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.

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“.