Book-Ghostwriting - and More!
Winnie Czulinski
Writer ~ Journalist ~ Ghostwriter ~ Editor -> Publishing-PR Pro -> Bringing Your Stories to Life!
?? Thinking of finding/using a ghostwriter to help make that special book a reality: a biz tool, a published memoir, a dream come true? Here's a simple guide:
?? Whether the book you want to do is business-related, a life-story, fiction, or something more, a good ghostwriter can help make your message meaningful, your story compelling – and a tangible reading experience with "your" voice.
Which brings us to...
?? Free Consultation or Q&A, by phone, video or email (or in person!), is offered by most ghostwriters. I like to do some personalized back-and-forth emailing, and invite questions. I'm happy for you to set up a Zoom call with me, i.e., after we do some messaging about your project.
Detailed discussion is essential, for total understanding of the project, the working of it, the fee, etc. – and throughout the process! Still, that process may be subject to change.
Some of how I regard the initial consultation: - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/hop-call-winnie-czulinski-/
Also, there are situations where I might be working 'in person' with my client, 'interviewing' that person in their own territory. And in fact, this can add a lot to a personal or professional memoir, being on-scene – and also obliging those who are not comfortable doing things by tech or phone. However this travel on my part also can add to the cost :)
?? Early Efforts, Outline, Approach: It's a good idea to have your ghostwriter work on a sample chapter, or re-do some of what you've already done. And working together to create a strong, clear outline is an important step.
Still, that outline may change...for the better! You may already have one, but your ghost may have suggestions for a stronger one, and create that as the start or part of the process.
Here, two of my articles about diverse – even quirky! – ways of doing a biz book. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/options-your-biz-book-winnie-czulinski-/ https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/business-book-options-count-ways-winnie-czulinski-/
And here's some inspiration for a memoir/life story book: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/getting-know-youin-book-winnie-czulinski-/ https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/story-seasons-winnie-czulinski-/ https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/15-ways-unleash-your-memoir-winnie-czulinski/
And one about that special uniqueness you need for your book! https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/your-book-golden-opportunity-winnie-czulinski-/
?? Ghostwriter-Client Fit: It's like a marriage; you get to know each other before you commit for a long-haul relationship. The goal is to work together, with respective strengths, to produce a wonderful kind of creation that may have life for 20 years or more.
I've had great relationships with clients, but once or twice, I – or we – realized that that fit was not quite right. In that case I'm happy to recommend, even do research to find, another ghostwriter more suitable!
?? Ways of Working: Your writer might have regular video, phone or in-person meetings with you to talk with, question and record you, for material to make a solid book. Or you may prefer to work by email, and/or sending your own self-recorded tapes. Or a combo!
Another way I can work is from an author's "bullet points," and do a combo of research and storytelling to flesh out basic info. Or I can work with lots of digital material and notes. I also offer a free sample portion of book writing.
As the job progresses, your ghost might write and send you single chapters or a few at a time (this makes sense, so the author can get more of a flow in reading it). Additions, corrections, deletions, comments etc. may be made on the manuscript by you the author, and sent back.
Some ghostwriters may do two or more complete drafts of a book manuscript; others draw the line at one, but with changes throughout. In turn, further changes may be made on the ghost's end (I like to work in Microsoft's "Track Changes" editing program).
?? Book Legalities and Controversies: Is your story sensitive/controversial/ explosive? Do you need help with legal issues in it? Some guidance/resources that might help: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/controversial-book-winnie-czulinski-/ https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/legalities-writing-book-winnie-czulinski-/
?? The Personal Touch: Is your book a memoir or life story – or a combo? Some variations on that theme: - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/life-and-business-memoir-winnie-czulinski-/ https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/15-ways-unleash-your-memoir-winnie-czulinski/?
?? Length of Book: "Average" length of a book might be around 200 pages (published) and about 75,000 words. But today, almost anything goes. Some authors do short books of around 30-50 pages (and a series); others go up to over 300 pages, though this isn't common, or even desirable, for this busy age.
If you do have a big book in mind, it possibly could be a series. And remember, overall, the length of what you want will affect cost!
As well, the complexity, or special considerations, will make a difference in price. It's often why a ghostwriter may not have a 'set' fee for doing a book – but again, discussion will help you both arrive at the right fee.
?? Extra Material: Your book might involve additional material – perhaps a ton of documents provided by you, or research/interviews done by the ghostwriter, or both. (I love to do research :) This may be one of the things that affects the price. And it it can be worked into your contract. Which brings us to...
?? The Contract! It's important to have a solid, detailed one that covers all aspects of doing your book. I have a good 4-pager I often work with, and we can discuss it and fill it in together. For very short projects, I might use a pithy one-to-two-pager.
I also advise clients to have the contract checked/tweaked by a lawyer who has a good understanding of writing/ publishing agreements.
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?? Time Frame: A book might take two months, two years, or something in-between, to be completed. I've done both of these extremes! Average is probably six months to one year. And it may be variable, with more being done one week than another.
Keep in mind you may have to pay a premium price for a rush job. And that brings us to the important discussion that leads to:
?? Cost: With LinkedIn writers, anywhere from $10,000, to $100,000+ for "big books." Cost may depend upon book length, complexity, research/interviews, time frame – and reputation/track record of ghost! (Those who've done "NY Times bestsellers" will charge high. As for me – "mid-range," I would say. While $30-40,000 would be a more likely fee, I also think of projects like the short book I did for $15,000, in 2010. Today I'd charge more for the same project, and/or arrange to waive the confidentiality factor, in exchange for such a modest fee.
For that book job, BTW, I was paid $5000 as deposit/upon contract-signing; $5000 halfway through, and $5000 upon completion (a typical payment method for ghostwriting).
Keep in mind, all these figures are pre-tax, and support a lot of living and biz costs. If I charge $30,000 for a book, I get to keep about 75% of it, though of course I can claim some expenses.
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Overall, you must expect to pay well for, say, a 250-word book. It may involve a year or more of work, multiple drafts, additional research/interviews and more.
Just keep in mind, no pro ghostwriter will work on a speculative "commission" basis, of "future profits." Now, an author doing a new book may want to work with a 'co-author' (rather than a ghostwriter), with both writing on that speculative basis. Nothing wrong with that, though it works best if both authors have the commitment and shared vision from the start.
However, it can also leave you legally tied up with that person for life – and beyond, something I've also written about. - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/want-co-writer-some-questions-winnie-czulinski-/
?? How Paid: Most ghostwriters are paid in installments, and with a significant deposit (one-half to, say, one-fifth of the book. While some ghosts may work on a monthly retainer, it's not usual for them to work per-word or per-page; here, it's the total package and value.
It can be a hefty sum overall, but your contract should leave you an "out" if something happens (as did with a client of mine); the agreement can be dissolved as long as each "party" has fulfilled their requirements to that point.
Here's an article I did, with some great ways on how to "ease" the expense of ghostwriting: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/book-expense-ease-winnie-czulinski-/
?? Publication: Though many ghostwriters can put together a good proposal for a traditional publisher or agent, no one can guarantee your book will be accepted. But your ghost also may be able to advise you on self-publishing, etc., and companies that charge you for publication, and may overall be able to help your book have its best chance.
Overall, many ghostwriters (like myself!) are well-versed in the diverse aspects of the publishing industry, and can be a kind of consultant for you here. -https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/so-many-books-publishing-options-winnie-czulinski/
?? Other Pros: Your ghostwriter may also be able to connect you with other specialized professionals – illustrator, photographer, formatter, designer etc. – for your self-published book. And your ghost might know publicists, or have some of those very skills.
After all, writing and completing the book is just the first step. Then it's what you do with it...
I myself have a long background in media, promo, journalism etc., different but inter-related skills and experiences that can benefit a new author, esp. if they're on something of a budget. E.g., my services as an "invisible publicist" may be just what they need and can use! - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/invisible-publicist-winnie-czulinski-/
Two other articles, on getting media coverage and contacts: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/pitching-traditional-media-winnie-czulinski-https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/how-get-media-contacts-coverage-winnie-czulinski-
?? Confidentiality: It's up to you whether you'll allow your ghostwriter to be credited or thanked for the book. I do see the front-cover acknowledgments quite a lot. Some authors prefer that secret to be kept, while others have found that allowing the "assistant" or "editor" (rather than "ghostwriter") some visibility can help increase the book's exposure and sales.
?? A Pay-Off! If there's a business aspect to the book (e.g., reflecting your professional world, and undertaken as a biz tool, something for clients, and a way to increase your income), you may be able to claim ghostwriting/editing fees at tax time.
It might be considered a kind of extension of "communication/promotion," or your ghostwriter might be claimable as a kind of contract worker or "self-employee." Talk to your accountant/tax person/lawyer!
?? More Great Info...Getting The Most From Your Ghost: -https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/getting-most-from-your-ghost-winnie-czulinski-/
?? And...Is It A Ghostwriter You Need, Or An Editor, Or...? There are many ways a professional can help you with your book: - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/ghostwriter-any-other-name-winnie-czulinski/
?? And Again, In Case It Doesn't Work Out..: Illness, financial problems or professional/ working issues may prevent the completion of the project. If the book is being done in synchronized installments of work and payment, this can enable a simple "ending," and release from further obligations, for both people...
There's lots more we could discuss here, but these are some of the basics. Questions/comments? I welcome them, and am happy to expand upon any of the above :)