When was the last time someone said, “you should write a book”? If it were that easy, everyone would have a book. It isn’t easy, but by finding the right ghost writer, your dream of your own book can become a reality...Michael J. McCurdy, HealthNewsDigest.comA good ghost writer does more than just write a book for you. He or she is a writer, editor, copyeditor, proofreader, partner and coach rolled into one. Writing a book is an intimate and lengthy process. A talented writer can help inspire and encourage an author to put his thoughts on paper, and make the words sizzle from the page.
(Wendy Lewis)He/she may have effective ideas that can help you target your audience more effectively, especially if the writer has a great deal of experience in the book industry. A writer can manage your book project from an idea to seeing your book on the shelf at the local Barnes & Noble.
The flipside is that a ghost writer who is inexperienced or not a fit in personality and style will make the project of seeing a book to completion that much more difficult. Like all things in business and in life, it is an intensely personal relationship.
Hiring a ghostwriter
There is no substitute for experience when it comes to writing a book. Every author has learned that the first book is always the hardest. A good ghostwriter should have gone through the literary process himself to fully understand it. Before choosing a ghostwriter, interview several and get recommendations and referrals from literary agents, publishers, authors, librarians, and bookstores. The dilemma in identifying the best ghost writers is that they usually do not have their names on the titles they have worked on. Therein lies the nature of the ghostwriter to author relationship; it is based on confidentiality. It may take time to develop a good working relationship with a ghostwriter, as you get to know each and understand the best method to work together that suits both your schedules. Be flexible and keep the lines of communication open. There will inevitably be a lot of give and take between writer and author.
Getting started
The ghostwriting process begins with a series of interviews with writers to discuss your goals and needs. A non disclosure agreement may be exchanged to preserve your original concept. In the beginning, it will be vital to determine what your mission is for writing a book, with some thought given to who the target audience will be. You will also need to decide whether your book is commercially viable; i.e., whether it can be sold, or if it should be self published. If your intention is to sell your book to a publisher, you will need a formal book proposal in order to do so. Most ghost writers can also work with you to prepare a book proposal. If you plan to self publish, a writer may be able to recommend some small publishers who can help get your project produced in a time and cost effective manner. Self publishing offers a myriad of advantages, especially to new and non-fiction authors. It can be more profitable, and offers the author control over both the content, imagery and the finished product.
Work for hire
Most ghost writers work under a work for hire form of agreement. The fee paid to a ghostwriter usually covers all interviews, research, writing, editing, and revisions. If you reside in another city, there may be travel expenses for the writer to spend time with you as well. You shall own all the rights to your book including the copyright and royalties are paid solely to the author. Most writers do not work on a contingency basis. They will expect a portion of their fee to be paid upfront and in installments based on a monthly fee schedule or as each section of the book is completed. A good ghostwriter may also be able to advise you on the marketability of your book, and make introductions to prospective literary agents and potential publishers.
Be patient
The actual writing of a 200 – 250 page book may take 6-12 months, or less if you have a specific publication date in mind in advance. The length of the process has a lot to do with your accessibility and turnaround time. It is worth making the effort and carving out the hours needed to keep the momentum going. Getting a manuscript in shape to go to a publisher takes time, and it is always better to get it right the first time, than to hand in a manuscript that needs a great deal of editing.
WENDY LEWIS IS THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR FOR MDPUBLISH.COM, A COMPREHENSIVE BOOK PUBLISHING SERVICE SPECIALIZING IN PRODUCING QUALITY CONSUMER BOOKS FOR PHYSICIAN AUTHORS. SHE HAS WRITTEN 9 BOOKS UNDER HER OWN NAME AND IS A PROLIFIC GHOSTWRITER. WWW.MDPUBLISH.COM, MDPUBLISH@AOL.COM.
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