How Ghostwriting Works
One of the most common questions I receive is how ghostwriting actually works. In fact, it came up again yesterday with a business owner. Her question is bringing you answers!
Ghostwriting is crafting books, essays, and articles for someone else. Ghostwriting can also apply to speechwriting and other types of written content. Despite its name, ghostwriting isn’t some spooky, ritualistic, or scary endeavor. It’s quite the opposite, a valuable service that allows people to share their thoughts with clarity, even if they are “not a writer.” You provide the ideas and the direction. The ghostwriter turns your ideas into a written product that you are both happy with. Let’s dive into the process of how this happens.
Consultation
The first step on the ghostwriting journey is a consultation. This is a time to discuss the ideas that you the client/author want to share with the writer. During this phase of the process, the writer will likely be taking notes and documenting things that stand out about your ideas. This is a time for you two to get to know each other and discuss work styles. It is also an opportunity to discuss the specific goals of your project.
Proposal
After your initial consultation, the ghostwriter will provide a proposal for services and investment. This proposal will cover the project duration, the length of the finished product, and an overview of the process. A breakdown of the investment and potential payment plans will also be shared.
Outline
Once you have accepted the proposal, the writer will draft an outline for the book or article you are authoring. The ghostwriter will take your broad ideas and map them out in precise detail. Once approved by you, this outline will serve as the guide for your writing project.
Resource Collection
Based on your desired content, the ghostwriter will begin to pull together the necessary information for your project. This can be any or all of the following: interviews with you, notes you’ve written, voice memos, social media, etc. You get the idea.
Drafting
Once the writer has collected the foundational information, the first draft can begin. Some ghostwriters like to take their resources and disappear to write. I personally like to share the first 1-3 chapters with the author before disappearing into the full manuscript draft.
Revision
No matter how amazing the writer you choose, revisions will be necessary. It is important that you as the author review all of the drafts shared with you. The back and forth that may be required during this phase is key to the writer capturing your desired voice and tone. This is the opportunity for you to share any objections and make necessary changes.
Manuscript Delivery
Once the manuscript is complete, the writer will deliver it to you as a Word or Google document. This finished draft will be good. But professional editing will be required to make it great. Though your writer may have some ideas and recommendations, what happens after the manuscript delivery is ultimately up to you as the author.
As a ghostwriter, I’ve had the opportunity to work through various processes. I’ve even been a ghostwriter for ghostwriters who need additional support. However, I can say that the most effective method of ghostwriting and collaboration is starting with transparent dialogue. What can be expected on the journey? How will we work together? What will be the final outcome? My experience has been that when these areas are clear, the project flows without much friction. I’d love to hear how about your ghostwriting process, either as the author or the writer.