Who You Gonna Call? A Ghostwriter!

Eva Shaw, author of “Ghostwriting: How to Get Into the Business” beautifully sums up the heart of  being a ghostwriter:

“You put your ego aside to perform an invaluable service, write brilliant words, produce wonderful copy, and work harder than anyone believes is humanly possible.”

Yep, that pretty much describes every ghostwriting assignment I’ve ever had but I’d also add—the hard work is totally worth it. And, ghostwriting isn’t just reserved for those of us who write nonfiction for adults; children’s writers are often called upon to ghostwrite for celebrities, politicians, TV personalities, and even ministers of megachurches.

To date, I’ve ghostwritten over 25 books for adults and six children’s books, and I will probably do more as time allows. In case you’re interested in the possibility of ghosting in the future, here’s some vital information to get you started.

The 411 on Ghostwriting

*Definition: Ghostwriters are behind-the-scenes writers. Unnoticeable. Usually unnamed, though you can sometimes get a “with” on the cover if negotiated in the contract. And, ordinarily, well paid. Yay! (For more information about what fees to charge, visit this informative article: ghostwriting-advice-what-to-charge/)

*Duties: A ghostwriter writes on an assigned topic, under someone else’s name, with that person’s consent and input. Some of the clients I’ve worked with are very involved—talking through every line of the manuscript—and others, not so much. Each client is different, and every assignment is a challenge.

Why so challenging, you ask? Well, if you’re like me, you’ve worked very hard your entire career to find your voice. In ghostwriting, you are asked to lose your voice and find the client’s voice. You have to wear an entirely different hat.

*Process: So, how do you get the story? Sometimes you work from transcripts of recorded talks/interviews with your client. Other times, you’ll be working from interviews you’ll be conducting. Still, other times you’ll get very little direction, and you’ll simply have to come up with text that sounds like your client. If your client has spoken in public a lot, take time to listen to those recordings. Listen to the way he/she phrases things and the cadence and pacing of his/her storytelling. Are there certain expressions or phrases your client uses often? Your goal is to write totally in your client’s voice so when someone picks up that book—even if it’s a short children’s book—people who know your client will say, “Wow, that sounds just like (insert name of client).”

Marketing Yourself As A Ghostwriter

Get a Website:Develop a website that tells what services you offer, comments from satisfied clients (you can use first names only), your bio, etc. Or, simply add a dropdown ghostwriting menu on your existing website.  

Get a Brochure: Vistaprint.com is a very inexpensive way to put together a professional-looking brochure that touts your writing skills and ghostwriting services. Carry the brochures with you because you never know when or where you’ll encounter your next ghostwriting client.

Talk it Up: When you’re at conferences, let publishers and agents know you offer ghostwriting services specializing in nonfiction/fiction children’s articles and books. Because I do this, I’ve had more than one agent contact me with high-profile clients in need of a ghost.

Also, talk it up on social media and list it under your skills on LinkedIn. You might even consider advertising yourself on www.upwork.com as a ghostwriter for children’s projects.

Join a Ghostwriters National Association/Group:  such as associationofghostwriters.org  This is just one of several associations/groups geared specifically for ghostwriters.

Ghostwriting is quite lucrative, so if you’re not married to that coveted cover credit, go for it! It’s a great way to make money, meet some very interesting people, and tell some amazing stories—even if they aren’t your own. It’s truly an honor to help others share the stories that God has put on their hearts.

To learn more about ghostwriting as a business, read this: priceonomics.com/the-ghostwriting-business/ and to discover some books that were ghostwritten that you probably never knew had a ghost, read this: ghostwritten-books/

Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author of over 90 books with close to 4 million sold. Her many journalism and book awards include top honors from the Associated Press, AWSA’s Golden Scroll for Best Children’s Book, and the Selah Award for Best Children’s Book. Michelle currently serves as President of Platinum Literary Services, a premier full-service literary firm; Chairman of the Board of Advisors for Serious Writer, Inc.; and a much sought-after speaker at writers conferences and women’s retreats all over the United States.  

When not writing or teaching writing, Michelle enjoys bass fishing and cheering on the Indiana University Basketball team, the Chicago Cubbies, and the LA Kings.