How to work with a ghostwriter Part 3
How will the world look different after you publish your book?
Here’s the third installment in my ‘How to Work with a Ghostwriter’ series. These articles will give you the lowdown on what you need to know and do – before you hire a ghostwriter. If you missed “How to work with a ghostwriter Part 1 or Part 2, just click the links.
Okay, so by now you know that these articles are designed to help you write a remarkable, entertaining and truly memorable book – by walking you through the planning and organizing steps you need to take before you start working with a ghostwriter. The more you do at this stage of the process, the better your book will be, and the smoother the writing process will go.
On any given topic, there is already a dominant story that exists. So it’s important that you look at, and understand that story. In other words, who else has written books on your subject? You need to know as much about the competition as possible – but you’re not here to judge, or negate someone else’s work. Instead, you want to look for these three things:
- The history. The story you’re going to tell (and again, it doesn’t matter if your book is fiction or non-fiction) has to connect the dots for your reader. Your book needs to provide a clear and contextual beginning, middle and end – so that your reader feels connected and like they’re a part of what’s going on. Without this, your reader will feel an emotional disconnect – and you’ll lose them.
- The larger meaning. Just like explorers of old, you need to discover what information in your topic is out there, what your reader expects to find in your book and then figure out how you can deconstruct it, recombine it, reinvent it – so your reader learns something new, and sees the new, bigger meaning in what you have to say and share. Information alone has lost it’s value, because there’s so much of it and it’s so readily available. Your goal is to write a book that has real meaning and relevance to your reader – and because of that opens them to the possibilities of what could be.
- Where your thoughts, ideas and message fits. Every society – every culture has its own rules and customs. From the time we were children, we were taught to look at things as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘black’ or ‘white’. We also instinctively look for those invisible connections – how one thing connects to another, in a logical sequence of events, so that they ‘fit’ together. Your readers expect this, and for your book to be accepted, trusted, enjoyed and shared – you have to show how and where your book fits in the grand scheme of things.
How to work with a ghostwriter Part 2
Get clear on who you're writing for
So in my last post, How to work with a ghostwriter part 1 (click the link if you haven’t read it and want to), we started talking about some things that were necessary for you to get ready to work with a ghostwriter… and you might have been surprised to learn that I wasn’t talking about things like writing samples, fee agreements and project scopes.
As your ghostwriter, it’s my job to help you write a kick-ass book that stands out from the crowd and catches the heart and mind of your readers.
And in my experience, the best way to do that is to help you prepare for writing that book from the very start – before we even meet, in fact.
In the last post, I told you that one of the first things you need to get really clear on is your reader – the person you’re writing your book for. And that may actually be one of the secrets to why I’m one of the ‘in-demand’ ghostwriters for doctors. Because I help my clients create a kind of ‘persona’ that they’re writing the book for – and we keep that person in mind all through the writing process.
Let me tell you a little story to illustrate why this is so powerful.
I was working with a copywriting client of mine last spring – he charters yachts around the Greek islands. And as part of his marketing plan, we created a downloadable special report for potential clients – it had several previously written how-to articles and tips for people who wanted to charter a yacht. Anyway, one of the things I did was edit and update that report. At the same time, I happened to talk to my sister, who was going to celebrate her 30th wedding anniversary, and her husband was in the process of planning a trip for them – he was doing it all – choosing where they were going to go and what they were going to do, and making all the reservations – everything.
So of course we talked about them chartering a yacht, too. So, when I re-wrote that report, I wrote it with my sister and brother-in-law in mind – someone who had never been to Greece and had never sailed around the Greek islands. The report converted like gangbusters.
What does that have to do with you and your book?
Everything.
Because human beings are not plain, vanilla people. We may be tied down with responsibilities – car payments, mortgage payments, kids to put through college, and we may not always be leading the life we thought we’d be living, or doing all the things we wanted to do when we were young, or getting out there saving the world and making a difference… but that doesn’t mean we don’t dream about it.
People aren’t rational, logical, analytical creatures. Each one of us harbors secret dreams and hopes and fantasies – and we’re all searching for experiences that lift us out of our every-day, ordinary lives – experiences that warm our hearts, kindle our spirits and spark our imaginations!
Which means that if you want people to read – and buy – your book, it can’t be a ‘me too’ clone with all the same information that’s in all the books written on the same topic! Your book has to be that spark that fires up your reader’s imagination… it has to give them hope or inspire them… And it doesn’t matter whether you’re writing a murder mystery or a romance novel, or a self-help book about health and well-being.
You want your book to lift your reader out of the mundane, to get them thinking and to see things in a whole new way…
Did you know that according to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), there are 172,000 books published every year in the United States alone? For the first time since 2001, the United Kingdom is publishing more than in the U.S. with 206,000, and Canada put out 19,000?
And that’s not counting e-books, self-published or books for e-readers such as Kindle.
And it also doesn’t take into account how many manuscripts are written – and not published for whatever reason.
The point is, before you even start writing it, your book is up against a lot of competition – just to get it written and submitted. And then, if you make the cut and your book is published, you’ve got even more competition to make it stand out from the crowd and get it noticed.
And here’s what you need to do, before you start working with a ghostwriter – whether it’s me or someone else…
Get clear on who you’re writing to…
Create a picture in your mind of one person – it doesn’t have to be a real person – although sometimes that helps. It could be your spouse, your mother or a patient. Or an old friend from medical school. Or your neighbor who lives down the street. But use that person as your guide when you’re putting together your topic, and doing your research, or writing your book’s outline… It will help you to create a book that’s remarkable, that will be remembered – a legacy that remains long after you’re gone.
How to work with a ghostwriter Part 1
How to work with a ghostwriter
Warning: ‘How to work with a ghostwriter’ isn’t going to be the ‘typical’ article that talks to you about asking a potential ghost for writing samples, explains why creating an outline is important or gives you a checklist of what you need to know about project scopes, milestones and fee agreements.
While those things are important, there are some other things you need to know first about how to work with a ghostwriter – things that will determine the ultimate success – or dismal failure – of your book.
Let’s start at the beginning – with your book idea.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning on writing a fiction or non-fiction book – if one of your main goals is to get other people to see what you see – to write something that inspires and influences and makes your reader believe, care and even take action – then you need to start with the basics.
You need the ability to tell a story – your story – in a way that grabs the readers attention and makes them want to keep reading – and makes them want to share your story with the people they know – is what’s going to make your book wildly successful.
It probably won’t surprise you to know that this is one of the main reasons many authors want to work with a ghostwriter. (Industry statistics show that almost 40% of traditionally published books are written with the assistance of a ghost.) Because while they’ve got a great idea for a book, many authors aren’t sure how to develop their idea into a commercially viable manuscript that has the potential to go viral – and to end up with a book that attracts hundreds – if not thousands – of buyers and readers.
Working with a professional ghostwriter can help you make that happen.
Finding Relevance, Meaning and the Right Mindset
When someone goes to a bookstore looking for a book, chances are they want more than just something to read. They’re looking for an experience, something that sparks their imagination, grabs their attention, and validates their beliefs, experiences and viewpoints. In other words, your book has to be relevant to your reader. Seth Godin (author of Tribes: We need you to lead us) said, “Great stories agree with our world view. The best stories don’t teach people anything new. Instead, the best stories agree with what the audience already believes and makes the members of the audience feel smart and secure when reminded of how smart they were in the first place.”
What publishers want
Most publishers will tell you they’re not looking for a brand new story that’s never been told before. They want a story that people know – but they want it told in a new and different way. So if you want a commercially successful book, this means don’t write a book about change, write a book about continuity that picks up where the old story left off, and shows what to do next.
Why your book idea needs to be relevant to your intended audience
If you want to write a successful book – one that is acclaimed and enjoyed and shared – you absolutely have to know who your audience is – before you start working with a ghostwriter. Because in order to get people to read your book, you have to meet them where they’re at right now. Here’s why:
In the last 10 years, ‘we’ve come a long way baby‘… and we’re no longer living in the ‘information age’. We, as a society, have moved beyond the place where all we want is information. Today all the information is at your fingertips and readily available to almost anyone with a computer and an internet connection. Not only is it readily available, most of the time, there’s too much of it, and not all of it is good, or truthful, or helpful or relevant.
In fact, once ‘information overload’ became an accepted condition in business and in our daily lives, we moved into another era. Today we’re living in the recommendation era. As consumers we don’t trust ‘information’ any more, unless it comes from a source we recognize and trust. People are ten times more likely to believe something if a friend, family member or colleague – someone they know and trust – recommends it to them. Which is why social networks like FaceBook and twitter and LinkedIn have taken off like wildfire!
So as an author who is about to write a book, you can’t act – or write – as if it were ten years ago. Society has changed, people have changed – and the way we do business has changed. One of the best examples of this has to do with raw information. People don’t want information any more. They want something more. They want to find someone they trust, someone who is willing to take the time to go through all the information about a subject, and filter it -through their own experiences, their beliefs, their values – and distill it down, to its essence and then share it.
One of the biggest problems we, as a society have – is finding someone we can trust.
But we still, as a society, tend to trust authors. If your name is on your own book, it sets you apart from the crowd. People will sit up and take notice of you. And more than that, they will trust that what you have to say matters.
So before you start working with a ghostwriter, you need to understand what you’re writing about and why and who you want to reach.
And we’ll go a little deeper into how to work with a ghostwriter in part 2.
Are there rules for brainstorming your book idea?
If you’re in the beginning stages of plotting your book, or at the end, when you’re ready to create a marketing campaign, you may have heard that brainstorming is an excellent and creative way to get things going.
But did you know that there are logical rules to make your brainstorming more effective?
It may seem strange, to mix logic with creativity, but according to experts who swear by the brainstorming process, if you follow these 5 simple rules, you’ll jumpstart the creative flow and come up with more winning ideas more often.
1. Quiet your inner critic. Don’t try to edit or judge any ideas in the beginning. The important thing is to get the ideas flowing, not trying to decide if they’ll work or not.
2. Go ahead get a little wild and crazy. Go ahead – think outside the box – in fact, think outside everything. Got a wild idea? Something a little crazy slipped in? Write ‘em down. That’s what brainstorming is all about - and you may just be surprised by what you end up with.
3. Write it all down. Since writing is usually a solitary exercise, you may be doing your brainstorming all alone. That’s okay. Brainstorming works either way. But it’s important that you write down all your ideas, no matter what they are.
4. Check your cynicism at the door. The brainstorming process isn’t easy – and it can seem counter-intuitive to people sometimes, especially if they’re used to a more systematic approach. But brainstorming also has a place and can give you some really excellent new ideas. So give brainstorming a chance.
5. Set the timer. Not surprisingly, many authors work better when they’re under a deadline. So go ahead and pull out the kitchen timer and set a limit on your brainstorming time. Personally, I like 30 minutes, but you may find 20 minutes, or 45 minutes works best for you. For most people, keeping the brainstorming process to less than one hour works best – and keeps the ideas fresh.
And there you have it. Five simple rules for brainstorming your book idea or book marketing strategy.
Why Choose Me – Cheryl Antier – to Ghostwrite Your Book?
If you’re on this page, then chances are, you’re seriously looking for a ghostwriter. And let’s face it… there are a lot of them around. You may even have already found one or two that you think might be a good match to help you write your book. (And you’ve probably disqualified several others that… well weren’t even close!)
In fact, if you’re really serious about finding a ghostwriter and getting your book finished, this site is probably not the first one you’ve been to. (One thing I can promise you though, is that after you’ve finished reading this page, it will either be the last one you visit – or you’ll know, without a doubt, that I’m not the right ghostwriter for you.) Either way, you’ll be able to make a decision.
Why do I say that? Because, basically, I’m in the same boat you are.
You’re looking for the ‘right’ ghostwriter for your book, and I’m looking for my ‘ideal’ next client. Because they’re the only ones I work with.
In fact, I’ve gained the reputation of being a writer who goes out of her way to disqualify prospective clients. Why? Because I want to make sure that I’m only working with clients who are ready, willing and able to invest in themselves, and who are determined to getting their book written right now – not next month, or next year, or ’someday’.
And yes, this rules out a lot of potential clients.
But it also means I am able to focus my time, energy and skills working with clients who are committed to taking action – and achieving their ultimate goal – of getting their book out of their head and into a finished, marketable manuscript – within the next three to six months.
You see, the thing is, I’m not like most other ghostwriters. And it’s my differences that set me apart from the crowd, and may make me the perfect ghostwriter for your book.
Which is why I’ve written this page. Because before you decide to hire me, I want you to understand exactly what you’re signing up for… and what you can – and should – expect in return.
Here are just a few of the benefits you get from working with me…
Meet your ghostwriting ‘CoMentorSultant’©
First of all, yes, I’m a professional writer with over 20 years of professional writing experience.
And I specialize in ghostwriting for doctors who want to become published authors.
But I’m also a trained coach, mentor and consultant. A coach is someone who works with mindset, focus and motivation. A mentor is someone who guides and counsels. And a consultant develops strategies, finds solutions to problems or barriers and creates results-oriented action plans. (And you’ll rarely find ghostwriters who have the skills to do more than put your words down on paper.)
But I approach your book project in a different way.
First of all, I only accept two or three ghostwriting clients a year, and I only work on one book project at a time. So your book is my only priority and gets my full attention.
But as your ghostwriting ‘CoMentorSultant’ I offer a unique blend of all three skill sets – which means you also get all the help you need to get through the process of getting your book written – faster and easier than you ever thought possible.
Here’s why: No matter how long you’ve been struggling to write your book, or how frustrated you’ve felt – because even though you’re an expert in your professional life – someone who is a life-long learner and used to mastering new skills quickly…your book still isn’t finished.
And that’s why most of my clients are so excited to discover just how quickly things start to happen once we start working together…and they watch their book coming to life before their eyes… Because I understand exactly how to help them figure out the best, most efficient – and easiest way for them to give me what I need to get the book finished. I know how to get rid of writer’s block. Exactly how to create a compelling and complete outline. What other kinds of information, research or background needs to be included – and what can be left out.
You’re probably a very good writer – but as you’ve no doubt discovered, writing a book is a lot different than writing a paper or an article. A book – even a non-fiction book, has to have a certain structure – it needs an ebb and flow, and consistency. But even more than that, underneath the content of the book itself, it must be written so that it connects with the intended reader – it has to tell an interesting story – one that catches their interest and keeps their attention.
And, on a completely different level, your book has to be marketable. Because no matter how well it’s written, if no one buys it, or reads it, what’s the point?
So it’s vital you work with a ghostwriter who understands and has mastered this process of writing.
But then, we face another problem…
You’re a doctor – a busy professional who has multiple demands on your time. (In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if time – or the lack of it – wasn’t one of the major reasons your book hasn’t been finished yet.)
So you want a ghostwriter who can not only be flexible and work around your schedule, but you need someone who maximizes the time you do have to spend working together.
And that’s why choosing a ghostwriter who specializes in working with physicians may be ‘just what the doctor ordered’. (Sorry, couldn’t resist that one…)
Over the years of working with doctors, I’ve developed a system that uses a proven writing method, with a creative structure that’s matched with your preferred way to work and your strengths. Which means you’ll achieve the mindset you need right from the start, and no matter how many interruptions, delays or emergencies happen, you’ll be able to pick up exactly where you left off, and get back on track without losing any of your work along the way.
And I’ll set our working schedule around your timeline, so we continue to make progress.
No other ghostwriter that I know of uses this type of holistic approach to help you become a successful published author.
Too many so-called ‘ghostwriters’ simply don’t have the credentials, experience or ability to back up their promises of being able to sit down and write an entire book. I’ve been working as a writer and ghostwriter for over twenty years. Prior to that, I worked in the nonprofit field writing grants and developing programs for nonprofit organizations across the western United States. I’m also constantly learning, keeping on top of the latest trends and best practices when it comes to writing, book marketing and promotion.
Whether I’m working on writing your book, or having my team doing research into the top books in your topic, gathering demographic information about your target market and what kind of information they’re looking for, we’ll be doing all the heavy lifting for you – in fact, we’ve raised the bar with this one. (In fact, I challenge you to find another ghostwriter who is willing or able to match the gold level services you’ll get from working with me.)
Because while you and I are working on your book, you’ll also be getting priceless competitive intelligence so you’ll know exactly what needs to be done to create the kind platform that ultimately increases your name recognition, strengthens your credibility and positions you as an expert in your field to the people who matter the most – your prospective readers.
You’ll have a list of the right keywords to use, the topics to write about, and the places your target market hangs out – and their most burning questions or biggest problems – so you can start marketing your book before it’s even published, and begin collecting a growing base of fans who are eagerly waiting for the time they’ll be able to actually buy your book and read it for themselves! (This is what ultimately makes your book marketable and increases your chances of ending up on the best-seller list!) We’ll also provide you with information about potential joint venture partners, who will promote your book to their lists… We’ll tell you which citizen journalists, book reviewers and bloggers you might want to connect with. And we’ll even investigate which social media networking sites might be best for you. Your success is my top priority.
There’s a lot more to being a successful, published author than just writing a book. And as your ghostwriting ‘CoMentorSultant’, I walk you through the entire process – including the strategies that will help you achieve the kind of success and recognition that you want and deserve. (Not to mention avoiding the costly and embarrassing mistakes that can kill your chances of success.)
So there you have it. If I’m not the right ghostwriter for you, I wish you all the best! And if you think I am the one you want to work with, send me an email now, so we can set up a free no-obligation consultation, where we can talk about your book, and you becoming a published author.
Do you fit the profile of a ‘doctor who wants to become an author’?
I was asked an interesting question in one of my coaching mastermind groups the other day, and I thought it would be of interest to you, if you’re a doctor wants to become an author.
The question was, “What kind of doctors want to hire a ghostwriter?”
In my experience, they are doctors who:
- Know they have a book inside them, but feel ’stuck’ ‘frustrated’ and like they ‘lack the creativity required to take the book from idea to paper’. In fact, in many cases, after talking with the doctors I’ve had the fun and privilege of working with, I’ve learned that some of that comes from the stress they’re experiencing in their professional lives. Not only are they faced with tight schedules, long hours, and often difficult working conditions… (I’m talking about very rigid rules and regulations in everything from the time they’re allotted to spend with patients, to the demands of patients or staff members, to the tense situations involved in having someone’s life in your hands)… over time, is it any wonder that they feel stifled or like they don’t have a creative bone in their bodies?
- Are at the height of their careers, and look (to the rest of the world) as if they’ve got everything going for them. But in some cases, that’s exactly the problem! Where’s the challenge? The excitement, the struggle to achieve a goal or climb the next mountain – something to test themselves against – just isn’t there anymore, and so they’re left feeling a little… flat.
- Are tired of all the constraints, the feelings of being caged in and of being undervalued. In many cases, they are starting to think about adding a new specialty or make a transition in their careers, and feel like authoring a book would be a great way to do it (and they’re right)…
- Want to find new streams of passive income into their professions, either with new or different services or adding additional products – and who know that being the author of a book gives them additional status and credibility… And that their book can open doors because of the additional publicity and media attention they’ll get, and build the expert status they deserve…
Now it’s also true that some of my clients are a little self-conscious, or embarrassed or a little unsure of how the whole process works when they first get in touch with me. But that’s perfectly normal – it’s always a little unsettling to go into uncharted territory for the first time.
And that’s one of the reasons my clients appreciate my strict rules about confidentiality and protecting their privacy.
And usually about halfway into our first phone interview, I can feel them start to relax – especially when they’re able to ask questions about my process of working with them on their book, and learn that I work my schedule around theirs… or when they find out that there are several different methods we can use when we start putting the book together – and that they get to choose the method they’re the most comfortable with.
They’re usually relieved to find out that, thanks to my proprietary and proven approach to ghostwriting, they will have a completed, ready to go manuscript within three to six months, that’s been designed to work around their often hectic and unpredictable schedules…
Isn’t it time for you to join these doctors who have gone from feeling stuck and frustrated to experiencing the satisfaction, excitement and joy of personal and professional achievement? If you’re ready to become an author of your own book, and you’ve decided to make it happen in 2010, then give me a call… and let’s see if we can work together to make your book a reality.
Are you making these mistakes in your media release?
This article is about the biggest mistakes people make when writing a media release. Since being able to write effective media releases is an important part of any writer or author’s marketing and publicity campaign, you need to know what to do – and what NOT to do.
There are some people who try to make it seem like writing a media release is somehow a “big secret” – or they’ll try to tell you that you need to hire a professional to put together a good publicity campaign. And that’s just not true.
On the other hand, just like any other type of professional writing, there is a structure and strategy to writing media releases – and if you don’t know them, you can wind up making some big mistakes. And again, that’s the point of this article!
So let me ask you something:
- Does the thought of writing a media release (also known as a “press release” or “news release”) to promote yourself or your writing business make your mouth dry, your stomach turn over and your hands shake?
- Are you worried about how to do it, what to say or who to send it to?
- Do you wish the floor would just open up and swallow you whole rather than try to promote yourself and your writing business?
Well, then stay tuned, because that’s why I’m writing this next series of articles for you. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll understand exactly what to do, how to do it and why – in short, you’ll come across as the consummate professional – and increase your chances of getting publicized.
Let’s get started by talking about the biggest mistakes that people make when writing a media release – because if you’re making them too, I can pretty much guarantee your media release is going to be thrown in the trash can and won’t even be read!
Biggest Mistake #1: When you’re writing a Media Release, don’t call it a “press release” or the media will know you’re a novice, and chances are, they’ll drop it in the trash can without even reading it. You can call it a “Media Release” or a “News Release” if you want. Press Release was the term used by the media before the internet got involved. Now that “electronic” media is used these days, you need to know – and use – the proper lingo.
Biggest Mistake #2: Use mixed case. NEVER SUBMIT A MEDIA RELEASE IN ALL UPPER CASE LETTERS. As you can see, it’s much more difficult to read that way, and as we know from writing on the Web, writing anything in uppercase letters is the electronic equivalent of screaming at your reader.
Also, make sure you always follow the rules of grammar and style. Errors in grammar and style affect your credibility. Excessive errors will cause your media release to be rejected. If you’re not sure what style a particular media source uses, you’ll want to get familiar with it before submitting your media release.
With a little online research you can find out everything you need to know before you send your next media release. You can also find stylebooks at your local library, bookstore or Amazon. For example, the Associated Press Style Book is updated every year. http://www.apstylebook.com/ and it’s used in most journalism and adult writing courses.
Biggest Mistake #3: Don’t add html language or links in your media release. Most of the time, online distribution services don’t allow links (except in the resource box, of course.) Which means if you include them, your media release is going right into the trash can, not the distribution list. Also, if the service does allow links, only put links that are relevant and give the reader valuable information. (See the link I gave you in in Mistake #2?) Remember – your media release is NOT a sales letter.
Biggest Mistake #4: Not putting enough information in your news release. If you can say everything you need to say in only a few sentences, then chances are you don’t have a newsworthy story. (*Note: You may hear that your news release should “never” be more than one page long.) I have found that a media release should be as long as it takes in order for you to tell your story. So if that means one and a-half or two pages, then that’s how long it should be. Do your best to keep it short and sweet, but don’t take out important information just to make it fit on one page.
Include a summary paragraph for online submissions. Some online news services request that you include a one-or-two line summary of your press release. This is because some distribution points only receive your headline, summary and a link to your media release. Which means, when you’re submitting to online services, not including the summary paragraph may reduce the effectiveness of your media release. (On the other hand, a summary paragraph usually isn’t necessary with print, television or radio media.)
Biggest Mistake #5: Not formatting your media release in the right way. Like everything else, there are “industry standards” when it comes to writing – and even submitting – your media release.
If you’re not sure what the industry standards for a media release are, then stay tuned for tomorrow’s post, because I’m going to go through them all for you.
Professional Ghostwriter vs. Freelance Writers
Are you a doctor who wants to write a book, but you’ve decided you need a ghostwriter to help you organize your manuscript and get the writing done?
Maybe you’ve started your book, but don’t have the time to devote to it that’s needed… Or you’re not confident of your writing skills…Or you don’t really know the process involved in created a full-length manuscript. Or you find yourself constantly second-guessing yourself and rewriting what you’ve already written… (These are all real and valid reasons why other doctors have hired professional ghostwriters to help them get their books written.)
Are you starting to look around to get a feel for who’s who and what’s what – and you’re beginning to realize that finding the right ghostwriter for your project is more complicated than you thought?
Perhaps you’ve got questions about the difference between a professional ghostwriter and a freelance ghostwriter or writer?
If that’s the case, then I hope you’ll find this article both interesting and informative, because I’m going to give you my definitions of the terms, and talk about the differences, and also walk you through the process of finding the right ghostwriter for your book.
In this corner, we have the professional ghostwriters… And in that corner, we have freelance writers… Which one is right for you?
It doesn’t need to come to a knockdown, dragged-out fight to figure it out, or even to decide when you need a freelance writer and when you want the services of a professional ghostwriter.
My definition of “freelance writers”
A freelance writer is a writer for hire… And like other professions, there are many different rungs on the ladder of success and professionalism. So when you’re talking about a freelance writer, you may be talking about someone who is just starting out, all the way up to someone who is a professional, published writer with vast experience and expertise.
Freelance writers may write articles, blog posts, special reports, white papers and other marketing or sales materials. They may or may not have had any professional writing training. And they’re often what you might call a commodity product – because many freelance writers today – especially those who are just starting out and trying to find clients – are often caught in a bidding war for projects. You can go to freelance writing for hire sites such as ‘elance’, ‘guru.com’, ‘rent-a-coder’, and ‘o-desk’ to see what I mean. Basically, these sites are set up for providers (that’s the writer) to bid on projects listed by clients (that’s you).
In other words, if you go to one of those sites, create an account and write out a project description – sometimes within minutes you’ll have a gaggle of freelance writers bidding on your project – often for pennies on the dollar.
More often than not these days, you’ll find the freelancers who respond and bid on your project are from developing countries, and English may or may not be their first language. They also maybe be just starting out and have very little or no experience writing. (They’ve bought into the idea that anyone can be a writer, and that writing is a lucrative field to go into and an easy ‘online business’ to start.) And by the way, I’m not knocking this – as a business owner, I have some fabulous outsourcers who work with me on Website design, transcription, promotion and VA work and I couldn’t imagine running my business without them – they’re valued members of my team, who allow me to focus on the writing side of my business and working with my clients. After all, everyone has to start somewhere, and there is definitely a market for this type of freelance writer’s work. But writing articles or blog posts, or even special reports is very different from writing an entire book…
Now, let’s talk about Professional ghostwriters…
My Definition of a ‘Professional Ghostwriter’
A professional ghostwriter is someone who has moved beyond the bottom rung of the ‘freelance’ stage. although they still work for themselves, may be the owner of their own business or work as part of a team of different writers and as such, do not become your employee. (This is important for tax and IRS purposes).
Probably one of the biggest differences between many freelance writers and professional ghostwriters is that professional ghostwriters have set fees, and provide professional services designed to help their clients achieve their goals and protect their rights – including nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements. The work they do is EXCLUSIVE to you – you receive all copyrights to the work, and you have the security of knowing it won’t be repurposed, sold again or rewritten for other clients at a later date.
In addition to being excellent writers, professional ghostwriters also have real writing experience under their belts, either being published authors themselves, or having written manuscripts for clients that were then published. And most of the time, when we’re talking about professional ghostwriters, they write books. (Although you can find professional ghostwriters who specialize in other areas such as copywriting and writing marketing or promotional materials, such as speeches or video scripts for their clients’ companies.)
Another difference between a professional ghostwriter and a freelance writer
A good professional ghostwriter may only accept a limited number of clients a year, in order to be able to focus on the project at hand, and give it the full attention it deserves. And because their services are highly prized, you may need to plan ahead in order to hire the one you want, because chances are, they’re booked ahead. (For myself, my policy is to only work on one ghostwriting project at a time, and depending on my clients’ needs, type of book and the project scope, I only accept two or three ghostwriting projects a year.)
Freelance writers on the other hand, may accept 3 or more clients at a time, and attempt to work on all the projects at the same time. For many of these writers, their main concern is getting you to sign a contract, and start paying them. (So obviously, an important question to ask prospective ghostwriters is how many projects they work on at one time. If this is an issue for you and you’re concerned about the quality of the work being done, you might want to make sure that they are only writing your book during the term of your contract.)
Another way you can tell you’re dealing with a professional ghostwriter and not a freelancer is that most professionals will specialize – either in the type of writing they do, or in a particular niche or genre of books. So for example, you might find a professional ghostwriter who only writes fiction novels for their clients, or only writes science fiction or romance or thrillers. Or you might find professional ghostwriters who only write non-fiction, or specialize in the health and wellness markets, or self-help, or business-to-business. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t have the skills to write other types of books – most professional ghostwriters have the ability to write about many different topics and in different genres. They simply choose the ones they prefer and enjoy the most. So if you find a professional ghostwriter whose work you admire but your book project is in a different genre, by all means get in touch with them and ask them if they take on your type of project.
A professional ghostwriter is usually invisible – their client is the one whose name will be listed as author, although not always. in some cases, the ghostwriter is acknowledged for their work, either through a ‘as told to’ or ‘with’ listed either on the cover or in the acknowledgments somewhere. (This happens more often when the ghostwriter is considered a celebrity in their own right or is hired by the publisher, because it’s felt that the marketability of the book may be enhanced by having the writer’s name on the book as well as the author.) In some cases, it depends on the genre of the book as well and the ethics involved.
And these days, especially for celebrities, politicians and business moguls, it’s become something of a status symbol to openly acknowledge that they used the services of a professional ghostwriter for their book, because it shows that they were too busy to write it themselves – and could afford to hire a ghost.
If you’d like to know more about how to find, hire and work with a ghostwriter, please check out my squidoo page. And if you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me.
Should doctors write e-books?
Should doctors write ebooks? This is a question I get asked a lot – and sometimes people think it’s a question of writing one or the other – an ebook or a print book. I think the answer depends on your ultimate goals, the subject matter (of both your book or book idea and the ebook) and your reasons for wanting to write an ebook.
Ebook readers are growing in popularity
These days, with ebook readers becoming so popular, I think every author should look at ebooks again, even if they turned their backs on them before. And ebooks give authors the opportunity of re-purposing or reviving previously written material…
Ebooks can add add passive streams of income to your writing business
I believe ebook marketing can not only give you an additional stream of passive income (maybe not enough to make the payments on that jag you’ve been eyeing… but perhaps enough to put gas in it every month…)
But even more than that, I think writing an ebook is also a good marketing strategy.
And here’s how writing ebooks can hep you sell more books, build your credibility and add to your expertise in your market…
Let’s say you’re writing a book for parents about common illnesses for baby’s first year, and how to tell if it’s serious enough to call your doctor in the middle of the night…
When my first son was about 8 months old, he got a high fever in the middle of the night, and his screams woke us up. I was petrified – and back in those days, the internet wasn’t the font of information it is now. I called the doctor and he sent us t the emergency room … Which, as it turned out, wasn’t necessary. (Although it was worth the $255 to find out he was going to be just fine.)
Should that happen now, today’s new mother is probably going to get online and Google something like, “Why does my infant have a high fever?” or “Should I call the doctor if my baby’s fever is 104.0″ – and lets say the top two answers are in books written by doctors… Only one is on Amazon.com and the other one is an ebook that can be ordered online and downloaded immediately… Obviously she’s not going to want to wait for Amazon to deliver the answer.
She’s going to order the ebook and get an instant answer to her problem.
And that’s where ebooks offer such an interesting addition to your marketing method. Because you can mention your printed book in your ebook – even give her a link to order it from Amazon… Or you can give her a link to your Website, to sign up for your newsletter. Or to your online catalog page, where you offer other ebooks, printed books or additional products for sale.
And that’s just the beginning… Why not add a “tell a friend” button, or invite her to let people know about your ebook through twitter, facebook, or one of the many other social networking sites available today?
Here’s something you want to pay close attention to though – make sure your ebook is formatted correctly, and that it’s written for the Web – which requires a different set of rules than writing for print. Make sure it’s easy to read, that the paragraphs – and the length of the book itself – are short. Make it interesting and full of valuable information. And don’t forget to promote your Website, your other books, etc. in every ebook you write…
Got Writer’s Block? Here’s Why…
Do you have writer’s block? It usually starts out something like this… You have a brilliant idea, something you know needs to be in your book… So you sit down in front of your computer, start writing… and suddenly your mind goes blank. And you sit there, trying to figure out how to say what what you wanted to say… Blink… Blink… Blink… (is your cursor mocking you?)
Here’s what’s wrong… you’re intellectualizing. Good writing comes from passion – which I know you have. So that’s where you need to start. Focus on your passion. Don’t worry about getting every word just right.
Having writer’s block is another reason why many of my ghostwriting clients are doctors. Because your best writing is going to come from your gut – from your passion about your subject and your desire to write the best possible book… And that’s where we start. But after that, the actually sitting at the keyboard and writing each and every chapter requires a writing system – in fact, having a writing system is absolutely critical to your becoming a published author – and one day not so long from now, holding your book in your hands, seeing your name in print, and your photo on the back cover.
When we start working on your book together, I will help you take your ideas, your passion for your subject and your earnest desire to create something meaningful – and get it out of your head and into a marketable manuscript.
The Top 5 Reasons Doctors Become Authors
Why do doctors want to write books? Why do doctors want to become authors? (As I’m writing this, there’s a song running through my head – maybe you remember it – “Girls just want to have fun…” Doctors just want be authors… okay, doesn’t quite fit, but it’s close…)
In my experience, doctors are actually very good writers. They may not have majored in English, and maybe their handwriting leaves a lot to be desired… but in general, they can write. They are very good at storytelling. Maybe it’s because they listen to so many stories, you know? Day in and day out, when they’re treating patients, they ask questions like, “So what seems to be the trouble today?” or, “How have you been feeling?” or, “So tell me about what’s been going on in your life…” and we know they’re not the polite questions we get asked in society – the “Hi! How are you?” kind of questions that we know we’re supposed to respond with “Fine, thanks! How are you?” No, with these questions, we get to respond – to tell the truth – to tell our story… And they listen.
So maybe that has something to do with it. In any case, here are the top 5 reasons my clients have told me why they wanted to be authors… (And these are in no particular order…)
1. Because it’s fun. Okay, there’s the reason for the song… But seriously, writing is fun. (Well, maybe not all the time – like any other profession, there are always certain parts that certain people don’t like. Things that come to mind are: editing – well, re-editing, writer’s block, and trying to keep the flow going.) But it is a lot of fun, especially as you see the chapters coming together and the story taking shape. And you can add rewarding, enjoyable and maybe even therapeutic to write…
2. Because they want to share information, knowledge or experience. Most of the doctors I’ve been privileged to work with have a keen insight into the human condition. They have a gift for finding a clever way to express themselves, and blend humor, sarcasm, compassion, joy and sorry with equal ability, and they can help people with what they have to say.
3. Because they want (or need) an outlet for their creativity. Being a doctor is darn hard under the best of conditions. And let’s face it, these days aren’t the best of conditions. There are so many regulations, rules and rigidity in medicine. Writing offers that creative outlet that is so missing in their lives.
4. Because they want a little fame and notoriety. And really, who doesn’t? I think most writers and authors dream of someday having their book on the New York Times Bestseller list, and being able to enjoy the perks of celebrityhood. (Celebritiness?) There’s nothing wrong with dreaming a little – and hey, it’s been known to happen!
5. To become known as an expert in their field. Sometimes this is about fame and fortune, but in the case of my clients, many of them have dreams or a plan to branch out from what they’re currently doing. Sometimes it means starting a practice in a complementary field, or to start something new. Being the author of your own published book is a great way to get things off the ground quickly and successfully.
If you’re a doctor who wants to write a book and you’ve got questions about hiring a ghostwriter, you might want to check out my article “The 3 Biggest Reasons Doctors Hire Ghostwriters“.
The 3 Biggest Reasons Doctors Hire Ghostwriters
It’s not about the money.
After all, as a doctor, you make a comfortable living, (even if you’re not as rich as your patients and neighbors and non-medical friends think you are)…
No, the first problem is, you work long hours – longer than most people probably realize. And it’s hard work. There’s a lot to keep on top of, every single day. Different patients, different diseases, different tests, different diagnoses.
And it’s stressful. After all, you’ve often got someone’s life in your hands, and you have to make the kinds of decisions other people shy away from. Not to mention the threat of malpractice suits hanging over your head… And all the paperwork and red tape and regulations you have to deal with.
Still, the Number One reason doctors hire ghostwriters is that they’re like any other budding author – they’ve got a story they want to share with the world.
And they hire a ghostwriter because one of the biggest problems doctor/authors have with actually sitting down at their desks and writing their books… is being able to find the time every single day to work on it. (We’re talking about hundreds of pages – and hundreds of thousands of words.)
Not to mention all the background research and fact checking and sourcing that has to be done…
Plus writing the book in an easy-to-understand format that engages the reader and makes them want to read the book enough that they pull out their wallets and buy it. (And then love it enough to recommend it to everyone they know!)
That’s a lot of pressure, especially if it’s your first book.
Here’s another barrier doctor-authors often run into… And it’s also the Second Reason doctors hire ghostwriters:
Among some agents and editors, doctor-authors have gotten a bad rep. And if you’re a first-time writer, having that MD behind your name doesn’t always mean your manuscript will be welcomed with open arms.
In fact, it might even stand in your way – unless it’s known you’re working with a ghostwriter. (Because ghostwriters are professional writers who understand the writing process, and who know what it takes to create an entire book – not just two or three sample chapters. They know how to take your idea and polish it, and turn it into a book that your target audience wants to read…) Which may actually give you an edge.
And here’s the third reason doctors hire ghostwriters…
Doctors hire ghostwriters because they discover writing a book isn’t like learning how to play chess or improving your golf game. You can’t just read a few “how to write a book” books, look over some publisher’s guidelines, whip up two or three sample chapters and assume you’ll end up with a 300 page masterpiece that will have agents and publishers lining up around the block to represent you.
In fact, for many doctor/writers who got far enough along in the process to actually write those couple of chapters and maybe a book proposal and sent it to a publishing house… Getting that first rejection letter came as a pretty rude awakening. (Of course, many doctors don’t even get that far… for the reasons we’ve already talked about above.)
However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves – because before you can submit a manuscript to an agent or a publishing house, you have to actually write the book.
And sitting down and writing an entire book from start to finish is hard work too.
But the truth is, it’s damn hard to get published. Studies have shown that more than 75% of all manuscripts are rejected. (And that’s not even looking at what’s going on in the publishing industry right now because of the economy, the fact that more people are reading more and more books online, or the rising tide of authors who self-publish their books.)
In fact, when they finally came to me, some of my past clients were understandably angry and frustrated by the whole traditional publishing route where you have to have an agent to get your book published, but many agents won’t take you on as a client unless you’re a published author… More than one doctor felt like he was in the middle of a big conspiracy, that that it must not be what you know, but ‘who’ that counts.
And another client in particular, a well-known doctor who advocates for simple lifestyle changes to reduce stress and the risk of many diseases, felt like she was fighting against the “good old boys” club all over again to get her book published and out to the people she was trying to reach.
The point is, if you’re a doctor who wants to become a published author, because of who you are and what you do, you might be up against several road blocks to keep you from achieving your goal.
But the good news is, none of the barriers have to stop you from some day seeing your name in print, and having your photo on the back cover of your very own book.
You can do it. You can become a published author. And hiring a ghostwriter might be ‘just what the doctor ordered’, to make the whole procedure practically painless.
How to Outine Your Book Idea
When you’re putting together the information your ghostwriter is going to need, one of the most important pieces of the project is your book outline. Your ghostwriter will use your outline to make sure your book comes together the way you picture it – but an outline has many other uses as well. Think of the outline as the roadmap of your book.
The outline can help you see the “big picture” and it can organize the smaller details into a cohesive unit as well.
Is there a “right way” to do a book outline?
The truth is, there is no “ONE” right way. One of the most important tips I give my clients if they haven’t already outlined their book, is to do it in a way that makes them feel comfortable and helps them stay organized, and that makes sense to them.
Here are some of the most common ways to outline your book:
1. One way is to use the method you were probably taught in high-school English… Grab a bunch of index cards, write one topic (chapter or idea) on each card. Once you’ve written everything down you think you want to include, lay the cards out on your dining room table, and start moving them around until you get them in the order you like best – and then transer that to an outline form on a word document.
2. Use a legal pad and create a list of topics or chapters. After you’ve got your list made, go through them and number the in the order you think the chapters make the most sense. (Use a pencil for this part, so you can erase as you need to.) Again, when you’re happy with it, create a list in a word document.
3. Use a mind map. Mind maps are usually software programs – and they range in price from being very expensive to being free. Some also have more of a learning curve than others, but once you’ve learned how to use them – if you like the way they work, you’ll never want to use another method.
My personal favorite is the mind map. And I like a free version called “free mind” – for a few reasons. First of all, it’s free. Secondly, the learnng curve is almost nonexistent. Most people can figure out the basics in about 20 minutes. And thirdly, it works on both PCs and Macs, so no matter which type of computer my clients have, we can use it.
The process for creating your outline
- Start with an overview. This isn’t part of the outline itself, per say. Think of it as the ‘big picture’. Give a brief description of what your book is about and who the target audience is.
- Then create a list of broad topics or sections. For example, if you were writing a book about diet and exercise, you might want to think about things like: Diet, Healthy eating habits, Recipes, Exercise, Diseases, What to talk to your doctor about, etc.
- Next, create a short list of narrower topics that could go under each section. So for example, under exercise you might want to include: cardio, stretching, walking, water aerobics, etc.
- Once your outline is fleshed out, you can start adding in ideas for graphics, charts, tips, lists of symptoms, or whatever else will make your book more interesting and useful to the reader.
A finished outline is the first big step in turning your idea for a book into reality. And as you can see, it’s not that difficult to do if you understand the process.
But if you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comment section and I’ll be happy to answer them for you!
Books I Wish Doctors Would Write
Maybe you’re ready to write a book, but you’re not sure exactly what topic you want to write about? Here is a short list of books I wish doctors would write… These are topics that have a high potential for success. Some of the subjects are more evergreen than others, but even the ones that focus on what’s going on now are commercially viable simply because “inquiring minds want to know…”
Maybe you want to reach people who are struggling with a particular health problem – such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, etc. – what if you could share the stories of people who were struggling – just like the readers might be – and let them see that there were people like them who had the courage and the determination to make it through the problems… Books like these give people hope and can even help motivate them…
Or perhaps you want to share your practical expertise – so you could reach people who are living lives of quiet desperation as they struggle with diseases that could be prevented, or at least have their current symptoms diminished, by following your advice about lifestyle changes… These kind of books not only help build your reputation as an expert in your field, they also give people a road map to help them create a better, healthier lifestyle…
If your practice is related to babies, the birthing process, the challenges and joys of raising children, childhood diseases and illnesses – chances are you’ll find a hungry audience of parents and grandparents… Books like this are a prescription to prevent sleepless nights, walking the floor in worry and ease the stress felt thanks to your guidance…
And what better time than now to write about the state of health-care in general, and the things people can do to take responsibility for their overall health and well-being… plus help them understand what they need to know to get the best medical care possible… A timely book on this topic could catapult you to the top of media lists as an expert analyst. And think of the people who will learn how to get access to the best health care available…
Do you treat baby boomers? Again, there is a hungry audience just waiting to hang on your every word, in areas such as longevity, quality of life, general healthcare, and even alternative medicine and treatments – and what to watch out for… People are living longer, so why shouldn’t they live better? Doctor authors of these types of books can become celebrities in their own rights – with the potential for syndicated radio shows or newspaper columns… Not to mention make the rounds of the talk show circuit, public speaking engagements, etc.
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