In this latest installment of Straight Talk for New Authors, we’re addressing FAQs. Our goal is always to provide information about the collaboration and publishing process so authors go in with their eyes open and maximize the experience and opportunity.
The people who come to us seeking to write a book ask a lot of great questions. In the spirit of helping others learn from these conversations, here are some of the most commonly asked:
How much does it cost to hire a ghostwriter? “Hiring a ghost isn’t about paying for words. It’s about buying results,” observes veteran ghostwriter Sally Collings. She points out the real costs of not hiring a ghostwriter, such as spending two years writing a book that never sells or publishing a message that misses the mark. Ghostwriting fees range from $40,000 to $300,000, depending on the project and the experience of the ghost. Read our full article on ghostwriting fees. One word of caution: ghostwriting scams are prevalent. It takes real money to work with a professional. If someone is quoting you $2,000 to write a book, you’re getting scammed.
Once I find my perfect collaborator, how does the work start? The process can vary depending on the needs and preferred working styles of the client and writer, which is why part of Gotham’s process is to encourage client-writer interviews prior to any deal being signed. Those interviews are aimed not just at determining editorial or personality fit, but also developing a sense of what the collaborating will look like. Some clients prefer to get a lot of interviews done up front and then check back in after the writer has a sizable chunk of draft material for review, while others prefer to go chapter by chapter, with regular interviews, hands-on involvement, and frequent check-ins. While the exact timeline and workflow vary, most collaborations first focus on nailing down essential questions such as concept and structure to create a road map that will guide the process of developing material.
Do fiction authors hire ghostwriters? Increasingly, we are seeing people who want to hire a ghostwriter for novels. These clients may have started a novel during the pandemic and now don’t have the time to work on it anymore but remain committed to the project. Others want to tell the story of their parents or grandparents, but the historical record is thin, so the way forward is to novelize the broad strokes of the story. In other cases, people want to write a memoir, but to avoid damaging or disrupting relationships in their personal life — or opening them up to liability — opt to fictionalize it instead.
Do you think I’m crazy to want to write a book? This question comes up all the time. You’re not crazy, but don’t be stupid. Writing a great book is only half the battle. Without a strategic approach to publishing and marketing, even brilliant ideas get lost in today’s crowded marketplace.
Will I make money from my book? Authors rarely start with this question, but they often work around to it — and we have a good answer. It comes from our Business Book ROI Study, the largest-ever (and only) survey of published business authors. We asked more than 300 writers about their experiences drafting, publishing, and promoting their books. The study revealed that 64% of business books make a profit — and books with PR campaigns, ghostwriters, or a clear revenue strategy generate the greatest profits.
Who owns the IP? The author owns the intellectual property. Your contract with the ghostwriter should spell out the IP details. If the contract doesn’t give you IP ownership, don’t sign it.
How long does it take to ghostwrite a book? The median author spends 10 months writing their book, according to our Business Book ROI Study. Traditionally published authors typically take 12 months, while self-published authors put in only 6 months from start to finish. That said, the typical Gotham project takes 9 to 15 months.
Can’t I just use AI? Why do I need a ghostwriter? The way AI works is you prompt the AI tool. When you hire a ghostwriter, the collaborator prompts you.
What else should I be asking? Think about additional expenses that once might have been covered by a publisher but no longer are, such as fact-checking, marketing, and publicity.
