Ghostwriting

Question: What is ghostwriting?
Answer: Ghostwriters write books that are credited to you — the official author. Therefore, ghostwriting involves writing by an anonymous consultant, and that consultant is me!

You. Me. Ghostwriting.

Why is ghostwriting such an important option for authors? Many aspiring authors have amazing stories to share, but lack a writing or editing background. Perhaps there is a language barrier. Physical or health issues may prevent a story from being told. Or, they may be too busy to write a novel or memoir.

No one should give up a lifelong dream of publishing a story simply because they can’t write it. That’s where I come in.

I ghostwrite novels, memoirs, biographies, legacy, and self-help books under your name. You get the writing credit and copyright. It’s your book, written in your voice. I am simply your assistant, scribe, guide, and collaborator—an anonymous ghostwriting consultant.

Ghostwriting is Personal

As a professional ghostwriter, I take your concept and turn it into a book. I am experienced and extremely collaborative (see my testimonials), and I understand what this project means to you. That’s why I pour my heart and soul into your storyline.

Other Genres

Ghostwriting is a highly personal undertaking and can involve any genre. Perhaps you wish to write a medical or psychology-based book to inspire and educate peers and lay audiences. Or, perhaps you have a memoir or biography in mind that honors a loved one and is just waiting to be written. Maybe you want to tell your family’s story, the world’s most incredible love story, or a white-knuckle thriller like no other.

You may wish to publish self-help, fitness, or relationship advice. Maybe your passion involves sci-fi, dystopian, fantasy, or a paranormal tale. You might have a charming story filled with fascinating and quirky characters that would be perfect for a children’s book series. Or you might have envisioned an epic romance. Or a whodunnit. Or a book about a rare disease.

And there can never be too many first-hand accounts of military service or careers spent in harm’s way. My job is to take your concept and develop it into a full manuscript.

The Ghostwriting Process

Perhaps you need help jump-starting the process. Don’t worry—we can Skype, email, text, and talk on the phone. Some fly in for meetings and vice versa (a Canadian client has done just that on multiple occasions), but this is not necessarily typical. With today’s technology and ease of communication and file sharing, all book projects can be managed seamlessly from anywhere in the world.

I can transcribe tapes and also work from your notes and the paper documents you mail me through UPS, Fed Ex, or USPS. I do ask, however, that you send me copies of documents and keep the originals, as I often make notes, underline, or otherwise organize the material.

Some authors share audio files. Some email thoughts. Some text snapshots of newspaper clippings. Some load documents in a file share system such as Dropbox. There is no wrong way to share information — it’s all valuable and adds to the story arc.

Many authors have me interview people and organizations. You may need me to research history, timelines, genealogies, and additional backstory content. I excel at gathering details. My job is sorting through material, developing a chronology, and writing the story.

I write each section or chapter and share it with you for feedback. Together, we build the book until it’s ready to launch. I can also write your front matter, back matter, author’s bio, back cover content, and Amazon listing description. I help you come up with chapter titles or even the book title.

Ghostwriting and Credit

It may surprise you, but the truth is that many books are ghostwritten. No one is supposed to know. The whole point of hiring a ghostwriter is to ensure your story is well written in your voice and under your name.

Celebrities hire ghostwriters, and so do others who want their stories told in the best possible manner. My ghostwriting clients span a broad demographic and include moms, dads, and grandparents with heartfelt and essential stories to share with the world. Single, married, or divorced. Sassy and young. Older and wiser. Some have struggled, climbed metaphoric mountains, founded companies, endured profound loss, or witnessed unimaginable events. Sometimes, books are written to uncover the truth, call out wrongdoers, set the record straight, or add to a body of literature on the topic.

  • Generally, I ghostwrite your book for a fee, and you retain all rights. In these instances, I’m credited only as the editor.
  • Some authors prefer to credit me as a co-author — rare, but it does happen, and always at the author’s insistence.
  • Note that I quote projects with industry-standard rates in mind — not high or low, but average.
  • I consider the degree of difficulty, desired manuscript length, research requirements, and estimated time frame before providing a quote.
  • Every once in a while, a book concept is so extraordinary that I believe it has potential for further ventures. In these instances, I may negotiate a percentage of sales, first right of refusal on prequels, sequels, and series, and/or first right of refusal to write the screenplay.

Bringing Your Story to Life — Agents, Marketing, and More

What an incredible feeling when a manuscript is ready to launch—a unique and never-before-told story for others to enjoy, study, and even cite.

Remember, too, that several new hurdles arise after the book is written. If you want to publish traditionally with a top-tier publisher or top imprint, you must query a literary agent.

If you wish to self-publish, you will likely need the services of a book formatter who will trim your book to a 6 x 9 or an appropriate size, design your cover, provide ISBN and bar code, and upload it to Amazon and other bookseller sites.

Don’t forget the marketing aspects. Many traditionally published authors are surprised to learn they are responsible for marketing their books, even though they’ve signed with a well-known publishing house. Yes, the publishing house will likely promote the book on its website and social media, but authors are expected to roll up their sleeves and market their books as well. Social media, book signings, and interviews on radio and podcasts are common platforms.

Doesn’t it make sense to have a professional ghostwriter develop your book? Contact me, and let’s make it happen!

melaniesaxton@icloud.com