“How do I know if I have a bad ghostwriter?” is a question I recently received that caught me a little off guard.
I’m used to chatting with folks about what their vision is and, relatedly, my story, how I work, and how I can help support them in bringing that vision to life. I don’t often think about the comparison game, and when I do, it’s usually to think about people who I want to emulate. I tend to be a glass-half-full kind of girl.
So I hadn’t given much thought to this question before, but I wanted to help this person. And if one person has this question, I imagine that others might have it as well.
Here’s the thing: I’m not here to trash anyone else. What is “good” versus “bad” is often in the eyes of the beholder. So let’s reframe this and consider what some of the things are that you should look for when hiring a ghostwriter.
High Touch Service
Ghostwriting is often considered a luxury service. Your ghostwriter should treat it as such. A quality ghostwriter isn’t just taking a recording, transcribing it, and cleaning it up. Or at least they shouldn’t be…
We’re asking thoughtful interview questions, painstakingly thinking about the best organization and structure of the information to create the best flow, honing in on your written voice, tying the book to your goals, editing and editing, incorporating feedback, and giving appropriate challenge.
PHEW… that’s a lot. And it should be.
A book is an in-depth and personal process. It’s important to find a ghostwriter who treats it as such.
Makes It About You
Your ghostwriter shouldn’t just deliver a high-touch service, but they should deliver it in a way that makes the book and the book-writing process all about you.
Ghostwriting should not be transactional. That’s a big reason why I enjoy it so much. It’s a mechanism for developing meaningful relationships. Ghostwriting is collaborative and partnership-oriented.
A quality ghostwriter recognizes that your book is all about you. It’s a dream of yours coming to life. It’s an encapsulation of your insights, experiences, and expertise.
So they will capture your voice, obsess over helping you meet your goals, weave in details that are important to you, and ultimately capture the essence of you.
A quality ghostwriter isn’t simply in it to get the job done, collect the check, and move on to the next project. They’re there to support you in more ways than just getting the writing on the page.
The Right Fit
It’s best not to take a “good” or “bad” view on potential ghostwriters but rather to consider them from a fit perspective. What’s good for one person may not be good for another. What’s important is that you find a ghostwriter aligned with your goals and style.
For example, I have a background in corporate finance and operations. I’m also a rather pragmatic person and execution-oriented. This background and style tends to work well with executives and entrepreneurs wanting to write a business or leadership book. I believe athletes would tend to have a similar style as well.
Additionally, this may be controversial, but I also believe you and your ghostwriter should be aligned on values and purpose. As a ghostwriter, I know I can’t write something well that I don’t believe in. The more I believe in you and your cause, the better the end product will be. This also creates a smoother working relationship.
Lastly, I’ll state the obvious. Make sure you find a ghostwriter who has a process that works for you, your style, and your goals.
If you’ve been thinking about writing a book and this resonated with you, 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.