Hiring a ghostwriter to help you finish your manuscript is a big decision for some and a no-brainer for others. The reason it isn’t an easy decision, especially for first-time authors, is that utilizing this service costs money. Additionally, they’re not really sure how valuable a ghostwriter can be. This article will arm you with the knowledge on how to use a ghostwriter to get the most out of your ghostwriting experience.
1. Be very clear about your book and what it should accomplish.
It doesn’t matter where you got stuck in your manuscript. If you are entertaining the thought of hiring a ghostwriter, you are likely either in the process of thinking about writing a book or actually writing it. At any point from conceptualizing an idea to completing the manuscript, you can use a ghostwriter. In fact, the earlier in the process you involve your ghostwriter, the more smoothly the two of you will be able to work together. To get the most out of your ghostwriting experience, you ideally meet with your ghostwriter before you ever write a single word. This way, you can use your ghostwriter to help you clarify exactly the objective of your book and your publishing goals. Then he or she will be able to really capture every goal of yours and start writing your book immediately.
2. Communicate your style.
This second point of the first meeting with your ghostwriter is crucial, albeit vaguely formulated. In the following section, we will add depth to this statement. For now, think of it this way:
If you and your ghostwriter can think alike and communicate your thoughts in a similar fashion, how would the reader of your book know which parts you wrote and which ones your ghostwriter penned? Plus, if you plan on using your ghostwriter to write the entire manuscript for you, you will surely love the finished product. It actually happens more often than not that an author decides to just have the ghostwriter finish the entire book.
What is your style?
Do you have a favorite book? Several favorites? How are they written? Did the author(s) use a specific style that appeals to you? Maybe you listened to the book on audio and it’s the reader’s voice that captivated you? Or what you imagined as the voice of the characters while you were reading those books? Or the sense of humor in them? Make sure you communicate all this to your ghostwriter. Better yet, provide him or her with a list of your favorite books and other written materials, especially those that align with your style of speaking and writing. If you can add a list of videos or recordings that you feel capture your unique style of speaking, even better. It will all add up so you can get the most out of your ghostwriting experience.
3. Strategize together.
Before your first meeting, think of how to use a ghostwriter during the planning phases of your book. This includes the initial planning phase where you establish your audience and your book’s goal – both for the reader and for you, the author. You will be able to set a format with an approximate length for your book. Write a detailed outline of chapters and sub-chapters, as well as character and content descriptions for your book’s theme. Also, write down your detailed message/moral of the story. Involving your ghostwriter from the start can help you determine a mutually agreeable project timeline and set a meeting schedule for future collaboration. Don’t forget to share any research materials you have previously collected on your topic or theme, such as books or articles that cover the same subject. The most effective way how to use a ghostwriter is to be completely transparent, so he or she can amass the same knowledge as you have on your subject matter.
4. Meet with your ghostwriter in person, if you can.
Especially during these last two – almost three – years, virtual meetings have gained in popularity. While video-conferencing is a great tool, nothing can beat face-to-face, in-person meetings. Meeting with your ghostwriter in person allows for a full immersion in your personality. This way, he or she can really absorb your style. You may even want to explore meeting in a location similar to that in the setting of your book. However, this may come with the burden of extra costs. Therefore, it may not always be possible, depending on your budget.
5. Make an offer to your ghostwriter.
Yes, you are paying the ghostwriter for his or her service, so the ghostwriter technically works for you. Every “How to BE a ghostwriter 101” guide mentions the fact that ghostwriters often feel under-appreciated. They essentially do the work that someone else will eventually receive all the credit for. On the flipside, every “How to USE a ghostwriter 101” guide explains ways you can give credit to your ghostwriter. It doesn’t have to be a cover credit or a testimonial, although those are very coveted as credentials for a ghostwriter’s portfolio. A sort of royalty, maybe in the form of a publisher’s advance or a per-book-sold-percentage, is another appreciated form of additional compensation. It is what many authors resort to, who are not comfortable with their readers knowing that a ghostwriter wrote parts, or all, of the book. If authors do not have the funds to offer a monetary compensation, they can always acknowledge their ghostwriter by mentioning the name in a sentence on the book jacket that refers to “book consultation” or simply “help with the book”. A ghostwriter looking to build his or her portfolio would very much appreciate any mention in reference to your book.
How to search for a ghostwriter?
Now that you are armed with all the knowledge you need for how to use a ghostwriter and get the most out of your ghostwriting experience, you are all set to soon publish your book. Onto your search for the perfect one! Honestly, this task sometimes proves to be the hardest task in the whole process. Why? Because ghostwriters, especially good ones, aren’t easy to find. As mentioned above, oftentimes ghostwriters don’t get much, if any, public credit for the work they have done. Therefore, they tend to keep low profiles. For that reason, it is best to work with a publishing company directly. Publishers are very skilled at hearing your objectives and matching you up with the perfect ghostwriter for you. Simply go to https://publishingconceptsllc.com/ and call us at (314) 781-8880 for more information about our ghostwriting services.