Writing a Nonfiction Book? Six People You May Meet

There’s an enduring myth about how writers work. We imagine a solitary genius in a gable, scratching away with quill and parchment. This image is so ingrained in our psyches it scares many a would-be writer from finishing--or even beginning--her book.

“Who wants to live like a monk for a year?”

“That doesn’t look like any fun.”

Fortunately, the myth is a lie. Nobody writes a book completely alone. (Or if they do, the book probably isn’t good.) Once you’ve made the decision to write a book, there are a whole host of people you may meet in your quest to get it out in the world. Writing a good book is a group sport, and you can enlist all the helpers you need.

Some of these helpers may include

1. Author Coach: An author coach helps you get the ideas from your head onto paper. Working together, you will identify your message, your audience, your most relevant stories--and how you might organize your expertise and the material of your life into a compelling narrative.

An author coach may be a good team member if you’re committed to writing the book yourself, yet need someone to act as a guide through the process.

2. Editor: A good editor can help you at any stage of the writing process, whether it be in developing the story or final line edits before the book goes to print. You want your book to be the best possible reflection of YOU. That means it’s crucial for the material to pass before the eyes of a skilled editor before it’s consumable by the larger public.

3.) Ghostwriter: Don’t have time or interest in writing a book yourself? A ghostwriter can translate your thoughts and experiences. Establishing trust is key to the author/ghostwriter relationship--you don’t want just anyone telling your story. When you find the right person, the payoff is huge. The author/ghostwriter relationship can be a wonderful, mutually beneficial friendship.

Of course, writing a book is time-intensive. If you’re considering hiring a ghostwriter, be sure you’re prepared to invest accordingly.

4. Agent: If you are committed to being traditionally published--especially by a large press--you will most likely need an agent. An agent has relationships with editors at publishing houses: she will get your book in front of the right people and help find your book it’s perfect home.

A perk of working with an agent: Book advances! The larger the house, the larger the advance is likely to be. Note: It is customary for agents to receive 15% of author advances, and advances are often paid in two or more installments.

If you’re committed to writing multiple books, an agent can be an invaluable long-term business partner. She will work on your behalf to get your books published so that you may focus on your work and your writing.

5. Book Formatter/Designer: If you’ve decided traditional publishing is a better fit for your book, you’ll need to find someone who can format the manuscript and design a knock-out cover. If you’ve got some favorite self-published titles on your shelf, check the acknowledgements and see who is responsible for the look of the book.

6. Book Launch/Marketing Specialist: Whether you traditional or self-publish, you will be responsible for promoting your book. (No sweat, right? You’re a fearless entrepreneur and know how to sell yourself.)

If you’ve got big-publishing-house dollars behind your project, you’ve got a leg up.The publishing house will invest in marketing the book: think publicity tours, printed materials, in-store product placement, etc.

A smaller press won’t have near the amount of resources of a larger press. And if you’re self-publishing, it’s all up to you. (Hint: most of it is up to you anyway. If you’re writing a book proposal, you’ll need to spell out to the publisher your plans to market your book.)

An investment in someone who specializes in helping book launches succeed will make sure you don’t pour your heart and soul into a book that’s released to the sound of crickets.

Here’s the bottom line: writing your book can look any way you want it to look. You can assemble a team of helpers committed to getting the best version of your story out in the world. Instead of “lonely and difficult,” try thinking of the writing process as “collaborative and fun.”

Because it absolutely can be.