The Penn Group: Working With a Ghostwriter

PRLog (Press Release) – Mar 06, 2008 – Even though your ghostwriter is invisible to your reader, to you, she will become a very large presence during the process of writing your book, especially in the beginning. You want to make your intentions and the minutiae of your idea crystal clear before giving her the reigns to write. Here’s how:

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

It’s the basis of every relationship and your relationship with your ghostwriter is no different. Get your project off to a good start by having a long phone conversation with your ghostwriter. Allow her to ask questions and feel free to ask questions as well. Take notes on what was said so that you may more easily follow up.

And do follow up. Answer emails from your ghostwriter in a timely manner. Schedule a weekly or bi-weekly phone conversation so that the two of you can discuss what has been written and the direction that the project is taking. It is far better to stop potential problems before they begin than wait until the project is completed. Leave at least an hour for these conversations as they are crucial to the success of your work. This is especially true for larger projects.

Hand It Over

And that means everything. Organize all the notes you’ve made, any drafts you have, your ideas and hopes for the final product as well as scope, style, length, format, voice, and chronology that you envision. You are responsible for as much of the research as possible, as well as any interviews that may be necessary. This is your project and you are running it. Your ghostwriter can’t write what you want her to without the proper information.

On the other hand, your ghostwriter is a professional researcher and writer. She may have better access to information banks or understand the ins and outs of discovering the most up to date or accurate information. You may have no interest in details. The level of involvement and your expectations of your ghostwriter should be discussed up front. Should you change your mind and want more or less involvement in the procurement of content, be up front about it and vocalize your desires as soon as possible. Waiting will only push back the finish date.

Trust Your Ghostwriter

You have spent years thinking about your project, planning it, and attempting to take it on and execute it alone. Making the choice to hire a ghostwriter was the right one. Trust yourself. Trust your ghostwriter. Let her do the writing. She’s a professional. Consider her suggestions carefully before accepting them or rejecting them. Trusting blindly is just as dangerous as not trusting enough.

You are on the final leg of your journey. Your destination is in sight. Relax and let the ghostwriter do what you are paying her to do. Rest assured that the project will not be finished until you are satisfied that it is the best it can be. Soon this project will just be another item on your resume and you and your ghostwriter will be off and running on your next project!