Are you searching the web asking yourself, “Should I hire a ghostwriter to help me write my book?”
You’re not alone.
I can tell you, it isn’t always the right decision.
“Wow, did she just say that?”
I know, it’s strange to hear that from a professional writer trying to earn a living, right? I may be looking for my next client, but I like to be honest. Not everyone who writes me for help actually needs a ghostwriter. Sometimes it’s best to write the book yourself and sometimes the book shouldn’t be written.
Making a decision
To determine whether or not you need a ghostwriter, here are a few questions you might ask yourself:
- Am I able to write the book on my own?
- Do I have the budget to hire a professional writer?
- What are my goals for my book?
If you have the ability to write the book on your own, and you have the time to do so, that’s probably what you should do. However, you will need to budget money for a few good editors. Your book might need a major overhaul, especially if it is your first one. Not to worry—that’s normal.
Having acknowledged that some of my clients could write a book on their own, why would they hire me? Because they just don’t have the time to do so. They’re too busy being successful in their chosen field.
Budgeting for a ghostwriter
If you know you need to hire a writer, you must budget $50,000 – $75,000 for the project. Do not expect a professional writer to work for a “share of the profits.” This isn’t realistic. Professional writers need to be paid upfront for their work. You can offer to give them a percentage of the profits from the sales as an added bonus. This is a wise plan, as the writer will be more invested and might help you with marketing and sales if they are profiting on the back end.
It is important to determine your goals for your book project before you start. If you want a bestselling book, you will need to invest in a bestselling author. If you want to create a little 99 cent eBook, you won’t need to spend as much on the ghostwriter.
Remember, you get what you pay for—even with a writer.
Recouping your investment
For many authors, spending $50,000 on a book makes sense because their professional reputation is on the line. Ask yourself, will my business expand if I publish my book? If each sale you make has a hefty price tag attached, it will be easy for you to recoup your investment in a good, professional ghostwriter.
After all, if your goal is to have a professional book with your name on it, you need to build your brand’s reputation in the right direction!
When you’re asking yourself, “Should I hire a ghostwriter to help me write my book?” you need to evaluate your goals and resources. Please feel free to email me anytime if you’d like help weighing your options!
Check out Your Guide to Hiring a Ghostwriter for more detailed information.
