If you are someone searching for a special ghostwriter for your book project – be it a novel, memoir, biography, self-help book, or business book – you need to know the right questions to ask. Just as importantly, expect your ghostwriter to ask the right questions in return. These questions represent the seeds of great ghostwriting.
When you’re asking about someone’s credentials, you most assuredly want a ghostwriter who has written and published his or her own books and someone who has received a certain about of critical acclaim. Why? Because this speaks to the writer’s skills in creating a great story, delivering a strong message, and effectively hooking your audience.
Now, how does your potential collaborator respond to your questions? Here are a couple of the things they should be asking you in return:
- Exactly what kind of book are you writing?
- Who is your audience?
- What is your message?
- Where is the information coming from?
- What are your goals for the book?
Here is something invaluable that has to come through in selecting a collaborator: Ghostwriting is about teamwork. It is about sharing the passion that you have for your story or your message. It is about creating a working relationship that is enjoyable, creative, and interactive. Mostly, however, it is about recognizing your vision and working with you to achieve that vision. A ghostwriter who wants to go it alone on your project does not understand what it takes to plant and nurture the seeds of great ghost writing.
Okay, and what about the book design and publishing process. If your ghostwriter just wants to hand over a manuscript and disappear, rest assured you can do better. Publishing assistance should be part and partial to the writing process. More seeds. What about marketing? If your ghostwriter is clueless about book marketing, then he or she does not have the kind of overall experience you deserve. But it’s not only a lack of experience; it also leaves you wondering if they understand how to create a finished book that is commercially viable, and you should always be thinking about commercial viability.
Writing a book is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is an adventure unlike any other. If you’re teaming with a ghostwriter, make sure it’s someone who values both the experience and the adventure. A special book begins with strong and healthy seeds. Picking the seeds is important. How the seeds are planted and nurtured is equally as important.