?? Getting the Most from Your Ghost! ??

?? Despite the sometimes shady, mysterious feeling that term "ghostwriter" may evoke, it may belong to a professional and "partner" who can help you – beyond your business dreams!

?? Having a published, available, distinctive book of your own (with someone's pro help) can be a superb calling card and retention point, help position you further as a dynamic expert, get you more media coverage, be an invaluable tool in teaching and seminars – and even sell in and of itself.

It also can be like a dream come true, especially if it's a personal story of challenges and triumphs.

?? There's no denying that the cost of book-ghostwriting (from $10,000 to $100,000 or more) can be considerable. But that person is doing what could take you endless hours, and it may also provide an excellent ROI.

?? Business-people, people in the arts, etc., who are also published authors command respect – and this may become evident on the bottom line.

?? Consider this: if your writer is doing, or helping you do, a book related to your business, and to increase its profile and income, that may be a legitimate expense for you at tax-return time.

?? It may come under advertising/ marketing/communications, and/or come under the section that has to do with hiring staff, contract workers, or 'self-employees.' Consult with your tax expert, and keep records of all your correspondence, discussions, fees paid and other expenses.

?? What else can a ghostwriter do, besides (co)write your book for you? Some offer, as part of their services, to arrange for illustration, design, formatting and even printing.

Others can at least direct you to those services. I'll often help clients who are self-publishing their books, connect with top professional graphic designers, formatters and other book pros.

???? Hoping to publish traditionally? A ghostwriter (like me) may be able to put together a strong book-proposal package – which might include sample chapters and outline, competitive analysis (related books, and why yours is different/ unique/better), author bio/presence/platform, market report and marketability, and promo plans.

?? While not every publisher will ask for this in making a decision, it's wise to be prepared. It helps you define the power and potential of your book, too. And a ghostwriter who can do all this for you can keep project momentum going.

After all, if that person's working closely with you and your book, they may have a really good understanding of how to "package" it.

?? As well, a ghostwriter may have a really good understanding of the marketplace and your genre overall. Even when I first think I may be involved in a book-ghostwriting job, once I know about the intended book, subject and approach, I'll immediately begin researching the market, to see what books, esp. recently-published, are out there.

?? It's vital to know the arena your book's going into – and how your book can stand out.

?? A ghostwriter may be something of a specialist in your particular field, and that close understanding and expertise may be important to you.

However, many ghostwriters can quickly, professionally absorb a subject to become adept in presenting it in a credible, readable way. In fact, a good "mainstream" writer may be a better choice, especially if your readership is a general one.

?? Ghostwriters may have perspective on and experience with, other services. E.g., as I'm a longtime freelance journalist and media person – as well as, opposite end of the spectrum, a publicist – it's almost impossible for me not to size up the promo/publicity value of a book project.

?? I can give my client some good input on how to approach traditional media - newspapers, magazines, radio and TV – and can assist with social media too.

For a book I wrote some years ago, I ultimately achieved a 65% media response-and-coverage rate – when the average is around 1-10%.

My book was not biz-related, but I successfully used promo principles like: diversify your approach, use the personal touch (even when sending out wide), and always give media/audiences/readership something of value, like tip sheets, quizzes, contests.

?? ?? And if you're working with me as your ghostwriter, you may find I'm not always in a hurry to get an audio file transcribed into text. I'll often listen to it while I'm doing that – to get as much of how something is said, not just what it is.

Tone, tempo, emotion, hesitation – all may have its place in the very humanness of the book. And even if it's a business book? Last I heard, biz is operated by humans :)

?? You may not have a lot of time to schedule long "interviews" and talks with your ghostwriter – but you might be in the habit of talking to yourself – and into a tape recorder, on a commute, or in downtime – ending up with some great audio files.

That could be a method that works really well for your spirited partner, i.e., to glean the goods from your monologues, then follow up with questions and for clarity.

?? Or do you want a ghostwriter to work physically with you? That may involve paying travel costs, or finding someone local.

?? I once was enlisted for a controversial rush-job of a book. The author, a major industry whistle-blower, had hundreds of physical documents he had to spread out to work with, in his remotely-located home. I lived far away, and felt uncomfortable with this (incl. the fact the author was a hunter; I pictured him dragging dinner home by the antlers).

In the end, I helped him find a writer more suited to the job.

?? You may also get the most from your ghost by actually getting away from that term! I often don't much like the term "ghostwriter" – it sounds a bit tawdry, shady and mysterious.

?? Plus, it's not even accurate a lot of the time, because the process is so very often a team effort, of writer and client. Often the client has the book inside, just needs help bringing it out – and in "talking it" to the writer," is actually rough-writing it, too. Of course, a few Zoom calls don't create a book – but what's getting underway is an important relationship.

Still, "ghostwriter" indicates a role in which the writer writes as the client – and ideally from within that person's head, understanding how he/she talks, and writes – and maybe even better. You, the client, also may welcome the ghostwriter's own input, and their "pushing" you somewhat.

?? As for writer visibility, yes, this process often has confidentiality as part of the deal. But allowing the ghostwriter to be mentioned as "editor," "assistant," etc., may help add to your book exposure and sales, because that person may promote it too.

You also may find a ghost-partner who can accommodate your own crazy schedule. With one client (in the pre-Zoom era) I went downtown twice a week to his office to (like a journalist) "draw out" the story from him – at 7:30 am (his only available time). Then I went back home to transcribe and get to work.

?? Another client was especially pleased I was happy to work with him evenings and weekends (but I don't burn myself out, simply take my "weekends" at other times – like a Tuesday here, a Thursday there).

?? Looking for a ghostwriter? There are lots of great ones out there. Don't be afraid to ask what else they do (keeping in mind this will probably cost extra), or if they can connect you with other professionals. And of course it's important to have the right "fit," to feel that you trust this person being given your story, secrets, documents, biz goals, dreams and desires.

?? This can be a very special relationship, much like a marriage, in which you both work closely to produce a very special creature, one that may be around for a good long time! And maybe even with tax benefits ;-)

And if, in the end, the relationship does not work out...?

Take heart; it may still benefit you. In an installment pay-as-you-go book contract, you will not be stuck in a "trap" – and may have enough good material from the manuscript-in-progress to use for blogs, your website or other material – like your next book!

?? A few more articles I've done on ghostwriting: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/book-expense-ease-winnie-czulinski-/

https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/brief-guide-book-ghostwriting-winnie-czulinski-/ (with links to many related articles I've done!)

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