Ghostwriting Tips & Insights | Marcia Layton Turner Blog

Is Self-Publishing a Legitimate Alternative to Traditional Publishing?

mlt — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:22:14 +0000

And he’s right. Back in 1982 when McGraw-Hill published his first book, the only way to become an author was to pitch an idea for a book to a major publisher and demonstrate that you had the smarts to deliver on your concept in a timely manner. (I’ve written and published many books the same way.) Traditional publishers were gatekeepers and if they didn’t think they could sell enough of your book to make it profitable, they declined to produce it.

That is still true today, though the dynamics of book publishing have dramatically changed. It is nearly impossible to land a traditional deal that does not involve investing some amount on publishing.

New publishing opportunities

As new technologies such as print-on-demand (POD) entered the marketplace in the last 20 years, eliminating the need to print large quantities of books, almost anyone can now publish a book.

No longer do you have to get the buy-in of an acquisitions editor to release a book – you could pay to produce it yourself. This then led to the establishment of new publishing firms, including independent presses and hybrid publishers like Amplify, Greenleaf, and Jenkins Group.

The democratization of publishing has resulted in millions more books being published by people who might never have had a chance in the “golden days,” when mere thousands of new titles were published each year.

That’s the good news for experts, thought leaders, founders, and executives – more opportunity, although Bly suggests that paying to produce your book indicates your book is less worthy, less prestigious.

I disagree with him there.

Follower size matters

What he doesn’t mention is that the traditional publishing world has changed as well, including the requirements for landing a publishing contract. Where a great idea or strong storyteller might have had a decent chance of enticing an editor to buy their book idea in the 1980s and 1990s, today you need much more than just a great idea. You either need a track record of sizeable sales of a previous book, a massive social media following, or future public speaking commitments that have a great likelihood of leading to book sales.

Not many people have the numbers, even if their book topic is important or just plain interesting. And if the expert can’t demonstrate they have a large audience waiting eagerly to buy their book, the publisher may request a buy-back, where the author is required to commit to purchasing thousands of copies of their own books to make the publisher’s numbers work.

Does publisher prestige matter today?

The bar to secure a traditional publishing package is much, much higher today.

Which is why visionaries, business owners, memoirists, novelists, children’s book authors, and thought leaders are increasingly turning to hybrid publishers and independent presses to produce their books. They want to spread their message, share their story, or educate the masses, and they care much less about the prestige that Bly says traditional publishers offer. (The only exception here may be academicians and scholars who need a traditional publisher to be considered for tenure.)

After all, do most readers pay attention to publisher names? I suspect not. Does prestige even really matter to today’s book buyer? Again, I suspect not.

A reader buys a book because of the promise of what’s on its pages, whether it’s a business memoir that will entertain them, a self-help title with professional development hacks, or a how-to that will instruct and inform. As long as they trust the name of the author on the cover, the name of the publisher becomes almost irrelevant.

Shifting publishing priorities

Historically, the singular goal for a book was to sell as many copies as possible. That’s what traditional publishers certainly want, but for many business leaders that goal is secondary to packaging their expertise and raising their visibility, which can be done without selling hundreds of thousands of copies.

And that’s why so few traditional publishers are willing to publish books by industry leaders – not because the idea is bad, the writing poor, or the market too small. They decline to publish it because their purpose for releasing the book may not be aligned with the author’s goal of creating new opportunities for themselves and their organization.

Where a traditional publisher’s goal, first and foremost, is always to earn a profit through book sales, that is not necessarily the top goal for business leaders, because they can earn profits through their business in myriad other ways beyond selling copies of their books.

Which is why hybrid publishers and independent presses are thriving today, along with ghostwriters, author services companies, editors, proofreaders — you name it. These companies exist to help leaders write, publish, and distribute books that may or may not become New York Times or Wall Street Journal bestsellers, and the authors are okay with that.

But does that mean the book isn’t worth writing? Hardly. There are so many benefits to an author that extend beyond a semi-annual royalty check that may never come.

Bly is a high profile copywriter and very well respected in his niche, but to suggest that anyone who isn’t at that level of prominence can’t benefit from writing and publishing their own book is at best misguided and at worst just plain wrong.

Want to hear my assessment of the pros and cons of your various publishing options? Email me at marcia at marcialaytonturner.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What skill is most important for a ghostwriter besides writing?

Listening is key. A ghostwriter must understand your ideas and voice clearly.

Why is listening important in ghostwriting?

It ensures the book truly reflects your message and style.

Can ghostwriters adapt to different voices?

Yes, good ghostwriters tailor their writing to match each author’s unique voice.

Is ghostwriting legal?

Yes, it’s a legal service where the ghostwriter supports your authorship.

How do I find a ghostwriter with this skill?

Ask about their process and how they capture client voices before hiring.

Is Ghostwriting Legal?

mlt — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:26:48 +0000

Table of contents:

Why is ghostwriting illegal?
Ghostwriters are collaborators
Hiring a ghostwriter is outsourcing
Plagiarism is illegal
FAQs

Or is ghostwriting illegal?

Book ghostwriters are legal everywhere, as far as I know. It is totally acceptable to pay for help in developing, organizing, and drafting your book, just as it’s legal to hire a consultant, advisor, or coach to help with other tasks.

There are limitations on the use of ghostwriters in some industries, such as legal and medical, where there has been concern that non-lawyers and non-doctors are crafting reports. However, it is not illegal.

Why is ghostwriting illegal?

Ghostwriting is not illegal, with one exception.

The one type of ghostwriting that is illegal in some places is academic ghostwriting. That’s where students pay someone else to prepare assignments for them or submit someone else’s work as their own.

In that case, the ghostwriter is doing the majority of the thinking, analysis, and writing that an educator has asked the student to do. Submitting work that someone else has done defeats the purpose of the school assignment, which is why schools don’t want students paying ghostwriters to complete their work.

As of 2022, academic ghostwriting is illegal in the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and in 17 U.S. states, to varying degrees.

In countries that have not yet deemed academic ghostwriting illegal, it is at least unethical. Paying someone else to complete classwork and assignments is cheating. At many schools, not completing your own work constitutes academic misconduct or dishonesty and can be cause for expulsion. There can be serious ramifications for hiring an academic ghostwriter.

But that’s not what we’re talking about here. At all.

Book ghostwriting is both legal and ethical.

People who think otherwise generally don’t understand how ghostwriting works, especially with respect to nonfiction ghostwriting.

Ghostwriters are collaborators

For one, in most cases a ghostwriter is a writing partner or collaborator, not a surrogate writer.

They work with and alongside their client, who is typically the person who came up with the idea for the book in the first place.

It is the client who has the expertise and relevant knowledge, not to mention the stories, examples, and connections on the subject. The ghostwriter could not have written the client’s book without the input of the subject-matter expert, although the client certainly could have, given enough time.

That division of labor may be less true with works of fiction, where the author has an idea for a story and wants to hand it off to be developed and polished. In that case, a ghostwriter might have enough information to take the idea and run with it even without ongoing guidance and input from the client.

Hiring a ghostwriter is outsourcing

Paying a ghostwriter to complete writing work for you is an example of outsourcing or delegation. It is typical and even expected in many corporate environments. If writing is not the best use of your time, you shouldn’t be the one doing it.

If you’re not the best person to complete the task, it makes perfect sense to find someone who has the skills you lack. It’s why business leaders hire speechwriters, graphic designers, and video teams — because the other professionals have specialized skills.

As a leader, you aren’t expected to know everything or have experience in everything, which is why many experts “farm things out.” They turn tasks over to people who will do a better job than they would or could.

Even if you’re a skilled writer, hiring a ghostwriter could make a lot of sense if you lack the time required to get the job done by your deadline. Or you lack the time, period.

For example, if you have a conference or keynote coming up for which you want to have books available, you may want to hire a ghostwriter to ensure the book can be drafted and published in time. Professional writers typically work faster than average writers and may be able to complete a task in less time than it would take you.

Or, you may be a skilled writer who is also a perfectionist, so if it’s torture to get even a paragraph written, you should consider having someone else work with you so that you can pick up the pace of production, which, in this case, is writing. Hiring a ghostwriter to assist you will free up time you can invest in other tasks and will reduce your stress level by knowing a professional is on the job.

Plagiarism is illegal

Besides academic ghostwriting, which we’ve established is almost always unethical and illegal in some areas, copying someone else’s work and presenting it as your own is also illegal.

That’s plagiarism.

Claiming someone else’s work as your own may violate intellectual property and copyright law (I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice).

But that’s not what ghostwriters do. Ghostwriters do not plagiarize.

A ghostwriter takes what their client, the aspiring author, knows and wants to share and organizes and presents that information in such a way that it benefits the reader.

Along the way, they may also provide marketing advice and publishing guidance as part of the assignment, too.

However, they are not involved in illegal activities.

Ghostwriters are writing helpers, just as therapists help heal trauma, doctors help improve health, and sports coaches provide guidance and instruction. It’s the client who requests help and the professional who works to support them in achieving the results they’re after.

All of which is totally legal.

FAQs

Other questions that often come up include:

How do you know if a book is ghostwritten?

If you see two names on the cover and one has a “with” in front of it, that person may have been a collaborator or ghostwriter on the project. You can also read the book’s acknowledgments to see if a co-writer, researcher, or collaborator is named.

What is the point of being a ghostwriter?

Ghostwriters help experts, leaders, and people who have something to say share that information in the author’s voice. That means that the book, article, or blog post reads like the expert wrote it. Ghostwriters typically enjoy learning alongside learned professionals and being paid for it.

Why don’t ghost writers publish their own books?

Many ghostwriters are also authors and they do publish their own books. However, there is a growing demand for ghostwriting services and it’s frequently more lucrative to write someone else’s book than to publish one’s own.

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Watch: Ghostwriter Secrets: Building Trust with Clients

Frequently Asked Questions

What is outsourcing in ghostwriting?

It means hiring experts for editing, research, or design to improve the book.

How does outsourcing help ghostwriters?

It allows focus on writing while specialists handle other tasks.

Does outsourcing affect book quality?

Yes, it often improves quality and speeds up publishing.

Is outsourcing common in ghostwriting services?

Yes, many ghostwriters use trusted partners for best results.

Can outsourcing increase ghostwriting costs?

Sometimes, but it adds value and professionalism to the final book.

How to Find a Ghostwriter

mlt — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 17:05:28 +0000

Table of contents:

Who is a legitimate ghostwriter?
What are red flags when searching for a ghostwriter?
How can you verify a ghostwriter’s identity?
How do you authenticate a ghostwriter’s work?
What ghostwriting skills and experience should you look for?
Do you need a local ghostwriter?
When is the best time to start your ghostwriter search?
Why hire a ghostwriter?

Considering the attention given to celebrity memoir ghostwriters recently, you might think it would be easy to find a reputable, highly skilled book ghostwriter. Ghostwriters seem to be everywhere!

And yet, it’s not so easy.

Sure, it isn’t difficult to find names of people who describe themselves as ghostwriters, but determining the best choice to work alongside you to craft the thought-leadership book you’re envisioning takes time.

First, you want to confirm the candidates you’re speaking with are actually who they say they are. (You might be surprised at how many aren’t.) And second, you want to feel confident they can write the book type and quality you’re expecting.

There are hundreds of excellent ghostwriters to choose from, but you want a writer who will deliver a top-quality manuscript that sounds like you. That’s actually what differentiates someone who has authored their own book from a ghostwriter—a ghostwriter can write in their client’s voice as skillfully as they write in their own.

Who is a legitimate ghostwriter?

But it’s more than that. One of the biggest challenges aspiring authors face today comes from websites offering discounted ghostwriting services. It’s hard to know which of these companies are legitimate and capable of providing the services they promise – and which are rip-offs in a slick online package. Scammers are everywhere.

That’s why the best way to find an experienced ghostwriter is to ask for referrals from people in your network. As part of my doctoral research, I interviewed 20 ghostwriting clients and learned that referrals are the number one way authors find their scribes.

However, if you don’t know anyone who has recently worked with a ghostwriter, turn to ghostwriting organizations to find talent. These reputable organizations have vetted their writers for you:

American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA). ASJA membership requirements are stringent, making it one of the more difficult organizations for writers to join. Members are skilled; a small percentage are ghostwriters.

Association of Ghostwriters (AOG). The only professional organization specifically for ghostwriters, the Association of Ghostwriters has a free Find a Ghostwriter service that can connect you with seasoned ghostwriters who work independently.

Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). Members are primarily editors and proofreaders, but some are writers, too.

Gotham Ghostwriters. A ghostwriting firm with roots in political speechwriting and big-picture titles, Gotham pairs clients with skilled ghostwriters listed in its massive database.

Kevin Anderson & Associates (KAA). Hoping to be traditionally published? KAA has a strong team and ties to major publishing houses.

What are red flags when searching for a ghostwriter?

On the other hand, if you’re early in your search and you’ve asked Google to list ghostwriting companies, you are very likely being pointed to businesses that are not going to deliver the well-written book you’re imagining.

Some are outright scams and others simply produce poor-quality work. A few of those companies may produce a rough outline for you, others may tidy up transcripts of interviews or provide simple editing, but many discount agencies don’t deliver complete manuscripts.

Similarly, in many cases, the “ghostwriters” on their staff are unlikely to be writers at all. In fact, many of their “staff writer” listings are profiles hijacked from websites of popular ghostwriters who have no connection to these so-called agencies.

So how can you tell if you’re dealing with a talented ghostwriter and a legitimate ghostwriting agency…or not?

Look for these clues:

Discounted fees. If the first thing you see on a company’s website is a huge discount offer, back away. Legitimate ghostwriting agencies don’t lead with a discount. They don’t need to. They have testimonials, client lists, talented ghostwriters, and references.

Hype. It’s always useful to see how long a company has been in business, how many clients they’ve worked with, ghostwriters on their team, and bestsellers they’ve produced – when it’s all true. When the number of books they claim to publish is in the thousands, or the number of ghostwriters in their database is well over 3,000, question those numbers. They probably fall in the “fiction” category.

Anonymous owners and employees. If there is no “About” section with specifics about who founded the company with their relevant credentials, be suspicious. And be doubly suspicious when no employees are featured. As mentioned, some sites stole the identities of actual ghostwriters to impress prospects like you. That means you should contact your prospective writer directly before you pay for services. You want to be certain these writers truly are on board with your project.

Bestseller claims. It’s common practice for legitimate publishers to showcase books they’ve produced by placing attractive covers prominently on their websites. It’s no surprise, then, that scammers copy that. You’ll frequently see covers on ghostwriting agency sites for bestsellers the company had nothing to do with.

Video testimonials. Some scammers are sharing two or three video testimonials from purported authors. You’ll notice that the videos don’t show their books, they never mention the titles, and when you search the “author’s” name on Amazon, nothing shows up. Don’t take those videos at face value. Be skeptical.

How can you verify a ghostwriter’s identity?

Let’s say you’ve avoided the bad actors and have identified a few ghostwriters who seem to be a good fit, whether they’ve come to you through an association or agency, or you’ve found them through online searching.

You want to make sure they’re who they say they are, and especially that you’re dealing with a human, not a bot. To verify a ghostwriter’s identity, do one or more of the following:

Send an email. If you’ve hired a firm and they assigned this ghostwriter to you, it’s a good idea to independently verify that by reaching out directly to the ghostwriter. In some cases, authors have been told a particular ghostwriter was at work on their book when, in fact, the real ghostwriter had never heard of them. Look for an email address or contact form on the ghostwriter’s website and send a message about your book.

Schedule a Zoom meeting. It’s fairly easy to pretend to be someone else via text or email. It’s much more difficult when you’re on a video conference. When you’re face-to-face, ask basic questions about their experience to confirm they are who they say they are (and that they look like their headshot).

Ask for references. Then get in touch with those authors and confirm they worked together. As the saying goes, trust, but verify.

Request writing samples. Granted, someone can send you samples they didn’t actually write, but if you request published “clips” or book excerpts, you’ll be better able to connect their name with the writing.

Realize that unless you can see and talk to someone, it’s possible they aren’t who they say they are. And you could be ripped off.

How do you authenticate a ghostwriter’s work?

In addition to making sure the writer assigned to your project is a bona fide human, you’ll want to confirm they have the skills needed. I just mentioned asking for writing samples, but I’ll admit that piece can be a bit of a challenge.

That’s because many ghostwriting clients require their writers to be anonymous. In fact, authors often insist on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that contractually prohibit ghostwriters from revealing client names. As a result, ghostwriters can’t share what they’ve written for those people as work samples.

That’s good news for you if you also want your ghostwriter to be discreet. It’s frustrating for both the writer and the author – you – though, because it limits options.

On the other hand, a writer should be able to describe the topic, type of publisher, and release date. For example, they can reveal that they ghost-wrote a thought leadership book on digital marketing published last year for an industry leader.

In addition, many top ghostwriters produce other forms of content that aren’t ghostwritten – bylined articles or content for their own blog, for example – that they can share with you.

Ghostwriters may also be able to provide references. Some clients are reluctant to allow their ghost to share details regarding their book on social media, their website, or their resume, but are willing to talk to prospects as a reference. Ask if that’s possible.

You can also ask to speak to publishing house editors the ghostwriter has worked with. Even if the editor can’t tell you the title(s) of the books involved, they can confirm what the writer has told you about the project and share their experience working with the writer.

What ghostwriting skills and experience should you look for?

The type of ghostwriter you seek will depend on the type of book you want to write.

Is it nonfiction or fiction, for example?

Any ghostwriter should be an excellent storyteller, but beyond that, each genre or category has its own requirements.

Nonfiction writers in general need to be able to piece disparate pieces of information together in a way that the reader can understand. For a thought leadership book, the ghostwriter must break down big concepts into relatable nuggets.

A memoir needs someone who can delve into personal experiences and shape them into a story that helps the reader reflect on their own life or experiences. A how-to book requires an ability to break processes down into steps.

A fiction ghostwriter, on the other hand, must be skilled at developing plotlines, characters, and dialogue, and weaving all together into an interesting and marketable story. Different types of novels –sci-fi, fantasy, romantic comedy, young adult, and so on – each require different storytelling abilities, however.

In addition to experience writing similar types of books, other criteria you to consider include:

Years of experience
Number of books ghostwritten
Bestseller record
Commercial successes
Client types
Work pace or speed
Work process
Preferred communication method (phone, email, text, Zoom)
Educational background
Industry experience (if it’s relevant to your book)

Perhaps just as important as these criteria is chemistry. As you meet ghostwriters, pay attention to how you feel when talking to them. Are you enjoying yourself? Do you feel comfortable talking with them? Do you have confidence in their abilities?

This is important because you’ll work with this person for several months, and the last thing you want to do is dread or dislike meeting or working with them over time.

Do you need a local ghostwriter?

Although many authors envision the process of collaborating on a book to require regular in-person meetings and chats over coffee, the truth is that it’s very unlikely that your best choice for a ghostwriter is in your neighborhood.

Don’t limit yourself to writers who live nearby. Because you don’t need to sit across a table or desk from them for them to do their best work. Meeting via Zoom is generally just as good as being in the same room.

Granted, some memoir writers insist on meeting their clients at the start of a project, but then many of them get on a plane or train and head home after a few hours. Sure, J.R. Moehringer is said to have moved into a house near Prince Harry while they worked together for a year on his book but that’s unusual. Also, J.R. received at least $1 million for his services.

Most ghostwriters much prefer meeting via phone or Zoom, gathering what they need from you, and then typing away on the keyboard in their office, rather than in a hotel room or temporary quarters.

If you’re willing to work with someone who is not in your part of town, or maybe even in your part of the country, your ghostwriter options increase almost exponentially. Don’t you want to choose your ghostwriter based on skill rather than convenience or locale?

When is the best time to start your ghostwriter search?

It can take anywhere from several months to more than a year to plan out, write, and edit a manuscript. Which means that if you have a particular deadline, such as an upcoming conference, talk, or convention, you need to work back from that deadline to be sure you have enough time to get the book done.

Then start your search as soon as possible.

Although you may identify a ghostwriter who looks perfect on paper as a collaborator or writing partner, you’ll want to meet with them on Zoom at least once, if not twice, and talk through your vision, their experience, and get a general sense whether they’re a good fit for the work to be done.

Sometimes the ideal ghostwriter on paper turns out to be a mismatch and the person who didn’t really seem to be a good candidate initially ends up being perfect. You won’t know until you meet and observe their energy level, their enthusiasm (or lack thereof) for the topic, their communication style, and their mannerisms.

However, those meetings can eat up a lot of time, especially if you’re trying to interview multiple ghostwriters in a row. Schedule coordination alone can be surprisingly time-consuming.

Why hire a ghostwriter?

Yes, finding a ghostwriter takes time, but the payoff is that when you find someone willing to learn to write the way you talk and communicate, you can feel confident that the quality of the book you’ll produce together will be significantly better than what you might draft on your own.

It will also take less time. Relying on a ghostwriter to shoulder the primary responsibility for writing your book means that you can spend your days in your zone of genius, earning a living doing what you’re best at.

Not only will your book be of higher quality, but it will also be done faster with a ghostwriter taking the lead. Most ghostwriters can generate content much quicker than the average professional, because it’s all they do. Which means that your book can be finished sooner.

If you limit your ghostwriter search to reputable organizations, your odds of finding a skilled writer who will gladly work alongside you to create a world-class book rises exponentially.

And feel free to get in touch if I can help.

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Watch: Starting a Ghost Writing Project

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect when working with a ghostwriter?

You’ll share ideas, review drafts, and give feedback throughout the process.

How do I communicate my voice to a ghostwriter?

Provide examples of your writing and talk about your style and tone.

How often should I meet with my ghostwriter?

Regular check-ins, like weekly or biweekly, help keep the project on track.

Can I make changes to the manuscript?

Yes, ghostwriters expect feedback and revisions to match your vision.

What if I’m not happy with the work?

Discuss concerns early and work with the ghostwriter to adjust the content.

Ghostwriters: Want a Faster Path to a Six-Figure Income?

Marcia Layton Turner — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 23:41:14 +0000

Table of contents:

How much do you charge ?
What are your target clients willing to pay ?
What is your niche ?
How fast can you work ?
Can you multitask ?

The holy grail for freelance writers seems to be earning six figures, or more than $100,000. Although this sum may seem huge, and potentially unreachable, to some writers, others have already scaled that peak and are working toward multiple six-figure revenues.

The key to earning six figures, or to earning more at any level, comes down to 5 factors.

How much do you charge?

The quickest way to hit six figures in annual income is for ghostwriters to raise their rates. If you’re currently charging $.10/word, for example, consider doubling it, to start, to $.20/word. Or, if you ghostwrite books for $5,000, consider bumping your asking price up to at least $10,000.

In doubling your rate, you’re cutting in half the time it will take to earn your current income level. Your path to six figures will be significantly shortened.

That means that if you typically write four books a year, at $10,000 each, you’re making $40,000. By doubling your rate, you’re at $80,000 without any extra effort.

One guide to market rates that writers refer to is from the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA). I have always felt that these rates are low, however, so don’t take them as cast in stone. Use them as a way to see if you’re at least earning what the EFA says you should be.

However, after you raise your rates, not all clients will be interested in continuing to work with you.

To avoid a sudden drop in clients, one option is to gradually raise your rates. Moving from $.15/word to $.18/word, for example, may not impact your clients enough to drive them to find a different writer. However, it will take you longer to increase your annual revenue by a marked amount.

Another option is to find a new target market.

What are your target clients willing to pay?

Standard rates vary widely, often depending on the client, so if your current client base is giving you pushback about raising your rates, it may be time to look for different ones.

Additionally, certain genres pay better than others, as a general rule, so you may also need to consider diversifying the type of ghostwriting you do, or the range of ghostwriting services you offer.

For example, books can pay better than blogging or article writing, because clients rarely have the expertise required to product a book-length work themselves. Speechwriting is another service that clients are less likely to scrimp on when hiring a pro.

Where you find your clients can also impact their expectations regarding pay. Upwork, for example, has a reputation for having a wide range of writing opportunities, though the average pay is on the low end. Conversely, ad agencies that go out in search of a skilled ghostwriter often understand the need to pay $.50/word, $1/word, or more, to secure an experienced ghost.

Think about where higher-paying clients can be found, and look there.

What is your niche?

Writing that requires advanced or niche expertise, such as medical or technology, generally pays a higher fee. Clients understand that finding a skilled writer who also has a medical or tech background will cost them more. Business writing also pays above average, generally.

Getting to six figures is faster and easier when you’re writing for clients who expect to pay, say, $1/word, rather than $.10. If you maintain the same pace of work but are earning 10x what you formerly were, you can see how hitting six figures will be much easier.

If you don’t currently have a niche, and believe that being a generalist is the best course for you, you may be right. Many generalist ghostwriters are able to establish a steady stream of writing work because they have a broad range of topics they are comfortable writing about.

That said, I feel compelled to try to encourage you to at least consider developing an area of expertise. Doing so will differentiate you from scads of other ghostwriters who are also generalists. For example, maybe you have a hobby or interest that sets you apart from other generalists, such as rock climbing or playing the piano. Projects involving those topics, whatever they are, should be easier for you to land and to complete, because of the knowledge you’ve amassed.

The less time it takes you to find and win more work, the shorter your path to six figures.

How fast can you work?

Another major factor, besides pay and clients, is speed.

My father, Richard C. Layton, was a talented fine artist who studied with some of the best illustrators of his time—several Wyeths, Frank Schoonover, and Howard Pyle, to name a few. I was so lucky to be his daughter, and am deeply proud of his work. His murals and paintings have been shown in galleries nationwide and are owned by numerous museums and collectors. He also charged a premium because of that skill.

However, he was never as prolific as his best friend, Andrew Wyeth. I remember my dad commenting on how quickly Andy was able to work. Dad marveled at his speed.

Although there were differences in their painting style, of course, and Andy’s well-deserved celebrity status certainly differentiated them, the fact that Andy could complete a painting in less than half the time it took my dad to finish one definitely impacted their earning potential.

The same is true for you.

So, what can you do to speed up your writing process, or to delegate the pieces that slow down your pace? The faster you work, the more you can earn, even without raising your rates.

Can you multitask?

Related to the issue of speed, can you work on multiple projects simultaneously? Being able to juggle more than one project at a time will also dramatically increase your earning potential.

To do that, however, you need to be constantly marketing yourself. Even when you’re slammed with work, you need to stay in touch with prospects, go hunting for new clients, and take steps to connect with potential clients.

The ability to multitask comes down to your project management abilities. The better you are able to attract new work, manage existing client projects, hit deadlines, and bill in a timely fashion, the more you will earn. It’s a work cycle that you need to get started, and then keep moving at a quick pace.

Earning six figures is within your reach, once you raise your rates, pick up your pace, and master multitasking.

The post Ghostwriters: Want a Faster Path to a Six-Figure Income? appeared first on Association of Ghostwriters.

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Watch: Starting a Ghost Writing Project

Frequently Asked Questions

What resolutions can help ghostwriters grow?

Improving skills, networking, marketing, and managing time better are great goals.

Why is networking important for ghostwriters?

It helps find new clients and learn industry trends.

Should ghostwriters focus on marketing themselves?

Yes, marketing attracts clients and builds a strong reputation.

How can ghostwriters improve their writing skills?

By reading, taking courses, and practicing regularly.

Is time management a good resolution?

Absolutely. It helps meet deadlines and reduces stress.

The Best Ghostwriters Ask Great Questions

Marcia Layton Turner — Sun, 31 May 2020 13:00:25 +0000

Table of contents:

A Ghostwriter’s Real Value
Beyond Transcript Editing

Whether being conducted in person, by phone, or video, the best interviews involve smart questions.

The best books are filled with information that is interesting, entertaining, informative, and maybe even surprising. To gather those details requires the skills of a great writer, or, alternatively, a great ghostwriter.

The benefit of hiring a talented ghostwriter is as much their writing ability as it is their curious mind. They ask great questions that get at material that is new and sometimes even controversial. Without a skilled ghostwriter, you wind up with a book that is dull, boring, and filled with old information everyone’s already heard before.

Good ghostwriters are skilled at asking questions that elicit often fascinating facts.

A Ghostwriter’s Real Value

Although a ghostwriter may ask to record a phone or video interview and transcribe it later, often to avoid a hand cramp as they try to take comprehensive notes fast, the value they bring to the project begins long before the interview starts.

Each and every book requires a ghostwriter to conceive of and compile relevant questions that explore in depth the topic the author is writing about. Sometimes that requires the ghostwriter to conduct background research, read books, articles, blog posts, and study scholarly research to get their arms around a subject. That research helps them prepare a list of questions that goes beyond your standard who, what, where, why, when, and how.

The ghostwriter’s genius is in their interview questions.

Some authors attempt to replicate this process by dictating their thoughts and having them transcribed and then edited, but it doesn’t deliver the quality product that you can get with an experienced ghostwriter. Because experienced book ghostwriters know the questions to ask that will elicit the most interesting material.

Among other things, questions posed help to:

Express the author’s emotions about a particular event
Provide context for the author’s discovery or epiphany described
Explain why the author’s perspective is so different from existing opinions
Tell a relevant, previously unheard story to illustrate a point or justify an action
Set the stage for events covered later in the book
Prove the author’s authority and expertise
Explore other characters who were present or who played an important role
Fill in background details
Link other theories or stories with the one being told
Offer analyses and findings to support the author’s position
Educate the reader about the author’s process or strategy

Each question builds on the last, helping the ghostwriter to better understand the material so that he or she can relate it to the reader in a new way. Or to explain it in such a way it helps the reader better comprehend it.

Beyond Transcript Editing

There are some ghostwriting services that promise to produce a published book from recorded telephone interviews.

For many articulate aspiring authors, this approach sounds quite appealing, both because the process isn’t overwhelming and the cost is fairly low. After all, if an author already knows what they want to share, a ghostwriter becomes little more than an editor working from a transcript of the call.

Since the work completed is more editing than writing from scratch, the fee charged is typically only a few thousand dollars.

Before you opt to go this route, think about what it is your book needs to really shine. Do you need someone to polish words you’ve already written? Or could you benefit from a professional writer who will help you uncover the real gems in your message, and clarify your thinking? Someone who will push back and ask for details?

Better questions result in better stories and better writing. Ultimately, better questions result in a better book.

So if you’re going to hire a ghostwriter to support you in writing your book, choose the one with the most inquisitive mind. Your book will be so much better for it. If you’re looking for a ghostwriter, the Association of Ghostwriters would be happy to help you find one for your project.

Contact Us

Watch: Starting a Ghost Writing Project

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 3 questions ghostwriters should ask?

About the project goals, timeline, and client’s involvement.

Why ask about project goals?

To understand what the client wants to achieve with the book.

How does knowing the timeline help?

It ensures the ghostwriter can meet deadlines comfortably.

Why ask about client involvement?

To know how much input or interviews the ghostwriter will get.

Can these questions improve client fit?

Yes, they help both sides decide if they can work well together.

3 Things the Hallmark Movie Channel Got Wrong About Ghostwriting

Marcia Layton Turner — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 18:29:25 +0000

Table of contents:

Ghostwriters don’t usually write whatever they want, without client input.
If there’s a confidentiality agreement, the ghostwriter can’t reveal their role – ever.
Ghostwriters spend most of their days working on client assignments, not going on sleigh rides.

Hallmark holiday movies are sappy and formulaic, and we love them anyway. On Sunday, November 10, 2019 Hallmark premiered a new addition to the Hallmark Christmas movie line-up, titled “The Mistletoe Secret.” (If you don’t want any spoilers, you may want to stop reading right now.)

In this story, the protagonist, Aria, runs a diner in Midway, Utah, which has been struggling because tourists increasingly decide to spend time at the bigger ski resorts nearby. A hunk who quietly comes to town is Alex, long-time ghostwriter for Sterling Masters, the star of a TV travel show, “Masters of Travel.”

Chaos ensues when Sterling decides to experience first-hand all the charm that Midway has to offer.

It’s a fun movie and Hallmark fans will certainly enjoy it.

However, the movie’s producers seem to have a number of misconceptions about ghostwriters and ghostwriting that I feel compelled to point out and correct.

1. Ghostwriters don’t usually write whatever they want, without client input.

A true professional ghostwriter relies on input and direction from their client when creating content in the client’s voice. They don’t go off on their own and craft material without the client’s involvement or approval, as Alex does in the movie.

For example, the fact that Sterling has no knowledge of what Alex wrote in an article about Midway he published under Sterling’s byline would be practically unheard of in real life, since a ghostwriter delivers a draft to the client and then the client, in this case Sterling, would choose what to do with it.

In most cases, the client indicates what they want the ghostwriter to write, or the client and ghostwriter brainstorm together what content would be most appropriate for the client to publish.

There are very few opportunities for a ghostwriter to go rogue and just start publishing pieces in their client’s name online without someone first approving it. That’s just not how the client-ghostwriter relationship works.

2. If there’s a confidentiality agreement, the ghostwriter can’t reveal their role – ever.

When Alex arrives, he doesn’t tell anyone his role in “Masters of Travel” because he is prohibited from doing so. He’d be sued, as is mentioned early on. So he keeps quiet. However, when Sterling shows up unannounced, their professional relationship becomes harder to keep under wraps.

Alex makes up several stories to explain why he’s in Midway, what he’s writing, and how he knows Sterling (initially claiming he doesn’t), going to great lengths to hide his ghostwriter role. And that’s how it should be.

At the end, when he tells Aria that he should have told her up front that he was Sterling’s ghostwriter is where Hallmark gets it wrong.

Until and unless his client notifies him in writing that he is permitted to tell anyone his role, Alex can’t. Ever. Sure, Sterling may decide he doesn’t mind if others realize he has a ghostwriter, but the truth is that Alex needs that in writing. What if Sterling’s TV producers tell him Alex needs to stay behind the scenes? They could be the ones to sue Alex, even if Sterling thinks it’s no big deal.

3. Ghostwriters spend most of their days working on client assignments, not going on sleigh rides.

Looking at how Alex spends his time, you would think that ghostwriting is 99 percent inspiration and 1 percent writing. And that’s where Hallmark gets it wrong.

Few professional ghostwriters that I know have time to sit all day drinking hot cocoa or eating pie or going on sleigh rides. I have to believe that even travel writers, who go on-site to check out a destination, spend time experiencing the area and then go back to their hotel rooms to create an article or craft a chapter of a travel guide.

Sure, ghostwriters take breaks, but during the work week, many of my colleagues are seated at their desks, or in front of their laptops at a table somewhere, writing.

And then in the evening, they are more likely to take a break, grab a hot beverage, and sit in a comfy chair to enjoy a Hallmark holiday classic.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a ghost writer?

A ghost writer is a professional who writes books or content for someone else. They help busy CEOs share their ideas without writing themselves.

How can ghost writers give me a competitive advantage?

Ghost writers save you time and create polished content. This helps you share your expertise quickly and stand out in your industry.

Is ghostwriting legal for business books?

Yes, ghostwriting is legal. Many CEOs use ghostwriters to create books that highlight their leadership and ideas.

How do I find a good business book ghostwriter?

Look for ghostwriters with experience in business books. Check reviews, ask for samples, and consider their rates before hiring.

Can ghostwriting improve my CEO thought leadership?

Absolutely! A skilled ghostwriter can help you craft clear, impactful messages that boost your thought leadership and reputation.

5 Websites Where You Can Find Paying Writing Assignments Today

Marcia Layton Turner — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 13:00:11 +0000

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Watch: Starting a Ghost Writing Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ghostwriting illegal as shown in movies?

No, ghostwriting is legal. Movies often dramatize it, but many professionals use ghostwriters ethically to share their stories.

Do ghost writers take all credit for the work?

No, ghostwriters work behind the scenes. The credited author owns the book and ideas, while the ghostwriter stays anonymous.

Are ghostwriters only for celebrities?

No, ghostwriters help CEOs, business leaders, and many others who want to write books but lack time or writing skills.

Can ghostwriting harm my reputation?

When done ethically, ghostwriting enhances your reputation by sharing your expertise professionally and clearly.

What is the real role of a ghost writer?

A ghost writer listens to your ideas and writes them into a clear, engaging book or content that reflects your voice.

The Top 5 Things Your Ghostwriter Website Must Have to Bring You Work

Marcia Layton Turner — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 13:00:10 +0000

Make sure you have these five elements on your ghostwriting services website.

Table of contents:

Your contact information
A photo of you
Proof of your expertise
Benefits of working with you
A freebie

To become a well-paid ghostwriter, you need a well-designed website – one that will attract the right kind of attention and put to rest any questions about your skills and experience. Beyond being professionally designed, which demonstrates your willingness to invest in your business, your website must have the following five elements to have the best chance of attracting serious clients for your ghostwriting:

Your contact information.

Make it easy for prospects to get in touch with you if they’re interested in exploring possibly working together.

Having a separate Contact Me page with those details is smart, but you also might consider including your email address and/or phone number at the bottom of each and every web page. That way, your website visitors don’t have to click away to a new page to find out how to reach you.

A photo of you.

Potential clients are considering spending thousands or tens of thousands of dollars with you, so they need to feel that they have a sense of who you are. That includes an idea of what you look like, which helps build trust.

In your photo, do you look professional and put together (meaning are you at least in business casual wear)? Are you smiling kindly? Did you invest money in a professional photographer or did you take a candid shot with friends and crop them out?

Proof of your expertise.

Clients who are thinking about hiring a ghostwriter generally don’t have the time to do the work themselves – that’s why they’re looking to outsource it, after all – so reassure them that you’ve done this before. They want to know that if they hand over that special report project or the blog they’ve written for years, you’ll know what to do to deliver a terrific product.

So tell them how many books you’ve written, speeches you’ve crafted, articles or blog posts you’ve penned, or white papers you’ve cranked out. Name drop, when possible (meaning you’ve been given permission), who you’ve worked with, or what publications, websites, or corporate clients you’ve had the pleasure of supporting.

Benefits of working with you.

This should actually be a two-part section: 1) What are the benefits of hiring a ghostwriter, generally, and 2) What makes you so special.

Potential clients need to understand why they should spend a lot of money hiring a ghostwriter to write something for them. What’s in it for them? More time? A better quality product? Less stress? Lay out those benefits.

Then address why you’re the best choice for their particular needs. Talk about your process and your competitive advantage. What are you especially good at? Make it clear why you’d be worth their money.

A freebie.

The only way to know who has visited your website is to give them an incentive to reveal themselves, or at least their name and contact information.

One of the best ways to do that is to create a downloadable report or checklist or publishing guide that would be of interest to your target audience. Offer it prominently on your homepage in exchange for your prospect’s identity. Have it delivered immediately after your potential client enters his or her name and email address.

Your ghostwriting website can be a major source of new work, as long as you make sure you’re providing the information potential clients are looking for.

What other “must-haves” do you think today’s websites need?

Watch: Starting a Ghost Writing Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is following up important with ghostwriting clients?

Following up shows you’re interested and professional. It helps keep communication open and builds trust.

How soon should I follow up after a first contact?

Wait about one week after your first message before following up politely.

How many times should I follow up?

Two or three follow-ups are enough. If there’s no response, it’s best to move on.

What should I say in a follow-up email?

Keep it short and friendly. Remind them of your offer and ask if they have questions.

Can following up too often hurt my chances?

Yes, too many messages can seem pushy. Space your follow-ups and stay professional.

What to Do When Work Slows Down

Marcia Layton Turner — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 08:00:31 +0000

Table of contentsL

Keyword use
Scour writing websites.
Register at ghostwriting sites.
Follow up
Work on your own pet projects

It’s common for clients to take a vacation and put their projects on pause, or delay making a decision about their ghostwriting needs until they return a couple of weeks later. Others compress their work week down from five days to four during the warmer months and some planned projects get short-changed.

It happens. In fact, I’d say that the summer slow-down is a normal fact of life for most ghostwriters.

Of course, realizing that this occurrence is typical and dealing with the negative cash flow ramifications are two very different things.

If you know that every July your workload shrinks by 50% and you plan around it, such as by taking your own vacation during that time, you’re much less likely to be impacted than if you forget that July is generally slow and start to panic as your accounts receivables dwindle.

So what can you do to counteract the lack of new work? Here are a few activities to jump-start your marketing and help bring in new projects now and this fall:

Keyword use

.
To help prospective clients find you, make sure you’re using appropriate keywords to describe the writing work that you do. If you make most of your income from ghostwriting, the word “ghostwriter” should be all over your website, email signature, and social media accounts. It should be crystal clear to anyone who comes across your bio that you’re a ghostwriter – or a medical writer, technical writer, speech writer, or something else.

Scour writing websites.

Even during the slower summer months, there are still plenty of writing projects out there. To find new sources of work, spend some time browsing jobs at sites like Upwork, Guru, and Flexjobs, among others. Craigslist is another to scope out. Yes, there are plenty of projects that pay peanuts, but not all. Two weeks ago I landed and completed an article through Upwork in a few short hours that paid $1/word and netted me well over $100/hour.

Register at ghostwriting sites.

You’ve probably heard of Gotham Ghostwriters, Scribe, and Reedsy, right? Have you registered at them to be notified of potential projects? If not, do that.

Follow up.

Are there prospects you spoke to earlier this summer? Check in with them. Maybe they haven’t made a decision yet and could use your help. Find out where things stand. Do you have an agent? Ask him or her if they have any projects in need of a writer. Email any editor friends to see what’s on their desk.

Work on your own pet projects.

Make use of your free time to work on your own book, or to crank out some blog posts for your website, which will likely catch someone’s eye. Reach out to colleagues to see if they might be interested in a guest blog post, and then write it. Make sure your personal profile on any professional organization websites are up-to-date and include your contact information.

Summer can be a stressful time financially but the more you do to take back control of your workload, the less stress you’ll feel.

What do you do when you need to find work fast?

Source: Associate of Ghostwriters

Watch: Starting a Ghost Writing Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ghostwriting good for freelancers?

Ghostwriting provides steady projects and helps build a strong writing portfolio.

Do I need special skills to start ghostwriting?

Good writing skills and the ability to capture someone else’s voice are key.

How do I find ghostwriting clients?

Use freelance websites, networking, and your own website to attract clients.

Can ghostwriting pay well compared to other freelance jobs?

Yes, experienced ghostwriters often earn more than other freelance writers.

Is ghostwriting legal and ethical?

Yes, when done with client agreement, ghostwriting is both legal and ethical.

Why a Passion Planner is This Year’s Must-Have Organizer for Writers

Marcia Layton Turner — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 09:00:01 +0000

I’ll admit it, I’m a planner addict. I buy several new ones each year so I can try out different approaches to managing my workload and time. I’ve probably tried more than 25 in the last few years.

Time management is a major focus for me as a freelance writer, because I know that the more work I can get done in less time, the more revenue I can generate.

This is true for any service provider – the more you can accomplish in a given hour, or given day or week, the higher your income potential.

For most people, the trick isn’t working faster – rushing will not yield your best work – but making better use of your time.

Finding a planner that provides enough structure to help me develop better time management habits, as well as the flexibility to organize my day and my week as I see fit, has been challenging. Some are too simple, with wide open spaces for days and nothing else. Others are too complicated – have you tried bullet journaling? Anything that requires an index to use is way too complex for me.

So when I heard about the Passion Planner on Kickstarter three years ago, I was intrigued. I liked the page designs, which include a monthly view and then a weekly view, and a daily schedule broken down to the half hour. I’ve found that this approach helps me set long-term goals and then break them down more easily into smaller, doable chunks.

The Passion Roadmap, which is a section at the very front of the planner, is where you strategize and break down your goals for the coming year. To me it looks sort of like a mind map, but I like that asks you to think about your goals for your life, three years hence, one year hence, and three months out.

The Passion Roadmap is your goal-setting space.

Then it walks you through how to define and make progress on your GameChanger – the one thing right now that would have the most positive impact on your life. I appreciate the simplicity of zeroing in on that one thing I can do right now that would make the biggest difference in my business.

That’s the forward-looking work that you do before you even get into the day-to-day planning.

I also like that it’s sturdy, with a bound faux leather cover, a bright green ribbon to mark your page, and an elastic band to hold it closed or to mark another page.

The classic cover holds up through the months and is professional enough to bring to meetings.

While some people focus on daily tasks, I always work from a monthly view, so I want spaces on the monthly page to be large enough to note appointments.

I attach washi tape to the edges of each month so I can quickly flip to the monthly view.

That’s how I keep track of who I’m interviewing today and also what the rest of my week looks like. This allows me to quickly spot days where I’ve already overloaded my schedule and days where I have time to fit in a rush assignment here and there.

I like that the week starts on Monday with this planner.

On this two-page spread, I can record a number of key pieces of information. Because I’m a visual learner, having reminders right in front of me at all times is very helpful.

So up in the left-hand corner, I set a monthly work and personal goal. These are the single activities in those two areas of my life that will make the biggest difference in my business. This month, for work, my focus is hitting the half-way mark on a client’s book. On the personal side, it’s getting the house decorated for Christmas. So anytime I feel confused about what to do next, I look at that space on the planner to reorient myself.

I use the weekly view to note upcoming assignment deadlines and milestones I want to hit on larger projects. Many Passion Planner users go crazy with creativity on these pages, jazzing up their daily schedule with washi tape, colorful markers, and stickers. I love dressing mine up, too, but only when I have the time to relax and have fun.

Some planner users affix stickers, use colorful pens, and washi tape to jazz up their weeks.

Like the monthly view, each week you can set a specific task to focus on or theme. And you can easily track what went right on the left, which I like. (I’m also one of those people who will write a task down that I’ve just completed so I can have the satisfaction of crossing it off my to-do list.)

I like that each day of the week has a schedule that runs from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm, with 30-minute increments. At the top of each day there is also a spot to note the day’s focus. For me, that’s usually the one project or task I absolutely have to get done.

Since I think of my work week as running from Monday to Friday (and sometimes Saturday and Sunday), I was thrilled that for 2018 you have the option to choose from a week that starts on Sunday OR Monday. That was the one thing I didn’t really like in previous iterations of the Passion Planner.

At the bottom of the page is a grid for your “Personal To-Do List” and “Work To-Do List,” which helps me highlight those must-do’s for the week. There’s also a spot to list necessary errands, but my errand list never fits in those spaces, so that’s one thing I don’t usually use. On the right is a blank space that I use to jot down phone messages and other ideas that pop up. It’s a catch-all, essentially.

At the end of each month are “Monthly Reflection” pages that are a useful place to record your big wins, or at least that’s how I use it. I note major accomplishments, lessons I learned, and what I can work on next month. It’s a nice wrap-up that helps me make incremental improvements each month.

Taking stock of what went right at the end of each month is a great way to start the new month.

And at the end of the planner book are blank pages, as well as pages with grid lines, that I often use to note appointments scheduled for next year, editing rules I’m always looking up, and prospects I need to follow up with. There are at least 20 pages, so you could certainly designate whole pages to tracking various aspects of your life.

I use one page as a repository for ideas for future guests to interview for the Association of Ghostwriters and another as a place to jot down ideas for entrepreneurs I want to collaborate with on books.

I think since writers are often in reactive mode, waiting for assignments to come in or to get the go-ahead on proposed work, or waiting for client feedback, it’s easy to feel that your schedule is not your own. That’s why I love the Passion Planner, I think. Because it gives me a sense of control – as much or as little as I want – over my work.

Some days, when I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed, I’ll map out tasks in 30-minute increments in an effort to reduce any time-wasting that will prevent me from finishing that blog post that’s due or wrapping up the research I need to be able to finish a client’s book chapter. It provides structure when I need it, and freedom when I don’t.

It’s also fun to go crazy with sticks and colorful washi tape, to make it visually appealing rather than stale and black-and-white.

You can find washi tape in many bright colors and patterns to dress up your pages.

Each year Passion Planner designer Angelia Trinidad comes up with new cover colors. I always buy the black version, but this year you can also choose covers in Vintage Brown, Golden Dream, and Blue Blossom, and Rose Gold Blossom. There are even more options if you want to just buy a reusable sleeve to wrap around an Eco version of the planner, which you swap out at the end of the year. There are two sizes, the Classic, which is 8.27” x 11.69”, and the Compact, which is 5.83” x 8.27”. I like to have lots of space to take notes, so I always buy the larger Classic. But if you want sometime to take with you in your bag, the Compact might be more convenient. And you can get the planner with all the dates filled in or the undated version, which allows you to start at any time and organize your weeks however you prefer.

I’ve always been a paper-based planner user, so this works well for me. At the moment the Passion Planner is not available in electronic form, so if you prefer to manage your schedule on your computer, this may not be as good a fit.

Another benefit of choosing the Passion Planner is that you can get access to a free PDF version of the planner immediately, so you can start charting your path now, rather than having to wait until it hits your mailbox. You can also print out the PDF and give it a test run before you even decide if you want to buy it, which I think is great.

Click here to learn more about the Passion Planner. If you decide you’d like to order one, if you use my code MARCIAT10 you’ll get 10% off through December 31^st.

What’s your favorite planner?

*I became an affiliate for the Passion Planner this year because I love the product. If you use my code you’ll save money and I’ll receive a small commission.

Source: Associate of Ghostwriters

Watch: Starting a Ghost Writing Project

Frequently Asked Questions

Why send a letter to a ghostwriting client?

A letter helps clarify project details and builds trust between you and the client.

What should be included in a client letter?

Project scope, timelines, payment terms, and communication plans are key points.

How does a letter improve client relationships?

It shows professionalism and ensures both parties understand the agreement.

Should I personalize each letter?

Yes, tailoring the letter to each client’s needs makes it more effective.

Can a letter prevent misunderstandings?

Yes, clear written communication helps avoid confusion and disputes.

Ghostwriting Tips & Insights | Marcia Layton Turner Blog

Is Self-Publishing a Legitimate Alternative to Traditional Publishing?

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Does publisher prestige matter today?

Shifting publishing priorities

Want to hear my assessment of the pros and cons of your various publishing options? Email me at marcia at marcialaytonturner.com.

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