Even as an author, you have blind spots while writing your book.
In my last blog, I talked about how ghostwriters work with authors to overcome the fact that we don’t know what we don’t know. The truth is, when you’re working solo, you can also have blind spots regarding your own stories, insights, and experiences.
It is difficult for us to see ourselves as other people see us. Our perspective is just naturally different. This is why, even as a ghostwriter who pulls people’s messages out of them for their book, I needed a speaking coach (Aleya Harris) to pull my message out of me and help me see the beauty of it for my talk.
Ghostwriters help you to do this for your book. We help weave your stories together through a common theme. We tie your experiences and insights together. We help you see the magic in what you take for granted.
Here’s how working with a ghostwriter helps you overcome blind spots when creating your book.
Our Stories Are Second Nature to Us
Because we’re the ones who have lived our lives, we often discount our stories and accomplishments. When we conquer a challenge, we often assume that anyone could’ve done it and may even think others could’ve done it better. When we achieve a goal, we often move on to the next one because, at some point, we just expected we’d reach that goal.
The truth is, what you take for granted in your story, someone else often views as inspiration. They see it as a blueprint for a path forward. Their perspectives are widened by seeing how you approached the path in front of you.
My speaking coach, Aleya, had to remind me of this. As I told her about how I tore my ACL in high school and rehabbed it ahead of schedule, she applauded that journey and told me it was a story worth including in my talk. I had immediately discounted it and told her it really wasn’t that special because I didn’t have a choice. Plenty of people tear their ACLs, and the only option is to do physical therapy and get better.
She quickly reminded me that it was not the only option. I could’ve sulked on the couch and really milked the situation. I could’ve called it quits on my athletic career so I didn’t have to work so hard to come back. I could’ve made a half-hearted attempt at physical therapy and blamed others if it didn’t work out.
But I didn’t. I worked my butt off, completed it early, and returned to play as soon as the ligament replacement had physically healed enough to do so.
What story have you been viewing similarly?
Remembering Key Moments
Sometimes, we just simply forget. For some stories, maybe we’ve intentionally pushed them to the background of our memories. It’s often not fun to remember the times that didn’t go so well for us, even if they taught us valuable lessons. Other times, a memory doesn’t stick out as a highlight for the reasons mentioned above, and it just gets filed away.
Someone asked me the other day about some of the career accomplishments that I was most proud of. It took me 20 minutes of the conversation to remember the one that people are actually always the most impressed by. It was because of the back and forth of the conversation that I remembered this.
The same thing happens when you partner with a ghostwriter. In my interviews, the conversation starts pretty open-ended. I ask you to “tell me a story about…” or “teach me about…” From there, I’ll start to ask follow-up questions, which will prompt the author to remember different stories or insights. I’ll also use another tactic where I’ll briefly tell the author how I’ve seen the insights they’ve shared show up in my own life. I’ve noticed that this often prompts a new stream of thought and remembrance as well.
Ghostwriters help excavate the most valuable memories for your book.
Review and Revision
Just as authors give feedback to their ghostwriter to help fill in gaps that are present during the manuscript drafts, ghostwriters are able to notice and fill in gaps during their own review. What do I mean by this?
When I review my writing before a draft even makes it to the author, I look to see what areas of the teaching or a story could use more context, examples, or clarity. Because I’m not in the author’s head and haven’t lived their life, it’s easier for me to identify areas where gaps need to be bridged or more details need to be provided to really resonate with the reader.
I’m then able to take these notes and questions back to the author to continue the conversation on the given topic. This allows me to fortify the writing before it even makes it back to the author and far before the manuscript lands in the hands of an editor.
If you’re interested in exploring what’s possible when partnering with a ghostwriter, request a book consult using the button below.
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.