Ghostwriting

[ Book Proposals - Book Doctoring ]
There's nothing unethical about hiring a ghost. It's common among celebrities, CEOs and media figures. Everybody's doing it. You want to be one of the cool kids, don't you?
“You know, I’ve always wanted to write a book.”
I hear that so often that it's become an inside joke between me and my wife. But it's true: people dream for years about writing a book. Some are top-flight professionals or entrepreneurs looking to brand themselves as experts in their fields. Some are speakers or coaches looking to increase their visibility and credibility. Some just have a life story that they’re dying to share. But most will never write their books because they lack the skill, knowledge and time.
That’s where I step in. As a ghostwriter, I learn about your ideas, story, vision and goals. I help you develop your book’s concept and structure. Then, using extensive interviews with you, your past writings and my own research, I write the book you’ve always wanted in a voice that reflects your vision, not mine. It’s my job to disappear so that you can shine.
One important thing to note: I'm not here to take dictation, but to make your ideas better so your final result is stellar. That means I might challenge your core concept, suggest key ideas that provoke and challenge, or take you somewhere that you're not entirely comfortable with. That's my job.
The Process
-
We talk. We get to know each other. I learn your story, goals, ideas and voice.
-
If we click, we sign a contract and get started.
-
We brainstorm about your book's structure, concept, content and audience. I suggest lots of ideas and give you a rough initial outline.
-
We refine and revise that outline until we have a blueprint for interviews.
-
We talk through your entire book over several days of in-person recorded interviews.
-
We very possibly kill a few bottles of beer or wine in the process.
-
I use the transcribed interviews to produce a first draft, adding research, interviews, stories, and some of my own ideas.
-
We revise, polish and voila—a finished manuscript ready for publication.
That process has helped me land books with major commercial and academic imprints like Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, Random House, Wiley & Sons, Hay House, and MIT Press. It really works and makes the process easy and enjoyable for even the busiest aspiring author.
Who should hire a ghostwriter?
-
Corporate executives, entrepreneurs and businesspeople who want to tell the story of their company’s success or their own.
-
Healthcare professionals, attorneys, financial advisors and other professionals who want to elevate their status and/or establish a branded product or system they can turn into income.
-
Speakers, coaches and consultants who want to increase their bookings, turn their ideas into seminars and boost their fees.
-
Celebrities and athletes who want to leverage their visibility.
-
People with fascinating personal stories who want to become speakers, coaches, or media personalities.
-
Anyone who thinks their story can make a positive difference.
Q: How much does ghostwriting cost?
A: I charge $60,000 to $80,000 for a full-length nonfiction book, depending on its length and complexity. If the book has a publisher, I get 30% of the advance and 30% of the royalties instead.
Q: What genres have you written in?
A: A lot. Memoir, business, faith, technology, health, finance, advice, outdoor adventure, humor.
Q: How long does it take to write a book?
A: It varies, but 4-8 months is common.
Q: Do you get credit?
A: Sometimes I get a "with Tim Vandehey" credit. It depends on what we negotiate.
Q: Do you own any rights to my book?
A: No. Ghosting is "work for hire." I own nothing. The copyright belongs entirely to you.
Q: Do you help with finding an agent or publisher?
A: I can put out feelers in the publishing world, but I can't guarantee anything.
Q: Can you help with marketing?
A: I can offer a lot of advice, tips, and resources, yes. There are some companies offering valuable marketing services to authors...and a lot more that overpromise and just take your money. Ask me for advice before committing.
I
was wondering...