Using a Ghostwriter

Books are the ultimate public relations tool for your business because they showcase your expertise in a tangible way.

In last month's column, "Have Book Proposal, Need Platform," I discussed an author's need for an expert "platform" to sell a book. This month I will cover how to write a book using a ghostwriter.

What Is a Ghostwriter?
Ghostwriters can help people who want to write books but don't have the time, desire or skills. But they can do more than pen a self-published book for you. Book ghostwriters can also create proposals and pitch your book to agents, who in turn can help you get noticed by major publishing houses.

What Makes a Ghostwriter Right for You?
Bobbi Dempsey, a freelance writer and book ghostwriter, suggests you ask the following questions before hiring a book ghostwriter:

• What books have you written under your own name? This way you can investigate the individual's writing style.
   
• What types of books have you ghostwritten? There should be some in your specialty area.
   
• What can you help me with? This could include outlines, proposals, book writing and/or reaching out to agents.
   
• What publishers have these books sold to? The list should include publishers you are interested in.
   
• How do you prefer to work? Does the writer prefer e-mail, phone or voice transcription, for example?
   
• How long will this project take you?
   
• What is your availability for this project? Ask in case the writer is booked up and you want something done quickly.

How Much Does a Ghostwriter Charge?
For an experienced ghostwriter, expect to pay several thousand dollars for book proposals and $12,000 and up for the actual writing.

Can Ghostwriters Help Get Your Book Sold Faster?
"Yes," says Peter McGuigan of Foundry Literary+Media, a literary agent who specializes in pop culture books.

"We often suggest ghostwriters for authors with a good idea, but who could use some polishing in their writing."

Will the Ghostwriter's Name Appear on the Book as a Co-Author?
This varies, depending on the ghostwriter and the agreement you have.

"If you are willing to let a ghostwriter use his or her name on the book, you'll probably get a lower price for the project, since the ghostwriter can then use that information for promotion purposes," Dempsey says.

What Should a Contract Include?
The contract with a ghostwriter is critical, according to literary agent Marilyn Allen of Allen O'Shea Literary Agency. Here is some of the information it should contain:

• Expectations: Who will do what?
   
• Specific services provided by the ghostwriter: e.g., the proposal, marketing page, competitive analysis page, author biography, outline, one or two sample chapters, writing of the entire book, contacting agents, etc.
   
• Timeline
   
• Kill fee arrangement
   
• Whose name or names will be on the book
   
• Royalty splits, if any
   
• Book advance splits, if any

Writing a book is an important part of your public relations efforts, and using a ghostwriter can help make that a reality. But do your homework before you hire such a writer, and make sure you have a solid understanding of expectations on both sides.

Who knows? You could soon be on The New York Times' bestseller list.