There were no secrets here.
The tell-all panel led by celebrity ghostwriter Pauleanna Reid, included #1 bestselling Wall Street Journal ghostwriter, NYT bestselling editor and speaker Alice Sullivan, independent entertainment pro Jon Land, Author and NYT best-selling ghostwriter Joni Rodgers, and multi-faceted artist, novelist, and ghostwriter Swan Huntley.
Key takeaways from the panel discussion included:
Trust: Working with an author is a delicate dance. Authors are vulnerable as their collaborator guides them to create a result which will be their legacy or contribute to shaping new perspectives. Writing memoir is a human art in high demand. AI will never be able to replace the perspective on the human condition. This is the perfect time for authors to share their truth knowing they will reach others who will benefit from their courage.
Knowing Your Worth. In order to get what you’re worth you must know your value. An accomplished ghost leaned over to me during the presentation and whispered, “do you believe these numbers?” I replied, “that’s why I’m here. I want to surround myself with the best and those who command the highest rates.” Lean into your differences. For example, Joni Rogers grew up in a bluegrass/gospel band. She brings a lived experience to a project few other ghosts can touch. Walk away when the project is not a fit knowing the author will find the right writer. Expect 127 ‘no’s before you get to a ‘yes’ on your rate.
The Process is the Product Talented ghosts spend time detailing the processes and nurturing the project until the end. The world of this work is unknown to the masses; it’s up to us to help them understand. Joni uses a system she calls the ideation process collab lab. Authors can communicate through the medium that is most comfortable for them: notes, audio or video. A clear process helps authors appreciate the required investment.
The ghosts reinforce that the author does all the fun stuff; the ghosts write with you — not for you. Getting a client is sort of like an audition for the author and the collaborator, both parties are determining if they can work together for 18 months. Healthy work relationships are not cast upon the ghost; they are developed over time. It may take a couple of drafts of initial writing to capture the voice and tone. Set the expectation that a few revisions in the beginning are expected. The partnership is a blend of magic and logic. When working with an agent, keep them involved. Agents often appreciate a quick weekly update.
Promote Your Brand. Flaunt your assets. Just the right author will be seeking your talent, make sure they know and understand your advantages. Share awards, best-selling books, and examples you are free to disclose upfront.
Positioning. Continue to place yourself in situations where the clientele you are seeking congregate; in person, in communities; and targeted online channels. Consider pitching to talent agents in addition to literary agents. Talent agents have a broad reach of interesting people who would benefit from writing a book.
A Spirit of Generosity and Transparency. The panel shared highlights and lowlights of the journey to commanding premium rates including what they accepted for their first projects which was as low as $1200. Others are accepting $25,000, $225,000 even up to over $500,000. Ghosts throughout the gathering chuckled over the times when they accepted rates sometimes significantly under $10,000 to get started.
It’s easier to live the lives we desire by sharing and lifting each other up as we serve our authors by co-creating quality work. The world has been turned upside down. No one is sure what future currency will look like, or how world governance will evolve — perhaps we are collectively leading the way, as we peek from behind the shadows, of what the future of life could look like for all.
