Choosing a Ghostwriter
One of the most significant factors in determining the success (or otherwise) of a project is the choice of the ghostwriter.
Why me?
So why choose me as your ghostwriter?
I'm fast, I'm efficient. I can write the book that you want to be written and have it ready to be published in weeks, not months or years. Added to which, I've got a lot of experience, I know the business and process of publishing, and I can ensure you meet your strategic targets.
But so can any other top-flight ghostwriter, so why work with me?
Because I will give you what you need, when you need it, and how you need it. I will write your book in your own voice, with your style of delivery so you can genuinely call the book yours. I will write in a way that is conversational and focused on the reader making a book that will be highly engaging for the reader.
Not only that, but I will make sure the project happens and do everything possible to ensure it is a success. You can read more about how I make things happen in the Making Your Book Happen section.
For corporate work you will find that I am quicker and cheaper than using an in-house writer. Added to which, you don't have to worry that the only person who will volunteer for the task will be a budding novelist looking to prove their creativity.
Choosing the right ghostwriter
I may not necessarily be the right ghostwriter for every project. Equally, you may want to talk to more than one ghostwriter to compare and contrast different working styles and personal chemistry before you make an appointment.
There are other good ghostwriters. However, there are also a lot of dubious people out there. If you are looking to compare me with other ghostwriters, then here are a few points you should consider: any reputable ghostwriter will be able to answer these questions quickly and in a straightforward manner.
- Do you know who you will be dealing with? I don't mean do you know the website, I mean do you know who the person is: do you know their name, have you seen their photo? Do you know how to contact that person directly? Can you email them, speak to them on the phone, or will you be able to meet them?
- Are you certain that you are dealing with a bona-fide published author? Can they point to books that they have written that are for sale on Amazon or in major book stores? Any published author will have a reputation that they want to protect and that will be your very best guarantee of a quality product. By the way, if the ghostwriter's books aren't for sale on Amazon (even if you can buy them on their website), then they probably aren't much of a writer.
- Do you understand fully the process by which your book will get written? Do you understand what happens if you don't like what is written? Do you understand what input you get to the writing style? Do you understand what editorial control you have?
- Can you be confident that the ghostwriter will deliver what you want (even if you're not sure what you want)? Are you sure that the author's writing style (as well as their working style) is right for you? Will the author give you samples of writing for this project before they ask you to part with any cash?
- What sort of fee agreements are being proposed? Will any fee vary, and if so, under what circumstances? Are there any additional add-ons? For instance, if you want a revision, does that cost you extra? If you spot a typo, will you be charged? Equally, if your ghostwriter is providing other services (for instance, providing a print-ready copy of the book or helping you find a printer) will there be an additional charge for these services?
- What guarantees or undertakings are you given about deadlines? How do you know that the author will take these seriously? Once the deadlines are set, who is responsible for managing the project: who will make sure all of the elements are brought together so the book happens when you expect it to?
- What is the ghostwriter doing for you? Obviously they will write your book, but what else will they do? For instance, if you are self-publishing, will the ghostwriter arrange for a print-ready version of the book to be prepared? Will they help with any illustrations? Will they create the cover for you, and if so, will it be any good?
By the way, I hope it goes without saying that I am happy to answer all of these questions and more.