Colleagues

If you know of colleagues or friends who have used a ghostwriter, ask them whom they worked with and whether they would recommend that person. They can also point you toward a few ghostwriting companies or groups that may have a good match for you.

Go to the Pros: Consult with Ghostwriting Services Groups

There are several publishing consulting companies that can help connect you with the right ghostwriter. They have networks of hundreds of different writers and can match you with a writer, help you set up a contract, and even work with you to get the book published. This method can be faster and easier than conducting your own search, though it may cost a bit more.

Can They Pass the Test?

Once you have narrowed down your options, you will want to interview a handful of ghostwriters to see who is best for you. Meet with them in person if possible, or talk on the phone. Ask for writing samples, a list of their previous work, and a copy of their résumé. Remember that you want to find a ghostwriter who has experience in your field, whom you feel comfortable working with, and whose writing you are drawn to. Be picky! After all, this is your book, and you want it to be in the right hands.

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