How I Work with Clients
Ghostwriting
You have an idea for a book, a compelling story to tell, or a book idea to help promote your business, but you don't have the time or the skills to create a quality book. As your ghostwriter, I will develop, write, and edit your book, based on interviews with you, written materials you supply, and my own research. I will stay true to your voice, but also bring out the best in your material. Whether you intend to self-publish or submit to a traditional publisher, I will work with you to create a book you can be proud of. I will also assist you with query letters and book proposals. Although your book is ghostwritten, you are the author of record, not the ghostwriter. When the book is finished, the entire work is your property and all copyrights belong to you.
Most ghostwriting agencies are very expensive. By working with me directly, the cost to you will be substantially lower.
How Ghostwriting Works
When you have agreed to hire me as your ghostwriter, you will send me all materials related to your story, such as rough drafts, notes, research material, transcripts, tape recordings, lecture notes, or other material that will enable me to get an overview of your project. I will review the materials, organize it, and develop a draft book outline or table of contents. Once you approve the outline, I begin ghostwriting the book. You will receive a draft copy of each chapter or section as it is completed. You will give your comments and changes via e-mail and we will make revisions. In addition, I will probably interview you at length to develop and deepen your story. Once all the chapters are finished, you will receive the entire manuscript as a Word document for your review and approval.
In general, ghostwriting a book takes between three and six months, depending on the size of the manuscript. Although it's possible to meet with you in person, a successful ghostwriting project doesn't require it. I've done ghostwriting for many clients I've never met in person.
Developmental book editing
You have an idea for a book, but nothing written. Or your manuscript is partially written and you need assistance in bringing it to completion. Or you've completed a manuscript but are uncertain about how it reads. If this is your situation, I will guide you in completing your book. This differs from ghostwriting in that you do the writing with my direction and assistance. No matter what stage you're at, I will help you develop your manuscript to its fullest potential.
I'll consult with you, review your manuscript, and provide you with a detailed written evaluation. We will work together to decide what your book needs to be successful and what steps we will take to reach that goal. By providing you with outlines, questions, and carefully edited drafts, I'll guide you through the writing process. My goal is not to impose my vision on your book, or to change your content or voice, but to help you create the best possible book-one that says what you want to say, in the most effective way possible.
General book editing
Your manuscript is complete, but you need a professional edit to make sure it's correct. I will correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and make minor changes in style to improve the overall clarity and readability of your manuscript.
Writing and editing website content and print publications
I will evaluate your website content and make suggestions for how it could be revised and rewritten. I will also evaluate your organization's print publications, to assist you in writing annual reports, press releases, newsletters, and other materials.
Fees
My fees vary according to the type of project (book, annual report, website, etc.), the type of client (company or individual), and the level of writing and editing you require (developmental editing, ghostwriting, copy editing, etc.). While I charge standard fees for the editorial services I provide, I am also flexible in working out fee arrangements with clients.
References
I will provide contact information, as well as additional references, upon request.
- Judy Galbraith, President, Free Spirit Publishing, Minneapolis.
- Karen Braziller, Editorial Director, Persea Books, New York.
- Keith Hefner, Executive Director and Publisher, Youth Communication/N.Y., New York, and winner of MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant.
- Tom Jacobs, author, They Broke the Law--You Be the Judge: True Cases of Teen Crime, Free Spirit Publishing, 2003.
- David Tobis, Executive Director, Fund for Social Change, New York.