About Memoir Writing
You're probably wondering what exactly you're getting yourself into when you decide to have a book ghostwritten.
It's actually a very simple process where most of your involvement comes from being interviewed. In an interview, you can feel free to talk about all the story elements that have been on your mind. Then, when you run out of ideas, I'll start asking questions. For subsequent interviews, I'll email you my questions ahead of time, so that you can give it some thought and be ready.
Having me write your memoir is a three-part process.
Below, you'll see the optional parts two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half. These options are just there to customize the process because all ghostwriting clients are different and have different needs.
Part One:
- Your book begins with an interview—either in-person, on the phone, or via video conference. You'll discuss the material you want the book to encompass, and I'll ask relevant questions. I'll record the interview, transcribe it, and use that to begin fleshing out an outline for the work.
- Over the next couple of weeks, we'll continue with as many interviews as necessary to get the bulk of the story across.
- At the end of two weeks, I'll send you a "pitch" for the book, which is a paragraph describing the story we have discussed in such a way that an agent, publisher, or book-buyer would feel irresistably compelled to read it. I'll also send you an outline of the story and an initial chapter.
- If you like it and feel that we are well matched, we'll continue to part two.
Part Two:
- I'll send you sections of the book. Typically, these amount to 10,000 words per month.
- Via email or phone, I'll ask for any additional information needed to supplement the previous interviews. I'll also ask for further interviews as I need them.
- You will edit the work for accuracy and let me know what you think of the work as it emerges. We'll converse regularly about it, and I'm sure you'll think of other things you'd like to add as we go along.
- I'll answer your questions as to the writing process and why I present information as I do, in the order I do. Step-by-step, you'll gain insight into the world of a writer and the thinking process that goes into creating a narrative nonfiction memoir.
Optional step 2.5: Stop While You're Ahead.
If you hope to catch on to the process and finish the book on your own, that's perfectly fine! In this case, we'll decide, month-by-month, whether or not you want me to continue the work. If you decide to take over the work yourself, we'll conclude our business at the end of the month. I'm still available to jump back in if you decide you need help again.
Part Three:
- I'll incorporate most of your edits as I go, although some may be reserved until the book or chapter is finished so that we can reevaluate the changes at that point.
- I work with a professional editor, so that I always have a second set of eyes reading the manuscript and pointing out any places where the story may need to be strengthened. This means that when you recieve your book, it is ready to be read by agents and publishers.
- Once the book is complete, I'll do a final edit, and it's yours!
Optional Step 3.5: Take It All the Way!
I'm available to take the work to pitching conferences, if you so desire. There, I can pitch your book directly to an agent or publisher. I'll utilize my credentials to ensure them that the book is of the highest professional quality. I'll also ensure that, if published, the book's authorship is assigned as you and I have agreed. If the book appeals to agents or publishers, I can place it directly into their hands at the conference. If it doesn't appeal to them, they'll tell me why, and if you wish, we can plan a rewrite based on that information.
