FAQs About Ghostwriting Business Books
Do I have to tell people I used a ghostwriter after my book comes out?
That’s totally up to you. 😊 It can be as big a secret as you want, or you can shout my name to the rooftops and refer me to friends. I’m happy either way. The magic for me is in creating the book.
Can you really produce a great book in five weeks?
Yes! In fact, I find it works better than the more typical ghostwriting timeline of six to eight months. Why? Because intensity of focus breeds clarity. I put all other projects aside so I can eat, live, and breathe your story. That means no jumping around from client to client and topic to project. Connections become more obvious; flow is faster. It’s like getting to binge on my favorite type of pie for 60 days straight. Except without the sugar hangover.
Do you write with AI?
Definitely not. AI is an amazing collaborative tool, but lacks the emotional depth in writing that only humans can produce. By collaborative tool, I might use AI to brainstorm resources, create outlines, or mine for elements in a story I might have missed. But all the writing I do is created and typed word-for-word by me.
How are you able to write so fast?
When I tune out the world, it just works. It helps that I have 17 years of experience. It helps that I love what I do and writing comes naturally and I’ve honed my talent over time. Also, I elevate my own game to meet the intense requirements of this type of project: I change my eating and exercise habits, postpone all other tasks, and focus solely on your book.
How long does it take if I don’t need my book in five weeks?
That depends on your goals for the book. If we’re not trying to get it out fast, we can aim for anywhere from four to eight months.
I’ve been thinking of writing a book for years, but where do I start?
Once you share as much of your story as you’re able to in our prep phase, I start digging for a hook, or for that unique theme that makes your story unlike anything anyone else has ever read or gone through.
That becomes the foundation for your book, and any accompanying themes that surface are what get woven through the chapters.
How do I share my story with you?
If you hire me to ghostwrite your business book, we start by connecting several times in different ways (could be email, video meetings, sometimes in person, over text, voice memos, etc.).
There are two reasons for this: First, I want you to share your story through whatever medium feels most comfortable to you.
Second, I find that clients share different aspects of their stories better over different channels. Email is a little broader and more formal. Texts are friendlier and relaxed. Video or in-person meetings where we can see each other are an excellent space to get vulnerable in. Same with voice memos you send me in the middle of the night when you wake up with an epiphany or long-lost memory.
The writing I do for you is made stronger when I hear the excitement or nervousness in your voice, and also benefits when I see firsthand through your own writing how you use words and phrases and even punctuation.
What happens when the book is done?
You own the book and all the copy, notes, and collateral created. Once you feel good about the final draft, you can self-publish, hybrid publish, or shoot for a traditional publisher. I’m a big fan of the first two routes for business and brand-building books.
Can I read past books you’ve ghostwritten?
I can provide references to certain clients I’ve worked with. But the high-level business professionals I’ve written for rarely choose to go public with the fact they’ve used a ghostwriter, which makes perfect sense for the goals they have related to their published books.
If that’s the way you’d like to move forward with your own project, mum’s the word on this end. I respect your privacy completely and don’t even tell my closest family and friends who I’m working with. The only people who know are my copyeditor and any potential publisher you might work with. But even in those situations, we can have them all sign NDAs, or non-disclosure agreements that protect your confidential information.
What is a book proposal and do I need one?
If your goal is to land an agent and get a traditional book deal, you’ll want to start with a book proposal. A book proposal ranges from 40- to 60-pages and usually consists of the following: a book overview, a table of contents, 1-2 sample chapters, a marketing plan, details about your platform, and (depending on the niche or genre you’re aiming for) a competitive market analysis.
As to whether you need one, it depends on the publishing route you want to take. If you’re going to self-publish, you don’t need one. If you’d prefer a hybrid publishing deal, you may or may not need one, depending on the publisher. But you will need a book proposal if you plan to seek a traditional publisher.
I need a book yesterday. Can you help me?
Absolutely! This is my sweet spot. I can get you a first draft in five weeks. The industry standard is six to eight months. I’d ask that you set aside dedicated time at the beginning of your project so I can learn as much about your story as possible, and as fast as possible, prior to writing the book.
What if I also want an audiobook?
I have contacts for this and can point you in the right direction, whether you want to hire someone to voice your book or you’d like to read it yourself.
What if I’ve started my book and have a bunch of writing already done?
Bravo to you for getting started! I take these on a case-by-case basis depending on what you’ve already written, what your goals are, and what remains to be done. Tell me more about your project here.
Do you also ghostwrite articles or other types of content?
Yes! I offer a ghostwritten email newsletter service . Because when you have a regularly published email newsletter with an ever-growing list that you own, the process of marketing your offers — and eventually your book — becomes radically easier and more profitable.
Also, after your book is written, I offer promotional content packages that get your book noticed and reinforce your message. The content is tailored to what you need for your unique audience, whether that means blogs, email series’, case studies, or social media posts. I also offer retainer packages based on your ongoing needs.
Do you query literary agents?
No, but I’m happy to help you write a query letter that can be tailored to individual agents.
How much will it cost?
Price depends on your long-term goals for your book, as well as the scope and nature of your projects.
My rates for a full book generally range from $40,000 to $100,000. We start with a consultation call, and from there I’ll write up a project proposal tailored to your book goals. Once you approve it, we get down to the business of bringing your book to life.
What if I need to make changes to my book after it’s published?
It depends on the type of edits and your publication route. If you self-published and want to add minor updates, you can easily do so through platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing. If you have a traditionally published book, you’ll need to work with your publisher on getting the edits made.
If you want to do a second edition or a revised version of your book, I can help you with that.