Congratulations! You’ve made a decision that you want to finally write your book you started years ago. That’s a huge step, one that should be applauded.
Many people never get there. They sit on an idea, dreaming about how nice it would be to have a book with their name on it, but they don’t take the steps to see it through.
I get a few calls a day from prospective clients. When they contact me for a quote, I like to interview them a bit. One of my first questions is “What is your primary goal in writing this book?”
Here are some answers I love to hear:
- “I really want to inspire others with my story.”
- “I want to document my life story for my family to pass down through the generations.”
- “I’ve been working on this book for years and just need help completing it.”
- “I’m passionate about helping others.”
- “I have knowledge in a niche area that no one else has. I want to share it!”
These are the clients that I look for, the ones I am eager to help. They are often passionate people with message-driven stories or insightful nonfiction books.
Most people who call me asking for my ghostwriting services have very different responses to my question. I should warn you that when I hear these answers, I can immediately tell me that it won’t be a good match:
- “I really want to get back at my ex with this book.”
- “Oh, I was terribly abused as a child and adult, and want to share my story.”
- “I want to make a million dollars in the first year.”
No one wants to read a book that is viciously attacking an individual or group, where the author is obviously carrying out a vendetta. Remember, whenever you put something in writing, it’s there forever, in print.
Likewise, people also don’t want to read about how someone was molested as a child, lost their parents to cancer, only to marry an abusive alcoholic who murdered their favorite pet. (Believe it or not, I get many emails from people with a similar story.)
As for the last reason, let’s talk about money.
It’s fine if you want to make a profit with your book. For some, it’s very realistic. However, you must understand that you will need to sell your book. Tossing a book up on amazon.com in the hopes that many will miraculously find it and buy it will lead to disappointment.
So, what is your goal for your book? Let me know, I’d love to hear about it!
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?
