Ghostwriting is more than just a job. It’s more than just writing. It’s more than just an interaction between a client and a service provider. Relationship building is a huge element of success in ghostwriting.
During one of my sessions with my ghostwriting coach, we were talking about how ghostwriting is one of the rare careers in which you become so closely connected with your client.
Building a strong relationship with your client is mutually beneficial. It helps the ghostwriter to better channel the voice and tone of the client, and it also helps the client to open up and be more vulnerable, which allows for more authentic sharing in each session. These elements ultimately lead to a more authentic and impactful book.
While there are some elements of the relationship building that are a bit more traditional at the beginning (intro calls, getting to know each other’s stories, etc.), much of the rest of the relationship building happens organically throughout the process….IF you select a ghostwriter who understands the importance of holding this space and not making the project transactional.
Overcoming Self-Doubt
During the book writing process, it’s possible for authors to encounter self-doubt and imposter syndrome. As they start to share their stories and teachings to be used in a way that demonstrates their expertise in a new way, the author may start to question themselves.
Are they really an expert on the topic? Is their story worth sharing? Will anyone get anything out of their lessons? The answer is yes. All stories and lessons have a place, and a ghostwriter becomes a key member of the author’s tribe supporting them in this journey.
The ghostwriter helps to hold space and support the author through these doubts by celebrating the worth of their experiences, giving a different perspective of how the teachings are perceived, and reminding the author that they are not alone in experiencing these doubts.
Becoming Vulnerable
Many times, the book writing process will involve the author opening up vulnerable parts of themselves. This vulnerability may come directly through the stories that the author is sharing in their book or it may just come behind closed doors as they share some of their personal struggles that may have come up along the way.
A ghostwriter plays an important role in holding space for these moments and cultivating an environment where these moments of authenticity can come up..
In the age of increasing technology, readers crave authenticity. They want to know authors’ struggles and how they overcame them. Sharing struggles is not a sign of weakness. Rather the courage to share these and share how they were overcome is a sign of strength, courage, and generosity in the pursuit of helping others.
Creating an environment that fosters authenticity is key.
Generating Clarity
Whether the author writes the book themselves or hires a ghostwriter, the book writing process is often cathartic. Even when the author isn’t doing the physical writing, they are digging deep into their own thought leadership, stories, etc. While they may have sat with and shared these for some time, sharing them in a book can create a shift.
The author and ghostwriter or book coach collaborate on how they can be shared with maximum impact, how these experiences and teachings tie together, and what others can learn from them. This portion of the process helps authors generate clarity in their teachings.
However, the author may also see an evolution within themselves. A ghostwriter or book coach is there along the way to help support this evolution and adapt with the author along their journey.
If you’re considering a ghostwriter, be sure to choose one that is a great fit for you so you can find joy and support in your journey. If you’d love to see if we’d be a good fit for working together, feel free to book a free strategy session 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.