With a recent blog post, Why Some People Should NOT Write a Book, I received several private messages regarding ways to get a book done… even if you don’t write a word.
I do know there are multiple ways to accomplish the result of a published book. Many years ago, I worked with a client who didn’t have the time to do the actual writing required to get a book done.
He was the owner of a very successful business. Joe didn’t want to take time away from his day to day activities to sit down and write. Yet, he really wanted to put his name to a book.
The solution was simple. We recorded hours of interview time, had the recordings transcribed and then went through a rewrite and editing process before getting the book published.
This is just one way to get a book done without doing the actual “writing.” The content is all his, but the process worked for his schedule and desire to achieve a specific outcome… his book.
Another popular way to get a book done is to have the book ghostwritten. This requires a budget, a ghostwriter, clarity of outcome and good communication skills.
According to an article on QuickBooks.Intuit.com, fees can range between $5,000 and $55,000 for a book depending on the length and complexity of the manuscript. Read full article … click here.
For some people, having their book ghostwritten is a great option. They may not have the time or talent to write their book, but they know having a book with their name on it will open opportunities.
A ghostwritten book can contain your content and knowledge, it just happens to be compiled, organized and written by someone other than you.
Ghostwriter
A ghostwriter is a writer who is hired to author literary or journalistic works, speeches or other texts that are officially credited to another person.
Ghostwriting is the process of someone writing for someone without the ghostwriter’s name on the final work.
Finding a Ghostwriter

  1. Be clear on expectations

This is essential to a good working relationship. Don’t assume the ghostwriter knows what you want if you don’t tell them. Take time upfront to clarify your expectations and theirs.

  1. Know what the ghostwriter can and cannot (and will and will not) do

This is similar to clarification on expectations. If what you need is a technically written piece and the person you are considering is not qualified to do this, you need to know this up front. On the other hand, if the writer can deliver high quality content that is difficult to research, this is worth knowing up front.

  1. Check their work

A professional writer knows the importance of the potential client getting a taste of what they do. Chances are the writer has a portfolio of their work. Be willing to ask to see previous work they have done. One way to check their work is give them a small job to do. See if you like their style (which should really be to write in your voice), their turnaround time, and their level of customer care. One small job will show you a lot.

  1. Ask for references

I’ve had some ghostwriters tell me they don’t give any names of clients due to confidentiality. However, other ghostwriters gladly give references. Start with referrals. A good referral from a client they’ve done a great job for is worth its weight in gold.  It is understandable that not all clients will eagerly give a reference for someone you are considering, but if the writer has a lot of experience, they likely have some great references.

  1. Understand roles and responsibilities

Be sure you understand what you must deliver and what the ghostwriter will deliver. For example, if your job consists of facts and figures only you are privy to, then this would be a deliverable from you to the writer. It is your responsibility to provide the writer with all they need.

  1. Be clear on turnaround time

Although you may think the writer should work solely on your project, this may not be the case. Granted, if you’re willing to pay them to put 100% of their time on your job, then you will have a faster turnaround time. Obviously to do this, the investment will be higher for you.
What you may think should take only a few hours, may in fact, take several days.

  1. Sign a contract

Many problems will be alleviated with a rock-solid contract. This is where all the details, time frames, word counts, and other deliverables will be spelled out.
Marketing is Still a Must Do
Even if having your book ghostwritten is the route you go, you still need to market. Whether you do the marketing yourself, or outsource this aspect of the overall book project, marketing must be done.
Not sure how to market? Check out more articles on my blog AND download my FREE report – Hit #1 on Amazon at www.oneonamazon.com to learn lots of proven ways to market your book. This is, by far, the best resource of its kind you can get. Add to that it’s FREE. Can’t beat that.
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