...Too busy to write a book?
You
are not alone! It seems the world is going at warp speed these days
and finding time to write is at the bottom of the pile of priorities.
But your book doesn't need to wait until you are in your rocking chair
with time on your hands.
...Need
help telling your story?
Hiring
a ghostwriter is more common than you think! You should consider asking
a ghostwriter to help if you fall into one of these categories:
1.
You have a great idea but no time to write.
2.
You are sure you have a good story to tell, but are not so sure about
your writing skills.
3.
You have information that can best be disseminated in a book but writing
a book is beyond your scope.
4.
You have written a draft of your book and know it needs more than just
an editor's red pen to make it shine.
5.
You have spoken to a publisher who said he or she was interested in
the concept of your book, but suggested you find a ghostwriter.
6.You
want to quickly produce your book.
Barbara
Munson has authored, ghostwritten or collaborated on numerous titles.
She is happy to consider yours, especially if it is a nonfiction topic
such as history, biography, autobiography, spirituality, personal finance,
business and sales, how-to, self-help, inspirational, travel, and personal
narratives. Please send her an email munsonbarb@aol.com
or call her at (303) 526-9095.
Helpful
articles
What
is the difference between a collaborator and a ghostwriter?
What You Should Know About Ghostwriters
Book
proposals and query letters
Unless
you are independently publishing your own book, book proposals are part
of the process of finding a publisher. Barbara also can provide you
a polished proposal that is designed to get a publisher's quick attention.
Many publishers require full book proposals (up to 40 pages) before
they look at your manuscript.
Query
letters to literary agents or publishers: sometimes a succinctly written,
one-page letter about your book is harder to write than a full proposal.
Ask a professional wordsmith to help.
What
You Should Know About Ghostwriters
Becoming
an author is one of the most satisfying experiences you can have. Your
book is your legacy to the world, a permanent expression of you, your
ideas and your story. Yet many books aren't getting written because
of the misconception that becoming an author is an insurmountable task.
Would-be authors say, “Write a book? Who me? I don't have the time
or the talent!” But becoming a published author doesn't have to
be that difficult, with the right help. Consider calling a ghostwriter.
DEFINITION
OF A GHOSTWRITER
A ghostwriter is an experienced writer who has the ability to assemble
your thoughts, ideas and stories into a book or article for which you
receive full credit as author.
WHEN
TO CALL A GHOSTWRITER You should consider a ghostwriter if you have
a good idea for a book, but
a.
you do not like to write
b.
you are too busy
c.
you want a book completed within a specific timeframe
d.
you have a draft of your book written but it needs substantial rewriting
e.
you have a lot of material for your book but need help compiling it
all into book form.
WHAT
TYPES OF BOOKS DO GHOSTWRITERS WORK ON?
With few exceptions, any category of book is fair game for a ghostwriter.
Some ghostwriters specialize in a particular genre of book, such as
mystery, spirituality, technical or memoir. Some focus on specific topics,
e.g., personal finance or divorce. If you have an idea for a book, chances
are there's a ghostwriter out there for you. Incidentally, many “best-selling”
books have been ghostwritten. (A note: Most ghostwriters do not publicly
discuss the books they have ghostwritten, unless the author says it's
OK to do so.)
WHAT'S
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GHOSTWRITER AND A COLLABORATOR?
Although there is no hard-and-fast rule on this, generally a collaborator
assists an author with writing, research or related areas on the book,
and usually receives an attribution or byline. An example of a collaborator's
byline is: The Cookie Book, by Suzy Smith with Barbara Munson.
A ghostwriter, however, is responsible for writing the book. He or she
is always “out of the picture” and does not receive attribution.
HOW
A GHOSTWRITER TYPICALLY OPERATES
Since you'll want your book to reflect your own thoughts and goals for
the book and who you are and how you sound, ghostwriting involves a
lot of communication between the author and writer. Much of that can
be accomplished through emailing questions and answers, but telephone
discussions and interviews, in-person meetings and sending letters may
be part of the process too.
After
discussing your goals for the book, the ghostwriter asks for copies
of any and all materials you have that are relevant to the book. That
might include notes, research you've done, audiocassette tapes of talks
you've given, handouts from your talks, diaries and journals, published
articles about you, biographical write-ups, etc. Copies of any photos,
charts and graphs, and an outline to follow are helpful, too. The rule
is: provide your ghostwriter with everything! The most seemingly inconsequential
piece of information could spark a brainstorm and a new focus to the
book. The actual ghostwriting process includes a minimum of four drafts
of the manuscript. The first draft is simply a typed compiled version
of the material you provide the ghostwriter. A discussion between you
and your ghostwriter on the tone and direction of your book, arrangement
of chapters and major points to bring out in the text follows. The actual
writing starts in the second draft. The third or fourth version can
be used to get reviews or feedback from colleagues, professionals in
your topic area and reviewers. A final draft, including the suggestions
from reviewers, polishes the manuscript for acceptance by a publisher.
This
process can take from four months to a year or more, depending on the
length and complexity of the book, how much research is involved by
the ghostwriter, and how much time you can spend on interviews and reviews
of the work in progress. During this entire time, the ghostwriter will
be in touch with you on a regular basis, providing updates, asking for
feedback, and fine-tuning the project.
WHAT
MAKES A GOOD GHOSTWRITER?
The two most important considerations in hiring a ghostwriter are compatibility
and confidence. You and your ghostwriter will be sharing details about
your life, ideas and confidences. He or she also will need to know you
well enough to write like you talk. Both of you must be able to share
honest feelings about the work. So, having a good rapport and trusting
each other is essential. Most importantly, you need to feel confident
that, when all is said and done, your book will be great!
TIPS
ON HAVING A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE WITH A GHOSTWRITER
Hire someone who knows the book industry and understands the market
for your book. This knowledge will be very helpful in the writing process,
from deciding what material to include or leave out to using the right
tone to coming up with a good title for your book!
Discuss
the timeframe for completing the project and fees after you are confident
you can work well with the ghostwriter. If you are considering other
ghostwriters for the project, make sure you are comparing apples and
apples, not apples and oranges. Compare book experience, knowledge of
the topic, and abilities along with fees. Remember that faster or cheaper
is not always better in the case of your book. A ghostwriter worth his
or her salt will want your book to succeed as much as you do! Finally,
treat your ghostwriter as you would any professional. He or she is now
your business partnerŅand your ultimate product is your book.
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