You’ve decided to hire a ghostwriter.
Congratulations! Now what?
The ghostwriting process is a collaborative process that involves trust and communication, and is a wonderful option for people who have powerful stories to tell but lack the time or energy to tell them.
As a professional writer for over a decade, I’ve written thousands of articles and many books for celebrities, high-level entrepreneurs, small business owners, thought leaders, YouTubers, podcasters, and more. While those words tell stories and connect, they’re also valuable business tools that propel businesses forward and become an additional income stream.
I’ve developed a streamlined process for getting my clients’ stories to their intended audiences in a meaningful and powerful way. Storytelling comes naturally to me. As a professional ghostwriter and bestselling novelist, I know how to craft an engaging story, but I also realize my clients are far less knowledgeable in this area. Many hire me with very little idea of what it takes to write a book or create online content that brings stories to life — and that’s okay. That’s why I created Ghostwriting Solutions STL.
Below, I’ll give you a brief overview of what the ghostwriting process looks like if you want to write a book. The process is slightly different for writing blog content but similar. If it seems like something you’d like to learn more about, click the button at the end of the post and tell me more about your project.
The Eight-Step Process
If eight steps sounds like a lot, let me put your mind at ease. My team and I go above and beyond to make the ghostwriting process as simple for you as possible. It’s a collaborative process, but I promise we do all the heavy lifting.
Step one: Fill out the online form
The first step is to fill out the online form and tell us more about your project. From there, I or another team member will reach out within 48 hours (excluding holidays and weekends) and set up a time to speak with you more about your project. The online form gives us an idea of what your project entails and if it’s something we can help you complete. We work with all professionals, including personal brands, but some projects are a better fit than others.
Step two: Initial meeting
If your project is a fit for us, we set up a time to discuss your project more in-depth. We do this on the phone or via Zoom, which gives both parties the chance to ask more questions.
Step three: Proposal and contracts
At this point, if both parties decide to move forward, Ghostwriting Solutions STL sends a project-specific proposal that includes details about the content, milestones, completion date, editing and publishing services (depending on the package chosen), and the payment schedule. Large ghostwriting projects require a deposit and a monthly payment schedule. Smaller projects like writing blog posts or press releases often require half down before the project starts and the final half before delivery of the final draft. Once the proposal is accepted, the ghostwriter and client sign contracts, and the project begins.
Step four: Big Idea call
The project officially kicks off with the ghostwriter and the client (that’s YOU) completing a Big Idea call. During this call, which lasts about an hour, we discuss the overall message of your book and the story you want to tell.
Step five: Book outline
After the Big Idea call, the ghostwriter completes a book outline that includes book and chapter summaries. This outline is presented to the client to review and sign off on.
Step six: The writing process
This is the lengthiest part of the ghostwriting process. The ghostwriter begins writing the book but still needs the client’s help. During this time, weekly “interviews”’ are scheduled with the client so the ghostwriter can gather more information. Many of our clients lead busy lives, and a weekly interview isn’t always possible. If this is the case, we work together to find the best way to collaborate together. Sometimes, this looks like the client recording a solo Zoom video based on a topic we give them that’s recorded and transcribed. Other times it might be the client directing us to written or recorded material they already have available. This part of the writing process looks different for every client. We customize it to meet you where you are while keeping us on track to meet our milestones.
Step seven: First draft delivery
After the ghostwriter has completed the first draft, it’s delivered to the client for review. At this point, there will likely be comments in the draft for the client to answer/clarify. The client can also make suggestions. Keep in mind that, at this point, the draft is readable but likely will have typos and other imperfections because it hasn’t been edited yet. That happens next.
Step eight: Editing
Once the first draft has been signed off on by the client, it goes to the editor. Depending on the package you’ve chosen, this could be a developmental editor or copy editor. Not every book needs developmental edits, but every book needs a copy editor. Once the editing process is completed, the ghostwriter applies the edits, sends the final draft to the client to review, and once it’s signed off on, the publishing process begins. I won’t go into the publishing process here because it looks different for each client. Some of our clients don’t want full-production services, such as formatting and uploading to print-on-demand services like Kindle Direct Publication. Others do want this service. We will discuss this part of the process with you during our initial phone call.
How Long Does the Ghostwriting Process Take?
Depending on the length of the book, the services offered, and barring unforeseen circumstances, most ghostwriting projects get completed within four to twelve months. Again, our ghostwriting services aren’t one size fits all. After our initial meeting, we’ll present you with a proposed timeline based on your project’s variables.
Are you ready to learn more? Click the button below and tell us more about your project.