How to work with a ghostwriter:

Despite this creepy image, ghostwriters are the backbone of much published literature. Nonfiction and fiction, really.

So if you need a ghostwriter — you don’t have the time or the skill to write — abandon all shame.

This is how you do it.

If you are an author working with a ghostwriter, you provide the background material — stories, relevant correspondence, case histories, and research — that the ghostwriter needs to create your book.

The ghost may conduct interviews with you and other relevant sources to gather information. She may also conduct research. Her fees will reflect her work in research and interviewing other sources.

You may prepare following these steps:

· Define your goals as concretely as possible. Have a vision for the trajectory of your project, understanding that some features or details may change over time.

· Assign the ghostwriter a chapter or section of your book as a test, for which you pay her according to her rates. Does this test demonstrate that the ghost can capture your voice? It may take more than one conversation and experiment to feel secure about this.

· Discuss the progress and schedule you require. Understand that these projects take time, often months or more to complete. Commit to an interview schedule.

· Conduct at least one Zoom call with your prospective ghost to assess whether you are a good fit.

· Sign an agreement spelling out your expectations and, if you wish, ask for a nondisclosure agreement. Your agreement will present you, the author, as owning the copyright.

Block out time. you must assume your time will be invaluable to the ghost. This is a collaboration, not mere outsourcing.

Of course, you review the candidate’s skills and history. Beyond this, establishing trust may be the most important element in your successful collaboration.

How I proceed as your ghostwriter — whether for business or personal material

I interview you thoroughly on your vision for your manuscript/project.

We set up a schedule for interviews.

I interview you deeply and record your memories, ideas, and questions.

You share with me all the materials you have amassed so far. For instance, you have notes, documents, or previous publications.

You inform me of what I am to supply for you — more material, more research, other people to interview?

Other people in your life or career may have helpful insights.

We discuss your vision for publication and distribution.

We set up goalposts of what you want to achieve by a certain time.

I record our interviews.

These audios will be transcribed into Word documents before I craft your manuscript.

I will do one edit after sending you my first draft.

Any questions? Let me know. Let’s have a free exploratory conversation.