Find the Best Ghostwriting Method for You

If you’re looking to hire a writer, you might be curious about the various options. There are a variety of ghostwriting methods I use when helping someone write a book or a series of articles. I select the process based on what the author needs and how developed his idea might be. After all, in the end, my client is my writing partner, and each relationship is quite different. If you’re interested in hiring me, please pop me an email and tell me which ghostwriting method makes the most sense to you.

Ghostwriting Method 1: Your ideas, my words

The most common request I get is to write a book based on a rough sketch or outline of a book concept. The author has ideas, but hasn’t had the time to form the words. After all, writing fifty thousand words is time consuming. It can take over a year.

In this case, I take all the written material my client has compiled and then I interview him or her. After that phase, I’ll do independent research and write a detailed outline. Once my client approves that, I’ll start writing and send pages as I complete sections.

Ghostwriting Method 2: Your ideas, your words

This option is surprisingly rare. Most people who have never written a book don’t know how to structure their ideas or material into a complete manuscript. They also have trouble communicating their thoughts so that others can understand them. And while some are able to write, most don’t have the time, which is why they’ve come to me.

However, there are times when a client has found the time to write but will submit pages to me to be rewritten. I use their words but restructure the flow and fix any other issues the author has been struggling with.

Some clients hire me on an hourly basis to be their ghostwriting consultant. They really want to write their own book, but need a friendly safety net. I’m happy to teach them the process and rules of writing, while encouraging them to complete their books.

Ghostwriting Method 3: My ideas, my words

This option is also rare, but once in a while a client will give me a broad topic and a few scattered ideas, and asks me to provide all the rest of the material. I know it may sound strange, but if the topic is within my scope, I can write an entire book based on my researched knowledge. A few years ago, a client handed me two pages of notes about his great-great-grandparents journey to America. He wanted a fictionalized account of their possible adventures as they struggled to make it across our great land.

In this case, the book still belongs to the client. It always belongs to them because it is their concept and therefore they are the author.

Method 4: Researched ideas, my words

One common request I get from clients is to write a book or series of articles about a specific non-fiction topic. I often know very little about the subject. Fortunately, it’s extremely easy to do research. You can learn about practically anything these days using the internet.

I like to ask my clients to provide websites they recommend, so that I follow their philosophy and can work from accurate data on their niche market. Once I have the starting point, it’s easy to navigate through the rest.

I have twenty years of experience working with clients using these four different ghostwriting methods. I’m comfortable with any of them. Some clients hire me for multiple projects, using a variety of methods from one project to the next. If you’d like advice on the best ghostwriting method for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

Additional articles you might find helpful:

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter?

It’s Good Business to Write a Book

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

Eight Reasons Why You Should Write a Book

Your Guide to Hiring a Ghostwriter

Do you need help writing a book?

Author Bio

Laura Sherman

Laura Sherman, a.k.a. “Laura the Friendly Ghostwriter,” is a professional ghostwriter and author. She enjoys writing fiction and nonfiction and is happiest when juggling multiple projects.

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