As a ghostwriter, one of the most exciting steps in the process is handing off the first draft of the full manuscript. But I’ll admit that it’s also a bit nerve-racking.
I want the client to love it and appreciate its value. But I also want them to be sure it feels fully reflective of them. At every hand-off, I’m sure to tell them not to be shy about giving feedback, comments, and suggestions.
These elements of the review process are crucial to transforming the manuscript to its final state and ensuring that it feels fully reflective of the author.
I’ll also admit that I’ve had to get comfortable with feedback. Throughout the course of an entire book, there’s usually more than just a couple of minor tweaks. But one huge factor that shifted my mindset around it: how important it is to the process.
Of course, our goal is to get it as close to final as we can on the first draft, but we’ll never attain perfection.
Here’s why I appreciate feedback as a ghostwriter.
You’ve Been There
As hard as we try, we won’t always be able to cover every detail of a story in an interview. You were there. We weren’t.
Of course, during the interview, we’ll ask you for details about the setting. But when you see it on paper, there may be a detail that you can see in your mind’s eye that didn’t come to mind while we chatted. To you, that detail may transform the story. That’s a detail we need to add.
We’ll try to cover as many details and as many facets of your story as possible in our interviews. But we also need to strike a balance between staying focused on the key points of the story and providing enough detail to draw the reader in and make them feel like they’re there.
When you see your story on paper, you may remember different emotions, things said, or other transformational details. I believe our brains view things differently when we see them on paper. The details that are remembered when reviewing the draft are often important to add. That’s valuable information to provide to the ghostwriter.
Reviews Prompt New Thoughts
I believe that reviewing your story on paper is a different experience than talking about it with someone else. Not only is your brain viewing it differently, but it’s a reflection of how someone else interpreted your story. This may prompt additional thoughts.
Performing a full review of your manuscript is also likely to jog your memory on new stories, details, or reflections. Prior to receiving the first draft, we’ve typically chatted in weekly or bi-weekly interviews. We don’t just talk about the entire book in one sitting.
That means that certain stories and teachings could’ve been talked about months apart. But if they’re in the same book, they somehow relate. Seeing them in one continuous document may prompt new insights or color to come to mind.
There’s something to seeing your stories and teachings for your book comprehensively covered in one document that unlocks new ways of looking at it.
You Should Love It
This is a no-brainer but important to state. Your manuscript is your manuscript. I’m collaborating with you on the project as a professional, but ultimately, it’s your book. I want you to love it.
I want you to give me feedback. I don’t want you to settle for a section that doesn’t quite resonate. I don’t want you to feel tentative to ask for another story to be included.
When you review the first draft of the manuscript, it’s important that saving my feelings is not your priority. I want you to give the feedback (respectfully, of course) that is going to give you the product you love. There are no right or wrong answers in books.
It’s more important that the book be an authentic reflection of you and your stories and teachings than it is for the book to be technically correct.
If you’ve been worried that hiring a ghostwriter means that you get what you get and hope for the best, this is your sign to get over that belief. Working with a ghostwriter is collaborative. If you want to explore partnering on your next business or leadership book, let’s chat!
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.