Finding a Quality Ghostwriter
If finding a quality ghostwriter is your primary goal, you need to consider a few things.
As an experienced ghostwriter I can tell you that the best writer for one client might not be the best for another. Most ghostwriters are extremely flexible and able to write about many subjects, but not everyone is a good match. That is why I personally network with many writers so that I can play matchmaker from time to time.
When a client writes or calls me, I interview them, while they interview me. One key factor for me is communication. Can I converse with them easily?
If we don’t bond within that first conversation, on some level, it probably will not work. If I am not right for them, I can often find someone who is. It’s a very satisfying experience for me to pair a writer with a client.
Do you want an affordable ghostwriter?
Searching the internet, you can easily find ads for affordable ghostwriters. They’re all over, a dime a dozen. However, is that really what you want?
Of course you should look for a good deal, but you need to avoid the bargain-basement writer. Please don’t hire a cheap writer, someone whose rate is well below the norm. You’ll get a product that is inferior. It would be better to skip the project completely.
A new client asked me today, “What problems could I run into with an affordable ghostwriter?” It’s a good question.
Plagiarism is a real concern. If you search the internet for articles on a subject, you’ll quickly see copies of the popular ones (with maybe a few words changed). I’m sure those writers didn’t charge much for “their” work.
An Interview on Ghostwriting
If you’re interested in learning more about being a ghostwriter, check out this interview with Indie Author Land. David Njoku asked me some very good questions about my craft, questions a lot of people ask.
Do you have more questions about ghostwriting? If so, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation!
Interview on Studio 10: Chess Improves Problem Solving Skills
Chess and Confidence: An Interview on TV Show Daytime
Hiring a Ghostwriter
Hiring a ghostwriter is a major undertaking. You are about to enter into a long-term relationship with someone who will step inside your shoes, learning to write with your voice. Make sure this person is a good match for you.
Interview the writer a few times. Prepare questions ahead of time. Examples of topics to cover are:
- The number of books they have ghostwritten
- Testimonials from past clients
- Their writing forte
- Their current schedule
In addition you should Google their name and see what comes up. If they are a successful writer, their books, interviews and articles should pop up. If crickets chirp, you know they aren’t very well established (or they have chosen to keep off the net).
It is a good idea to test your top candidates. Never ask a writer to write for free. No professional ghostwriter should agree to that (if they do, they’re far too desperate, which should be a red flag). However, you can ask them to write a few pages for you for a fee. You’re not only checking out their ability to write, but you should also observe their process. How do they respond to your feedback? How quickly do they answer your emails? These are vital points to consider when hiring a ghostwriter.
Most ghostwriters will give you a free consultation. This is a good time to talk to them about your project, giving them a chance to give you their thoughts on your book’s structure. How would they tackle the opening chapter? For instance if you’re writing your memoirs, you wouldn’t start with the day you were born. That approach rarely works. It is far too boring.
You should enjoy the process of hiring a ghostwriter. And enjoy the process of turning your vision into a bestselling book!
Additional articles you might find helpful:
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Ghostwriter?
Should you hire a local ghostwriter?
How to Become a Ghostwriter
If you are interested in becoming a ghostwriter, I can offer you a free 20 minute consultation which will get you started. Contact me today for a special introductory package!
I was recently asked to speak about how I became a successful ghostwriter. Enjoy this radio interview:
Writing Contest: MY CHESS STORY!
Enter our free writing contest and possibly win some amazing prizes.
I have noticed over the years that many people have incredible chess stories. Some talk about carving their own chess sets as children, while others simply relish the first moment they learned how to play. Some tell tall tales of winning a game against all odds. Others simply have a quiet win that meant the world to them.
What is your chess story?
Please share it with us! Click here and find out more.
Write and write and write
Do you want to be a writer? Great! This world needs more good, creative writers.
How do you start? You start by writing. I know, it sounds too easy, but it is true!
A writer improves by writing and writing and writing and then writing some more. Through experience you sort out how to communicate concepts and carve out a story that people want to read or a non-fiction piece that people can easily understand.
How many words do you need to write? As many as you can! If you talk to most professional writers they have written hundreds of thousands or millions of words.
Please don’t get overwhelmed and give up. Just start writing, logging in those words, pages and stories!
It helps me to have a deadline. Paying clients would be optimal, but if you’re just starting, why not enter a contest or start a blog. Give yourself a definite deadline and be firm with it.
Another piece of advice I have for you is read books you enjoy reading. There’s a reason you enjoy those books. Read them over and over and learn from them. How do your favorite authors communicate their ideas? You can pick up pointers.
It isn’t a bad idea to get advice from a supportive friend or group, people who are interesting in encouraging your writing goals. Please don’t seek out critics. They are the ones that will pass along snide comments that make you feel like quitting, selling them as if they were nuggets of gold. Just thank them kindly for their advice and keep writing.
If you don’t have the time to write, but wish to see your book in people’s hands, hire a ghostwriter. It will still be your book and your ideas.
However, if you can, write and write and write and soon you’ll have your book in print for all to read!
Do you need a writing coach?
Sometimes people write me, asking for help with their writing project. Sometimes they don’t have the money to hire a ghostwriter, but their idea is very good. My advice for you, if you fall into this category, is to write the book yourself and hire a writing coach to help you through the process. Yes, it takes time, but it is a lot cheaper!
I really want to help many people write their stories. I believe this world needs more writers!
Despite what the critics will tell you, many people could learn to write. It takes time and perseverance, but you can do it!
Finding my writing voice was a pivotal moment in my writing career. I remember the day I spotted that I had a voice and that it was unique. It was a huge accomplishment for me.
You can find your voice too, but you will need to write many pages before you discover your style. I would estimate that the average writer pens hundreds of thousands of words before discovering his or her voice.
It also is wise to read books that you enjoy, noticing how the author tells their story. If you find yourself getting caught up in the book, read it twice, so that you can study the style and techniques. Enjoy the process!
If you need a writing coach please feel free to email me anytime!
Connect with me!
