Business Tips for Writers

 by Laura Sherman

A Writer for Hire Can Help Your Business Grow

A writer for hire is a goldmine to entrepreneurs! Most business owners are overloaded with the various day-to-day activities of operating their company. They get to pick their own hours, but those hours usually push way beyond any 9 to 5 job. Personally, I can attest to that! No, the average CEO has no time to write a book. So, what’s the solution?

Hire a writer for hire. Hire a ghostwriter. It makes sense!

Would you like increased credibility?

If you’re a successful CEO, you probably know the effect of handing a potential client a book with your name blazoned on the cover, right?  It’s one of the best ways to show credibility. People respond to published authors a little differently; you instantly become an expert in your field . You also gain peer respect.

However to maintain that respect, the book must be well-written. If you’re writing your memoir, it must be riveting, following all the basic rules of writing. Publishing a poorly written book with tons of errors will backfire on you.

Do you have a story to share?

Most successful entrepreneurs have many stories to share. Writers for hire know how to pull these stories together in such a way to create a book that won’t be put down. Perhaps you have created your businesses from scratch. How impressive is that?

Of course, I’m sure you made plenty of mistakes on your journey, and through those learning moments, I’m sure you’ve stumbled upon various key successful actions.

Those lessons can be key components for a great book.

Are you willing to share yours?

How many people are struggling in today’s economy? Many readers want to create their own thriving business, but don’t know what is involved.

They need guidance, and you can provide that!

Do you have advice for existing clients?

How many times have you repeated the same set of instructions for your customers? Wouldn’t it be great if you could just hand your client a book and have them read the relevant portions for their situation? Imagine the look on their face as they accept your book.

And if you’re a coach, your knowledge and advice could reach more people if you wrote a book. There are only so many hours in a day and so many people you can help one on one. By writing a book you can get your message out there to more people.

How can you market your book?

Once you have your book in hand, make sure to plan a marketing strategy:

  • Offer to be a guest lecturer
  • Give seminars around the country
  • Build an attractive website with a blog
  • Maintain a healthy social media campaign

As an author, you will want to give lectures or offer seminars to your fans. This is a great opportunity to sell your book and get more name recognition. It also allows you to get personal feedback from your readers.

You definitely will want an online presence. Make sure to have a good-looking website, with a strong call to action. Add in articles to give potential readers a taste of what you can do for them. Also, start your social media campaign now, as it takes time to build up a following.

Books help to brand your name. As more people buy and read your book, they will recommend it to others. Word will spread and your name will be better known.

Make sure to make your book available on eReaders. Amazon sells more eBooks than hard copy books today, because they are easy to produce and sell.

As a ghostwriter, a writer for hire, I can tell you that books help entrepreneurs on into the future. The book you write today will be passed around decades from now!

Additional articles you might find helpful:

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Ghostwriter?

How To Write A Nonfiction Book

A Ghostwriter’s Fee: How Do They Charge?

Do You Want To Write A Book About Your Life?

in Business Tips for Writers / Marketing Tips for Writers 0 comments
 by Laura Sherman

Who Would Hire Ghostwriters?

Some people think that only celebrities and political icons hire ghostwriters. That just isn’t true. We are actually contracted by many different kinds of authors. My clients have held various professions, and each person has their own goal. Having written nearly three dozen books for a variety of authors, I can tell you that no two are alike. So, who hires a ghostwriter? Well, I’ve found they usually fit into one of five categories.

Business people hire ghostwriters

Entrepreneurs and industry leaders often hire ghostwriters to establish that they are the expert in their field. In addition, they often wish to author a book in order to strengthen their brand. It boosts their credibility to a new level. A book with their name on the cover will get them noticed, and it will help them expand their business.

Interestingly enough, selling their book is only one profit center for a business owner. I’ve found that most entrepreneurs write books in order to expand their clientele. For some, one new client means thousands in profit, so ten new clients can recoup the cost of their ghostwriter.

After talking to many busy executives and entrepreneurs, I’ve learned they usually don’t have the time to sit and write a book without a score of interruptions. Also, the average business owner is usually unfamiliar with the book writing process; it takes years of practice to hone that skill. Most don’t have the time to develop that expertise.

Someone with a niche market

If someone has a particular expertise, they might hire me to write a thorough how-to book, so that they can help others flourish in that field. Someone who started in poverty, who now owns a half dozen thriving businesses and is worth tens of millions of dollars should really tell her story, so that others might follow in her footsteps.

Or, if someone has a particular ability or skill set, he really should share that information with others. Maybe you’ve learned a new approach to gardening or have discovered new photography techniques. It would be a shame if that information were to be lost forever. I enjoy helping clients share details on how to start a variety of businesses.

Family historians hire ghostwriters

Most families have at least one person who is in charge of the collective memories of the family. They are the one you can go to when you’re trying to sort out the family tree. They are the person who remembers all the details of the stories that are told from generation to generation.

Family historians often come to me when they wish to preserve their family history on a permanent basis. Some choose to share these events with the world, while others simply want to let their grandchildren know how life was back in their day. I love to help families preserve their unique stories.

Fiction writers

I think this category surprises people the most. “You mean people hire you to write novels?” Why, yes, they do! Sci-fi, drama, fantasy, young adult, etc. See, a lot of people have a nugget of an idea and need help fleshing out the story. Some clients approach me with a rough outline and the biographies of a few characters worked out, but don’t know how to tie everything together. A few clients have a hundred pages written, but the story doesn’t seem to flow from one scene to the next. They are detailed notes rather than a manuscript. Whatever the issue, I can help sort it out.

Memoirs authors

The most common request I receive as a ghostwriter is to write a person’s life story. Clients wish to share their memories in a riveting, engaging way. I must say, I love writing a memoir, as it often has the qualities of multiple genres. A memoir is most like a novel, in that follows all the same rules (you must develop your characters, create entertaining and realistic dialogue, etc.). It also often features a businessperson’s successful actions, sharing their niche market advice. And many memoirs succeed in preserving the family memories.

Some memoirs are fictionalized for a variety of reasons. However, most stick with the factual events and just include some embellishments. Either way, it’s my job to make the story a thrilling read, capturing the readers’ attention from the get-go.

Many different kinds of people hire me to write books for them. I’ve worked with retired people, business icons, medical professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, and many others. They all want to either tell their story or share their expertise. It is my honor to assist them.

If you’re looking to hire a ghostwriter, please contact me. Check out the fee on my pricing page, so we can make sure that you and I are indeed on the same page.

in Business Tips for Writers / Tips from a Ghost Writer 0 comments
 by Laura Sherman

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Ghostwriter?

“I’d like to hire a ghostwriter! How much does it cost?”

I get this question a lot! Allow me to address the answer upfront. I mean, why hide the information and bury the pricing in a hard to find spot? No need to dance around the subject.

The cost to hire a ghostwriter really depends upon a few factors:

  • What is the subject matter?
  • What is your deadline?
  • How many words is the book?
  • How much do you value the quality of the writing?

The cost fluctuates greatly from writer to writer, but I can promise you: you get what you pay for!

A Trial Period

Propose a trial when deciding whether to hire a ghostwriter for the first time. Please plan to pay for the service. Don’t try to put together a book from a lot of samples written by various writers (yes, I’ve seen people try). If you pay for the piece, you’ll own the rights to it at the end and can use it anytime.

I charge a dollar per word to ghostwrite. In the trial phase, I allow my client to pick the word count then I charge accordingly. If someone is writing  their memoirs, I select a story from their past to write. Some clients ask me to write an essay or a blog article. Those few pages give a new client a good idea of what he or she can expect from our budding relationship.

A Little Warning

Have you received a lowball offer to write your book?

While that might sound attractive, but rarely works out for you in the end. I have met a number of prospective clients who made “excellent” deals hoping to save money, only to find they had to shell out a lot more cash to have everything re-written. It’s frustrating for them and the ghostwriter who has to take over the project. The client is usually not a happy camper.

Three Categories of Writer

Writers for hire fall into three main categories: cheap writers, mid-range professional writers, and high-end celebrity writers. The following is the best detailed answer I can give about the cost to hire a ghostwriter to write a full-length book:

  • Cheap writers can be found who will write a 100 to 200 page book for as little as $2,000. If this is your budget (and you’re a gambler by nature), your best bet is to find a student new to the industry. Please be careful that he or she is actually writing your book and not plagiarizing another writer’s work (yes, that does happen).
  • Professional writers will usually charge between $15,000 and $125,000 to write a 100 to 300 page book. This price varies depending on the writer’s level of expertise and the amount of work required for the project. I charge $50,000 for a 200 page (50,000 word) book.
  • High-end celebrity writers are usually hired by actors, politicians, musicians and other famous personalities who will sell books just by virtue of their name. The writers for these celebrities are well-established authors with a lot of experience. They can charge $150,000 to $750,000 for a book. Sometimes more.

What Is Right For You?

Most people recognize that they would like a mid-ranged professional writer. It’s a reasonable budget for most people looking to hire a ghostwriter. A lot of time, energy and hard work goes into writing a book, which accounts for the price tag. An excellent professional writer will often spend up to a year or two researching, writing, and editing a book for you.

If you’re paying a fraction of the usual price, you often get a fraction of the quality.

If you have questions and need help,  don’t hesitate to contact me! Check out my testimonial page to hear from my clients.

Additional articles you might find helpful:

Writing Tips: How to Avoid Distractions

Four Different Ghostwriting Methods

Eight Reasons Why You Should Write A Book

What You Need in a Ghostwriting Contract

What Is the Difference Between a Ghostwriter, an Editor, a Proofreader and a Publisher

“When my partner and I decided to write a book, we interviewed many ghost writers. Some were very inexpensive, while others were too pricey for our budget. Laura wasn’t the least expensive writer, but we chose her because she was so passionate about writing. Laura went above and beyond our expectations. I am very pleased with all her work and will continue to use her for my future writing needs.” Edwin Carrion

in Business Tips for Writers / Tips from a Ghost Writer 134 comments
 by Laura Sherman

Calling All Entrepreneurs! Publish a Book to Win Clients.

If you’re an entrepreneur, it makes good business sense to write a book.

You are so brilliantly unique and wonderfully essential to our society. We need more of you in our world, continually enriching us with your creativity and productivity.

I’m fully aware that you live and breathe your product or service. You give of yourself wholeheartedly and rarely live by the clock, because you love what you do.

After talking to many self-created business owners, I understand the challenge involved with building a client base. There are many techniques, but success always seems to boil down to entering the tricky world of sales.

Let’s be real, what entrepreneur can make a living while attempting to elude sales?

It’s safe to say that you must bite the bullet and embrace the inner salesman within you.

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I’m not taking about becoming a greedy, aggressive, pushy person who tries to force things on people they don’t honestly need. No, I’m talking about honing the intricate art of interesting people in the product or service that you provide. It’s just good business sense.

That’s where ghostwriters come in.

That’s where I come in.

How many potential clients could you interest if you authored a well-written book about your niche-market expertise?

“Well, Mrs. Prospect, funny you should ask. The fact is, I wrote the book on that subject!”

There are only a few things that impress people more than this. And it holds true for so many types of business. Whether you’re selling gluten-free cupcakes or specializing in commercial real estate, do you agree that you can draw in more clients if you’re a published author on the subject?

Chances are, if you are a successful entrepreneur, you could write this book yourself. You have the necessary talent and creative ability, but let’s be realistic…

Do you have the time to write your book yourself?

Writing a book takes hundreds of hours. That’s why most successful entrepreneurs find it cost effective to hire a ghostwriter.

The next question becomes: Am I able to afford to hire a professional writer?

Only you can answer that question!

Basically, as with any business decision, it comes down to finances.

The first step, the first calculation, involves figuring out how many new clients you’ll receive when you author a book. If you hand your book to a prospect, they’re more likely to become a client. Bottom line, you’re certain to gain credibility and earn respect, which should translate to new business.

I’m not here to talk you into this idea, but if you’ve read this far, you must like the concept.

The next step is to calculate what sort of income you can expect from those new clients. Don’t forget to factor in your expenses associated with this new business. Let’s keep it real and be conservative.

Now balance that with the cost of hiring a ghostwriter, $40,000 for a 200-page book. Plan for the project to take you a year or more to complete then add in another six months to a year to publish and market your work. Give yourself time. It’s not an overnight process.

If you’re ahead financially after five years, is that a promising investment for you?

If not, consider writing a shorter book. Most ghostwriters charge by the word, so that will cut down on costs.

So, what did you decide?

If you’ve determined to use good business sense and want to reach out and hire a ghostwriter, please email me. I’m interested in hearing from you, learning about your project. Please include your budget and time line, so that I can fully understand your needs.

Invest in yourself and others will be more likely to invest in you!

in Business Tips for Writers / Marketing Tips for Writers 2 comments
 by Laura Sherman

A Ghostwriter’s Fee: How Do They Charge?

 “How does a ghostwriter get paid?”

This is a hot topic! There seems to be a mystery about the subject, so I thought I’d tackle it for you, upfront, head on, so that you can be armed with knowledge before reaching out to talk to a ghostwriter.

If you’d like a more specific breakdown on fees for ghostwriting a book, please read my article on the subject.

This article will highlight how a ghostwriter’s fee can be calculated. There are a few ways and it depends on the project, but here are the most popular methods:

Hourly

This is how I started, because many professionals charge by the hour. However, for writing, it isn’t always terribly practical. Most clients want to know how much a project will cost. They don’t want to be caught off guard. Today, I do sometimes charge on an hourly basis, when it makes sense, such as for a consulting fee. My hourly fee is $145 per hour, but I’ve seen other professionals charge $65 to $250 per hour.

Per Page

I’ve never charged on a per page basis, but know that some writers do. It is hard to calculate because the word count per page really depends on the page layout and font used. On average, you can consider that there are 250 words per page, so it is possible to make this calculation.

Per Word

Having tried a number of methods, this is the one I like best. There is no room for doubt or question. Researching prices, I’ve seen professional writers charge $0.50 to $3 per word. Personally, I charge a dollar per word.

Per project

When I bid on a book, I will always bid on the project, but base it on the number of words the client anticipates the work to be. For a full length book, I would charge anywhere from $50,000 to $120,000.

There are other incentives you can offer your ghostwriter, in order to negotiate the best price. Here are a few you might consider:

  • A percentage of the back end: Never ask a professional ghostwriter to work solely for a percentage of the back end (royalties). It’s not something a reputable writer would do. However, a student, who wishes to gain experience, might jump at such an offer. I will sometimes work out a deal where I get a percentage of sales on top of my fee, but in those cases, I agree to help with marketing and promotional ideas. These are not within the purview of a typical ghostwriter, but I love working on this aspect of projects.
  • A cover credit: Most often my clients do not want to share the cover credit with me. They prefer that I remain a ghost in the process. Some will give me a quiet acknowledgment on the opening pages, but others ask me never to share that I had anything to do with the book. That is their right, one I respect fully. However, some will offer me the coveted “with” credit on the cover. It lets the world know the author hired me to ghostwrite for them.

In addition, it is always nice to present your ghostwriter with a written testimonial at the end of the project. I have gathered a collection now, which you can see on my testimonial page.

Please feel free to email me anytime with questions. I know this area can be confusing. I’m here to help!

Additional articles you might find helpful:

Hire a Ghostwriter to Record Your Family History for Future Generations

It’s Good Business to Write a Book

Four Different Ghostwriting Methods

What You Need in a Ghostwriting Contract

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter?

in Business Tips for Writers / Tips from a Ghost Writer 81 comments
 by Laura Sherman

Why You Should Become an Author

Most people want to write at least one book within their lifetime. It makes sense! For some, it’s a burning passion. They won’t be satisfied until the goal is completed. It is very unfulfilling to be stuck in the middle of a project, isn’t it? Contact me, if you need help.

Why do people want to write a book?

It’s been my experience that people don’t desire to write a book because they crave fame and fortune. Instead, they have something important to say and want to share that message with an audience. Maybe it is their memoir, or useful information in their particular field, or a just fantastical story. They seem to have a communication bottled up that they wish heard.

Hire a ghostwriter

While most everyone has something to say, many don’t have the time or skills necessary to put a book together.

That’s where I come in. I’m Laura the Friendly Ghostwriter and it’s my job to do what I can to help.

I speak from experience when I say that you will gain a sense of pride and self-confidence that’s unparalleled when you publish your first book. There’s nothing like seeing your name in print and getting reviews of praise from readers.

Writing the book yourself

If you decide to tackle your book project yourself, my advice is to write from the heart and focus on helping others through your message. Your book will stay with readers long after they’ve finished it, influencing their lives and the lives of those they talk to about your book.

Perhaps you’ve already started on your book, but haven’t been able to finish it due to time constraints or writer’s block. Whatever the reason, don’t give up! You’ll run the risk of leaving an important life goal hanging in limbo, not to mention all the lives that could have been influenced through your message.

Complete your book

If you’re reading my blog, you’re most likely one of the many people who yearn to see their words in print, to see their name on a book cover. If so, then I urge you to find a way to complete your book. Too many people let the dream of being an author go unfulfilled.

I’ve ghostwritten thirty books and have personally authored one, Chess Is Child’s Play – Teaching Techniques That Work. When I receive notes from readers about my book, it brightens my day tremendously. There’s nothing else like it! It’s wonderfully rewarding.

Whether you’re just getting started or already several chapters deep, if you find yourself stuck, let me know! I’d like to help in any way I can, be it offering writing tips and tricks, helping with self-publishing, editing or proofreading, or taking on your book project to free up your time. I have a large network of talented writers, editors, and proofreaders and can help find the perfect match for you.

Feel free to email me any time. I’m here to help!

Additional articles you might find helpful:

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Ghostwriter?

Should I Write and Publish My Memoir?

Questions for a Ghostwriter

It’s Good Business to Write a Book!

Four Different Ghostwriting Methods

in Business Tips for Writers / Tips for writing memoirs / Tips from a Ghost Writer / Writing Tips for Writers 6 comments
 by Laura Sherman

What You Need in a Ghostwriting Contract

Ghostwriting ContractVerbal agreements should never replace a written one. I learned long ago that it is vital to have a good, clear ghostwriting contract. That way you and your writer know what to expect, and there can’t be misunderstandings down the line.

If you’re a professional writer, I highly recommend you hire a lawyer. Ask him or her to create a good basic template, which you can adjust depending on the parameters of a particular project. It’s well worth the cost to make sure your contract says what you think it says!

While some projects are so small you might feel they don’t really require a contract. I would still advise you to put your agreements in writing in some fashion. An email can sometime suffice.

When I was starting in this industry, I will admit to you I floundered on the subject of ghostwriting contracts. It took me a while to sort it all out, so I hope I can save you a little time. As you put together your contract template, here are a few basic components to consider:

Dates

The first paragraph of my contract includes my company name and the name of the client, as well as the effective date of the contract. Later, I include the four major milestones, along with their deadlines.

The four milestones I use in my ghostwriting contract are:

• The completion of the outline.

• The first half of the first draft.

• The completion of the first draft.

• The final manuscript.

This milestone approach is something I developed after nearly two decades of experience as a ghostwriter. I tried many different methods, but this is a best when it comes to ghostwriting a book for a client.

Price

Because I use four milestones, I like to break up the payments into four parts. My policy is to be paid ahead of the writing, but really you can come to any sort of agreement that works for you.

Set the total price for the service then include the payments for each segment in your contract. For instance, if your total price is $60,000, the compensation for each segment would be $15,000 (if you use my four milestone approach).

To learn more about my pricing, please review this page.

Expected Length

Most ghostwriters charge on a per word basis, so the contract should specify how many words the author should expect to receive. Most clients think in terms of pages, but that just isn’t precise, because the number of words per page really depends on the font style and size chosen. I like to include the agreed-upon word count along with a rough page estimate for clarity.

It’s a good rule of thumb to consider that there are 250 words per page, so a 200 page manuscript should run about 50,000 words.

A Description of the Project

If possible, you might include the genre or a rough description of the book in the contract, along with the title. This description doesn’t need to be long. An example might be, “The life story of Mary Smith” or “A science fiction novel.”

Ghostwriter Services

It’s important to mention the specifics of the service you will provide. For instance, as a ghostwriter, I can’t promise that the book will be published. It is a good idea to state that concept within your contract. I also don’t create the cover design or work on layout, nor do I provide illustrations or photographs (again, I make that clear inside my contract).

My job as a ghostwriter is to create a well-written manuscript that is as error free as I can get it. I work with a few proofreaders and editors to produce an as near-perfect product as possible. I think it’s important to have a number of eyes review the final document before turning it over to the client.

Copyrights

Address copyright issues in your ghostwriting contract, making it clear that the client will own all the rights to the final work. They are the author and own all the right so the work. It’s always the client’s book and they can publish it in any form they desire. As a ghostwriter, I own no claim or rights at all.

Revisions

It’s to be expected that the client will have revisions for the ghostwriter as pieces are submitted. However, if the number of revision requests isn’t specified, the process can be endless. Back and forth, back and forth can ruin a book.

Personally, I allow the client one set of revisions per milestone, but will of course make minor revisions along the way. Since we always work off of a detailed outline, there usually isn’t a need for any drastic changes during the revision process.

Confidentiality

Often a client requires confidentiality because of the nature of the project. Perhaps the ideas are unique and cutting edge or the author simply doesn’t want anyone to know he or she had help writing their book. If this is the case for your project, definitely include a confidentiality clause within the contract.

Things That Could Go Wrong

Most likely everything will go smoothly throughout the process, but it’s always good to put in a clause covering what happens if one party wants to terminate the agreement prematurely.

In addition, consider limiting the damages and agreeing to arbitration to resolve all disputes.

A ghostwriting contract is something you’ll need for any large project. It shouldn’t be taken lightly as it could save you from unnecessary headaches in the future. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult a lawyer. It’s worth the investment!

And if you’re looking for a ghostwriter, please email me. I’m happy to send you a copy of my contract to review in detail.

Additional articles you might find helpful:

It’s Good Business to Write a Book

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Ghostwriter?

What Do I Need to Start with a Ghostwriter?

A Ghostwriter’s Fee: How Do They Charge?

Eight Reasons Why You Should Write a Book

in Business Tips for Writers / Tips from a Ghost Writer 31 comments
 by Laura Sherman

It’s Good Business to Write a Book

How to Write a Business Book and Why You Should!

how to write a business bookIf you’re a business owner, an entrepreneur, you should have a book with your name on it. Figuring out how to write a business book should be part of your branding strategy.

Of course, it needs to be a well-written book, which benefits the reader with helpful ideas. Your book should also flow well, be interesting and entertaining to read, and contain personal anecdotes, as well as a touch of humor whenever appropriate. Sometimes, you’ll want to give your reader assignments, things they can do to apply the information you’re giving them.

When considering how to write a business book, write to your reader. You’ll need to determine who that is and what attributes they have. Usually, your readers would be peers in your industry or those wanting to break into your industry.

One tip I can share is to make sure to use vocabulary your readers will understand. If you need to use terms that maybe unfamiliar to your readers, define each word as you use it, so the reader doesn’t have to look them up. Most won’t and they’ll get lost in the jargon and likely won’t continue reading.

You might be wondering how writing your own book will help you with your business.

Mike Schultz, president of the Wellesley Hills Group and well-known consultant in marketing, surveyed 200 authors of business books and discovered that 96% had a positive impact on their business from writing a book. That doesn’t surprise me. It just makes sense!

Do you know an author of a business book? If so, ask them if they found being a published author beneficial in their line of work. And would they recommend that you also write a book about your niche market.

Some people ask if they will make a profit on their business book. It’s a valid question.

 

The answer is maybe, but that really isn’t the point. A business book will help you to generate leads and then close them. Add to that, many published authors find they can charge clients higher prices. Being a published author gives a certain credibility and fame to you and your business you wouldn’t otherwise have.

Here are some other ideas on how you can leverage your book:

  • Expand your business to include consulting colleagues in your industry.
  • Book yourself to do public-speaking events or seminars.
  • Create online courses.

There are many ways you can make money indirectly through your book. How you channel this resource is only limited by your creativity.

Keep in mind that with a book bearing your name, it will give you instant credibility. Not only will your personal title change to include author, but you will also be recognized as an expert in your field.

Of course, the caveat to all this is that your book must be well-written. A poorly written book would backfire and could cause more harm than good.

Unfortunately, you can’t simply hire an editor to make sure the grammar and punctuation is acceptable. You must have a good book, with important well-thought out information presented within.

Please don’t just regurgitate another author’s work and call it your own. You must have a unique voice and something important to say. Most people need a professional to interview them to help determine what their focus should be.

That’s where I come in.

Many have an inkling of how to proceed with their book, but find the project overwhelming. Business professionals usually know that they need a book, but have no time (or desire) to write it themselves. I’m passionate about helping people create an engaging book with useful information that readers can’t put down.

Do you have a business book in mind? If so, please contact me and share your idea. I’m here to help!

Additional articles you might find helpful:

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Ghostwriter?

Is Ghostwriting Ethical?

A Ghostwriter’s Fee: How Do They Charge?

Working With A Ghostwriter – What Steps Should You Take?

Why Should I Hire a Ghostwriter?

 

in Business Tips for Writers / Tips from a Ghost Writer 8 comments
 by Laura Sherman

Is Ghostwriting Ethical?

UniverseI’ve been a ghostwriter for over fifteen years now and love it. However, I do get a variety of responses when people hear that I write books for others. Here’s a semi-typical conversation:

“So you’re telling me that you write the book, but someone else gets all the credit?”

“That’s right,” I’ll say with a polite nod.

“But how is that fair?”

“I’m fine with it. Really, I am.”

“But, is it really ethical?”

Now, that’s a good question, one worthy of a blog article.

Is ghostwriting really ethical?

I feel strongly that ghostwriting other people’s books is ethical, or I wouldn’t be in this line of work. The way I see it, I’m helping people achieve their dreams by getting their books published. If they can’t write the book themselves, why not hire someone to help them?

However, like all ethical questions, it is a personal judgment call. Even though I feel strongly about my opinion, I can also see the other viewpoint. In the end, you must decide if ghostwriter is an ethical choice for you.

Ghostwriters are everywhere

Maybe it would help to know that ghostwriting is a common practice. There are a lot of published authors who had help writing their books. Some just had a kernel of an idea then handed it over to a pro who wrote the book for them. It’s an accepted practice in this industry.

Plagiarism isn’t ethical

Now, if I wrote a book and someone came along and stole it, claiming it was theirs, that would be plagiarism. That’s definitely unethical and very illegal.

So, how is this different?

Well, for one thing, I always have a contract with my clients, an agreement right from the start that says that I will write their book for them, but that they will own all the rights to the book.

Other industry practices

This agreement is not unlike others that exist in various fields. For example, large companies hire employees to write software programs or design equipment for them, asking them to assign the rights to them once the project is complete.

On the flipside, some writers I know will not work as ghostwriters because they feel it isn’t right. Other authors will not put their name on a book unless they wrote every word themselves. I admire anyone who sticks with their integrity. Never be swayed by popular opinion.

How do you feel about this point? Is it ethical for an author to hire a ghostwriter to write their book for them? I’d like to hear your opinion! Please feel free to email me to discuss.

Additional articles you might find helpful:

How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Ghostwriter?

Why Should I Hire a Ghostwriter?

Seven Tips For Writing A Great Memoir

A Ghostwriter’s Fee: How Do They Charge?

Working With A Ghostwriter – What Steps Should You Take?

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 by Laura Sherman

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:

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