FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ghostwriting and why would I need a ghostwriter?

A ghostwriter is a professional writer who confidentially writes books and other content for their clients. You may need a ghostwriter if you have a book idea, but you have no time to write it or no clue how to create a plan of attack. With me as your ghostwriter, you trust me with your idea. I develop and implement a plan to provide you with a book in your voice with professional writing quality.



What is content/developmental editing and why would I need an editor?

Content, or developmental, editing is for people who are further along in the writing process. Maybe you've developed a rough draft, but it just doesn't sound the way you envisioned it in your head. I review your content, make edits, and provide suggestions. Together, we collaborate to get your book to its highest quality.



What's the difference between content and copy editing?

Check out this infographic. I created it to provide a detailed explanation about the difference between Content and Copy Editing.



How much does it cost for you to ghostwrite my book?

Some of the large ghostwriting companies charge anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 per book. It's not a cheap endeavor. My prices start at $10,000 and increase based on the length of the book and the amount of research needed on my end. I know, that's not exactly cheap either, but there's a valid reason for that. In order for me to provide you the level of service you deserve (and get your book done in a timely manner), I greatly limit the number of ghostwriting projects that I work on simultaneously. That means, when I'm working on your project, I am not also earning money from numerous other projects. See, I have four kids... and they like to eat. So, I have to charge a fee that allows me to help my writers while still putting food on the table.



What are your content editing rates?

I base my content editing rates off of industry standards as set by the Editorial Freelancers Association. You can view the rate sheet at https://www.the-efa.org/rates/. The industry word-per-page count is 250 and I generally complete 2-3 pages of edits per hour. My hourly rate is $65. When quoting a rate, I first look at your current word count. I then provide you with an estimate of what your final word count will likely be at the end of our work togther. I use that word count, along with our weekly meeting times, to provide you with a written estimate. Most of my content editing jobs range from $3000 to $6000, paid in installments over a 3 - 6 month period.



Will you work for a percentage of the profits?

I do not work for profit percentages. While I hope that every project I work on will become an income generator for my client, the truth is that most books do not result in millions of dollars for the author. There are a lot of variables involved when marketing and selling your book. I simply do not have the ability to bet my income on all of those variables. You pay me during the writing process and keep all of your book profits for yourself.



Do you take any credit for the book?

I do not take any credit for my ghostwriting or editing services. My services are completely confidential and no one will know that I helped you with your book unless you want them to know. Some of my former writers have chosen to give me credit by thanking me in their acknowledgements - and I am truly appreciative - but I never expect or request my writers to acknowledge my services.



What is the process and how long does it take?

For ghostwriting, the process goes a bit like this. You come to me with your book idea, along with any notes or inspiration you can provide. I come up with an intitial outline for the book and share it with you. We work together to tweak the outline. I then start writing one chapter at a time. We meet on a regular basis (by telephone or video conference) to review each chapter draft. Based on our discussion, I make changes and edit the chapter until you are satisfied with it. This happens for each chapter until they are all complete. We then review and edit the book as a whole to ensure that it all fits together and adequately communicates your voice. The ghostwriting process can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the length of the book, the amount of time you have available, and your budget. For content editing, you provide me with your book draft and I reead it over in its entirety. We then meet (by telephone or video conference) to discuss my impressions and create a working plan. Then, one chapter at at time, I make edits and discuss them with you. We move through each chapter until your book reads the way you intended. The content writing process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the length of the book, how much editing is needed, the amount of time you have available, and your budget. Rush projects are available at an additional cost.



Do you help with publishing?

I do not personally offer publishing services, but I can provide you with referrals and resources for traditional publishing, as well as self-publishing. I can also assist you with the process of querrying literary agents. I make no guarantees that your finished work will be published.



Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, I do! I require a percentage of my fee up front. After that, you can make monthly payments or we can set up milestone payments to be made when specific writing goals are met.



What if I can't afford your services?

I also offer hourly consults, where I read your written content and meet with you for an hour to offer suggestions and guidance. You do all of the writing with this option, but it still provides the opportunity for some valuable feedback. These sessions may be booked on an hourly basis and cost $150 per session.