NEW YEAR, NEW WRITING GOALS
You keep thinking of the book you want to write but aren’t quite sure where to begin. Even if you are a talented writer and have a viable idea, you might be short on time and long on responsibilities. If this scenario rings true, take heart; hiring a professional ghostwriter can make your publishing dream a reality.
THE GHOSTWRITING PROCESS
Writing a book requires focus and energy. Just how much of the aforementioned commitment will depend on the length, complexity and genre of the book you have in mind—in addition to the interviews and research necessary for completing its manuscript.
While it’s true the ghostwriter is hired to take the burden off the client in terms of creating a polished manuscript, the client should expect to be involved in the collaborative process. The client can plan to provide the goal and vision for his or her project, or both client and ghostwriter can develop these details together. Either way, a thorough understanding of the goals for your book, along with defining the messaging, information or storyline you want to convey, is critical to its ultimate success.
Armed with the specifics above, the ghostwriter can begin to explore titles (or at least a working title) and commence creating an outline for your book as well as detailed notes for chapter development. Once you review, offer feedback and approve these essential elements, the interviewing and real writing is set to begin. Based on my years of experience as a writer, preparation is always half the battle.
CHOOSING A WRITER
There are many types of writers in the world today. Last year I attempted to research current rates for a new prospective client and particular kind of copywriting job. I was surprised when I found a comprehensive online report, published by American Writers & Artists Institute (AWAI), detailing the 75 types of copywriting services that exist (in 2020). Seventy-five! I still find it astounding that there is such an array of writing jobs available to a professional wordsmith today.
The report listed copywriter services that included everything in the digital realm—like SEO, home page content, blogging and social media management, to more traditional writing assignments—like press releases, direct mail, trade show materials and annual reports. You can download the same free writer rate guide at: https://www.awai.com/copywriter-rates/
The point is, there are many talented writers, but it’s wise to find one best-suited for your specific project. If you want to publish an e-book, how-to manual, memoir or the story of your success, hire a non-fiction ghostwriter. If you want to publish a romance or suspense novel, hire a fiction ghostwriter. Aside from these simple guidelines, it’s important to have an easy rapport with the writer you choose. You are both invested in the success of your book and will be communicating regularly throughout the writing process. Ideally, you two should feel a comfortable connection.
READING WITH PURPOSE
Before beginning the process of writing your own book, it’s a good idea to make yourself familiar with best-selling books of the same genre. Aside from the entertainment value of reading a humorous memoir, or getting lost in the plot of a well-written novel, focus on studying the table of contents, chapter titles, use of quotes, length, tone, style and other formatting details. This can help you and your ghostwriter come up with ideas to finesse the structure of your own book.
If you want to write a non-fiction book, I recommend reading the following New York Times Bestselling Authors:
Memoirists Augusten Burroughs (“Dry”) and Glennon Doyle (“Love Warriors”)
Well-researched non-fiction, Malcolm Gladwell (“Outliers”)
Self-help manuals, anything from Brian Tracy
Triumph-over-tragedy, Laura Hillenbrand (“Unbroken”)
As a non-fiction writer, I’m most often drawn to the genre, but I do love historical novels and some contemporary novelists. If a book of this type is your ultimate goal, I highly recommend reading best-selling authors Kathleen Kent, Stephenie Meyer and Suzanne Collins.
GHOSTWRITING FEES
If you have your mind set on writing a book, this is likely the part of my ghostwriting guide that will be of keen interest. Let me start by saying that you can expect to get what you pay for.
Ghostwriters, and writers in general, can opt to charge by the project, by the hour, by the word or total word count. No matter how you slice it, time is money, and ghostwriters expect to be compensated for hours spent conducting interviews and research, staying in communication with you (the client), and writing as well as making edits to your final manuscript.
E-books aside, here’s what you can expect to pay a ghostwriter to write your book:
$10,000 – $15,000 for a smaller book or ghostwriter with limited experience
$15,000 – $85,000 for an experienced ghostwriting professional
$85,000+ for well-known celebrity ghostwriters
Most ghostwriters want a portion of their fee paid up front before starting a book, with the remainder divided into two or three additional payments on a schedule that is tied to deliverables. This way the writer is paid for their time, and the client is assured the project is moving forward and to their satisfaction.
Keep in mind that the turnaround time for your book can play a role in determining the ghostwriter’s rate, as does the amount of time he or she will spend on interviews and research. These elements and more should be outlined in the ghostwriting agreement before the process begins, so that all responsibilities and deliverables are accounted for and both parties are on the same page regarding the scope of work. The client is responsible for providing the writer with a list of interviewees and their contact information, as well as background information and additional resources that will be helpful in writing the book.
THE BENEFITS OF WRITING A BOOK
Writing a book is a rewarding experience. In addition to the satisfaction of fulfilling your vision and dream, a book of one’s own can enhance your status and reputation, and possibly be used for self-promotion or marketing purposes—especially if it is a how-to, corporate history, or book that conveys your specific expertise. It can also set the stage for future writing projects, boost your online presence and possibly be a tax advantage (though please consult your CPA to verify if your ghostwriting project qualifies as a tax write-off).
BUDGET-FRIENDLY GHOSTWRITING SERVICES
Hiring a ghostwriter is an investment not everyone can afford. What to do if you are burning with desire to see your ideas in print but lack resources to pay even the lowest of ghostwriter fees? You may consider my BRONZE Ghostwriting Fundamentals Package.
This package was created as a budget-friendly way to begin the process of writing your book. You and I will work closely so I can gather information about your book idea and begin to flesh out the tone, content, structure and estimated page count of the book. Whether you decide to pursue writing the book now or at a later date—with me or using another writer—this package includes the necessary elements you need to launch the process. At $2,000, this limited-time offer is a deal that can’t be beat!
To learn more about me and my ghostwriting services, visit my website and click on the Ghostwriting tab:
https://donnascogginswriter.com/
Be sure to send me a note via my Contact page so we can connect and determine if I am the best ghostwriter to help you create the book you’ve always dreamed of writing!
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