[You Don't Have to Write it Yourself]

I recently spoke with an emerging author who asked, "What is ghostwriting and what do ghostwriters do?" Since I have had the pleasure of being and working with ghostwriters for years now, I thought it might be interesting to share a few insights about the process and why it adds value to you as an author.A ghostwriter is essentially the one who is writing the words that articulate your ideas, your thoughts, and your expressions. But the ghostwriter is the one to put it on paper. They don't take credit in public view like the cover of the book, they are not receiving a royalty, nor fame and glory; they don't even get a byline (unless they negotiate other terms like "with" credit or cover credit).Why would a ghost write your book without taking credit? Because they're already being paid for the work. And because it allows others to express themselves and share their messages with the world when they otherwise don't have either the time, the inclination, the capacity, or the capability to get that done.Working with a ghost...Here's a bare bones look at one possibility:* Identify a great ghost and see if you feel comfortable entering into a long-term business relationship with them (averaging six-to-twelve months).* Hopefully your ghost will work with you to identify who your ideal reader is, what your target market is, what your book vision is, and what your publishing goals are, so that they can be really clear what it is that you're trying to create in the world.* Negotiate your contract terms and payment. It could be upfront; 50% down, balance on completion; monthly retainer payments; a certain amount per 20 or 50 pages; or some combination. Expect to pay at least five figures for a good ghostwriter.* Develop and agree on a strong outline to work from.* Meet for ninety minutes or so per chapter to talk about what readers should learn from the book. Schedule meetings across several months to accommodate your schedule and to allow the ghost to write between meetings. (Note: Sometimes, you might agree to bang out all the interviews at the beginning because you happen to have time, so the writer will stretch out the writing portion as needed.)* The writer may transcribe the audio recording and use both audio and transcription to write your book. (They may also use your materials or do further research.) The benefit is: you don't have to sit down and crank out 50,000 words! You can be out there making money, growing your business, doing media interviews, and planning your book launch.* The ghost will submit a draft of your manuscript for at least one round of review. Then prepare it for the remainder of the publishing process (including working with your publisher, if necessary).Find the right fitFind a ghostwriter who writes in your area of interest. As an MBA and former business consultant, I add a lot of value to my business clients. Not only do I know how to write, I understand the concepts, and I have taught business courses at universities. It allows me to help my authors to step up their game. The same is true on many other topics as well, like personal development, self-help, and prescriptive nonfiction.Know also that ghostwriters are professionals and can research and write about a number of topics, so if you like them and their work, but they haven't specifically written about the nuance that you present, they can likely pull it off.Remember that hiring a ghostwriter is a business relationship that will last for several months. Budget for it, plan to work together, and be prepared to do your part to make it a winning combination.It's all on youYou have the choice to hire a ghostwriter, but what they produce for you belongs to you. It is your creation that they are helping you to put down on paper. You own the copyright to the work unless you contract otherwise.