Have you been considering writing a book for years? Being honest, has it been close to a decade of pondering? You’re not alone. I talk to so many people who know they need to write a book but haven’t been able to finish.
Actually, most people don’t know how to start their book.
If you’re writing your memoir, a novel, a leadership book, or a little how-to booklet, and you’ve been stuck in the mud for some time, let’s talk. Maybe I can help.
Ghost writing can help you complete your book this year.
Why write your book NOW?
I’m going to bounce it back to you. Why do YOU want to write your book now? That’s a question I ask almost everyone I speak to when they reach out for my services.
Most people have a burning desire to get their story in book form. They want others to learn from their experience; they want to help their readers.
Some know they are getting older and are worried they’ll never get to share their wisdom. Most have led an exciting life and fear losing the details of the adventure. For some, this was an important journey, and they wish to share it with their children.
This is a very good question to thoroughly answer for yourself. Take a moment and list out the reasons you’re reading this article today. Why do you want to write your book now? Why is now the right time?
If you decide this isn’t a pressing desire, table it. Writing a book isn’t a quick and easy process. It will take time and dedication; you’ll hit frustrations and barriers. If you have a strong 10 out of 10 desire to write your book, you can push through. A lukewarm 5 or 6 and you’ll probably quit midway. If that’s the case, it’s probably best not to start now.
The Problems Most Authors Face
Having been a memoirist and ghostwriter for over twenty years, I have a good pulse on the heartbeat of writers and their struggles.
Here are a few laments I’ve heard recently:
“I don’t know where to start my memoir.”
“What stories should go into my book?”
“I’m too busy with work, family, and life to write my life story.”
“Sitting down to write, I can’t figure out what words to use.”
“Grammar and spelling aren’t my thing.”
“How do I make people want to read my book?”
“I sit down to write and get distracted.”
Do any of these sound familiar? If you have more to add to the list, please write me. Maybe I can offer some advice.
Believe it or not, these all boil down to the same problems. I can help. I’ve seen it countless times before and have guided many authors through to a completed project.
The solution is easier than you think!
Why People Turn to Ghost Writing
Smart people hire specialists all the time to help them in various aspects of their day to day living. Sure, you could learn to renovate your bathroom from YouTube OR you could hire a contractor. You could train to become a chiropractor OR you could find someone trained and visit them once a week for an adjustment.
Sometimes it makes sense to delegate.
People hire a ghostwriter because we have experience writing a book. Personally, I’ve been helping people complete their books for twenty three years. I have logged in well over the required 10,000 hours that make one an expert in any field (see Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers: The Story of Success for more information about this rule of thumb).
So, just as you’d hire an architect to design your dream home, many would hire a ghostwriter to help them structure and write their books.
Who Hires a Ghostwriter
Ghostwriting isn’t just for celebrities and presidents. Many people from all different walks of life reach out to me every day asking for help with their books.
Some wish to share their life stories.
Others want to teach readers about their niche market.
And a few have a story that’s been plaguing them for years and they need help structuring it into a book.
I feel honored when people reach out to me to help them fulfill their dreams.
People who reach out to me know they need help:
- Structuring their story
- Figuring out what goes where
- Getting the book pushed through to a completed product
- Making their story a page-turner
- Taking the complexity out of the writing process
I can do all of these things and have been for over two decades now.
Here’s a quote from a successful business owner who had an exciting life story to share:
“Throughout the whole project I have felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction because I knew my life story was with a professional who cares to reflect the inner feelings I have and to describe the minute details in a powerful way.”
The Ghost Writing Process
Whenever I take on a new project, it goes through three main phases:
- Research and Outlining
- Writing the first draft
- Editing
A Note About Researching
It might surprise you to know that I spend a lot of time researching every memoir I write. I not only pour over my clients’ notes, but I do independent research. The internet and library are treasure troves of information that can help fill in the gaps.
For instance, I am currently working on a book that takes place in a foreign country a few decades ago. When a popular local singer was mentioned as a favorite artist of one of the pivotal characters, I researched the lyrics so I could fill out the scene a little better. Learning the style and messages of that singer helped flesh out the segment.
A Little About Writing
When the outline is set, we have our roadmap. My client and I both know exactly where the story will go and I’m all set to write.
After I have the outline, I enter the writing phase and work on the first draft. We’re not going for perfection, just words on the page. We have the framework and need to get the drywall up.
As I write, I’ll show you pieces as I go. Not every ghostwriter works that way, but I feel feedback on a continual basis is helpful. Plus, I find most clients want to review segments as I write. It’s an exciting time.
People sometimes ask if I hit writer’s block. No. Never. Why? Because I have a completed outline. It is like I have the story written, but it is all in my head. This first draft phase is all about getting it down on paper.
Editing
After we finish the first draft, it will be time to edit. Once I have my client’s suggestions, changes, and requests, I’ll take a step back and let the manuscript sit for a while. When I come back to it, it’s fresh and I can see what needs work.
I’ll go through a series of read throughs, fixing big picture items first. Once I have the flow the way I want it, and all the inconsistencies are fixed, I work on the line edit (fixing grammar, style, etc.).
Sometimes a memoir’s story changes as we are writing it. That’s one of the first things we’ll “fix in the mix.” We’ll straighten that out and make sure the flow is smooth. That’s a great example of the importance of big picture editing first. Picking up these changes throughout before looking for the missing punctuation marks is important. Big picture first, then the small stuff.
Is It Cheating to Hire a Ghost Writer?
Nope! It’s done all the time. You’d be surprised how many books have been penned by a ghost.
It’s estimated that almost half of published novels have been helped along by a professional hired ghostwriter. Of course, it probably doesn’t surprise you that 70-80% of celebrity memoirs have been ghostwritten. That figure might actually be higher.
Business books are often ghostwritten, especially complex leadership books that combine memoir and how-to.
However, if you feel a little uncomfortable about putting your name on a book you didn’t write, you can assist as much as you like. I will teach you how to help me write the book and you can take an active part in the process.
Three ghostwriting packages
I offer three packages:
Full Ghostwriting: I write the book for you from start to finish.
Writing Partnership: You and I can work together to complete your manuscript.
Mentorship: You write your book with my guidance.
I also can create a package in between.
If you’re interested in exploring working together to complete your book this year, please fill out my form and we’ll set up a time to talk. Ghost writing can help you complete your book this year.
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