Frequently Asked Questions
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Writing a book while running your business and managing your life is like playing chess during a marathon—it’s technically possible, but neither will get your best effort. A ghostwriter helps you take years of ideas and experiences, develop a compelling narrative, and turn it into a polished book in months without derailing your busy schedule.
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We’ll schedule at least twenty-five one-hour interviews over the course of the project. These include initial sessions to establish structure and themes (three to five hours), in-depth chapter interviews (ten to fifteen hours) to explore key ventures and lessons, and follow-ups for clarification and feedback (two to five hours). Gathering and reviewing documents and drafts may require an additional ten hours of your time.
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I ask open-ended questions to capture your stories, insights, and voice. These relaxed conversations bring out the best material. The interviews are recorded and professionally transcribed.
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Absolutely. My goal is to ensure the book sounds authentic and aligns with your personality and perspective.
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Most projects take nine months to a year, depending on your availability for interviews. If you’re on a tight timeline, we can discuss a faster schedule, but the best results come from giving the process the time it needs.
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The average business book runs 40,000 to 60,000 words (roughly 200 to 300 pages). Books intended as promotional tools tend to be shorter, while life lessons and memoirs usually land at the upper end of that range.
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Of course. You’ll review drafts throughout the process, providing feedback to ensure the final manuscript meets your vision.
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We’ll begin with a 30-minute phone call to discuss your project. If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule an in-depth session to clarify your story, goals, and voice. From there, I’ll create a book concept, a working outline, and a project roadmap. Then, we’ll dive into interviews and chapter drafts, refining your manuscript until it’s ready for publication.
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You have three options:
Traditional publishing: Credible publishers like McGraw-Hill, Simon & Schuster, and John Wiley & Sons require an agent and a comprehensive proposal before considering a manuscript.
Self-publishing: Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark offer more creative control and higher royalties but require you to handle everything from design to marketing.
Hybrid publishing: This combines the professional support of traditional publishing with the autonomy of self-publishing. While it requires an investment of $10,000 to $60,000, hybrid publishing offers turnkey editorial, design, distribution, and retail marketing expertise.
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Certainly! If you’re pursuing traditional publishing, I can craft a compelling proposal and help you approach agents. For self-publishing, I’ll guide you in selecting the right platform, securing ISBNs, and finding professionals for editing, design, and layout. I also assist with marketing strategies and launch planning. For hybrid publishing, I can help you select a reputable company and navigate the process.
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Depending on a project's complexity, my fee ranges from $65,000 to $100,000 for a 60,000-word book manuscript. Please get in touch with me to discuss your specific goals.
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You own all rights to the book unless otherwise agreed upon in the contract.
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Success depends on your goals. If you aim to establish yourself as an expert, educate readers, or enhance your brand, your book will achieve that. If you’re measuring success by sales, much depends on how well you market it. A great book is the foundation, but effective promotion drives sales.