My Process

Just what does it mean to use a ghostwriter?

It means that a person with a book idea (you, the author) hires an experienced writer (me, the ghostwriter) to tell your story. THERE IS NO AI. We collaborate on a manuscript using your words, your tone, your authentic voice. You get the credit and my contribution stays confidential. A non-disclosure agreement is signed as well so that you feel comfortable sharing any and all of your experiences with me—even the tough ones to talk about.

If I use a ghostwriter, who owns the rights to the book and who receives an advance or royalties?

I like to answer this question as soon as possible so there’s no confusion. You own all the rights to the manuscript; I have no claims on it. I also do not receive any advance or royalties (unless previously negotiated as part of our work agreement). Your book is all yours. My job is to put your ideas, knowledge, and experiences into written form.
Does a ghostwriter ever get credit on the book cover or in the acknowledgements?
What are the steps in the ghostwriting process?
It’s pretty standard overall despite each project having its own unique requirements. Some manuscripts take more or less time to research and write, but my general timeline is 12 months. Mutually agreeable deadlines will be set for manuscript milestones.

Months 1-6

I start with an initial call (phone/Zoom) to learn about you and your project. I want to know the topic or genre, your goals for the book, potential word count, potential budget, publishing plans (self, hybrid, or traditional), and possible deadline. I’m open to all genres and topics—fiction or non-fiction—having written both. If it’s non-fiction, we’ll also discuss writing a book proposal for an additional fee. You should have a list of questions for me as well. This first meeting will help determine if we’re the right fit for each other. If so, I create a customized project proposal for you to sign.

Once the project is a go, I start content gathering. We’ll have several recorded conversations on Zoom so I can get an initial feel for the storyline; I’ll review any provided materials (journals, notes, videos); do background research to support and expand your story; and explore if any additional interviews are needed.

The next step in our collaboration is the workplan development – a framework, if you will, for the project. This includes story structure, its narrative arc and possible themes, and an annotated chapters outline. We’ll review and revise until we’re both comfortable that we have a solid foundation for the book.

I schedule and conduct in-person interviews with you/other experts, family, friends, or colleagues, take those transcripts plus the other research materials, and organize into chapter content.

Months 7-12

Writing begins! I tell your story in your voice and send rough drafts of each chapter to you for review and suggest content edits.

Once I’ve made your first round of revisions from your chapter notes, I deliver a first full draft of the manuscript. It includes:

Title Page

Dedication

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

You may also want or need an author’s note, prologue, foreword, or an introduction—it depends on whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction.

You’ll then have one month to provide a second round of revisions (included in my initial price).
What does it cost to hire a ghostwriter?

No set standard of pay exists for professional ghostwriters. The cost varies greatly depending on the writer’s experience, skill, and availability, along with your book’s genre, expected word count, and research and interview requirements. Ghostwriting fees can be charged by the hour, by the page, by the word, or by the project.

I charge a $1 a word so a full-length non-fiction book of an estimated 80,000 words would be $80,000. I know that can be a big, scary number, but remember, I have the experience and skill to deliver a book you can be proud of to pitch to an agent or publisher.

It would be broken down into installments: $2,000 to secure your spot in my schedule, then $6,500 a month for 12 months. If that doesn’t fit your budget, I totally understand. The Association of Ghostwriters has a directory of writers at various rates that may better fit your needs.
Besides project parameters and payment, what else do you need from a client?

My best clients are clear communicators who respect my time; who respond quickly to questions and send chapter revisions on schedule; and who consider us true collaborators with one goal—to finish their book! Nothing is more frustrating than having to hound a client for information, insights, or feedback. I want your constructive criticism, especially about writing in your voice, but trust my decisions as the book writing expert.

Ready to work together to share your story with the world?

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