They say everyone has a book inside them, but as the author of two books, and a contributor to several others, I know that getting a story out of your head and onto the page is never easy. So, unsurprisingly, I am passionate about assisting first-time authors in bringing their publishing dreams to fruition.
Recent advances in technology have made it easier than ever before for people to self-publish a book or present a professional-looking manuscript to a publishing house.
My involvement is tailored to the author’s needs but may include market analysis, structural editing, copy-editing and proofreading. I also help people overcome writer's block, ensure deadlines are met and administer caffeine as required!
Many people have a fascinating story to tell but lack time to produce a beautifully crafted manuscript. I ghostwrite books that are true to the subject’s voice; books that capture the relevance and humanity in every story while delivering a rollicking good read.
How does it work?
The process starts with a brainstorming session, so I am clear about the book’s purpose and how the subject intends to use it. It could be to sell when delivering keynote presentations or as a broader marketing product. The book could be as a personal memoir, only to be circulated to family and friends. Some clients want a global bestseller!
The next step is to produce a chapter outline that becomes our roadmap. This is a vital step and keeps us on course.
Then we commence the interviewing phase, during which I tape our guided conversations. I write the first draft, and we begin the “back and forth” until the subject approves the manuscript.
I am the founder of Dynamic Small Business (DSB), a magazine I launched and grew to become the largest small business publication in Australia. I published DSB and other small business publications for over a decade. During that time, I interviewed countless entrepreneurs and developed a fascination with why one business succeeds while another fails.
This perspective of business and my experience running a successful enterprise differentiates me from other freelance writers. Understanding the entrepreneurial mindset allows me to write messages that resonate with business owners. My North Star is profitability.
Printers’ ink is in my blood, and despite the time that has elapsed since I ran my publishing business, other publishers still ask me to help them develop their titles. This is usually a strategic review but often results in hands-on implementation of my recommendations.
I analyse the editorial platform, advertising strategies, circulation and subscription initiatives and marketing of the brand.
With many niche titles moving online, increasingly I provide these services to online publications. Although the environment is different, good writing remains good writing.
My level of involvement differs with each book. Sometimes a manuscript just needs a final polish, and sometimes I am presented with a first draft that needs intensive work. Together, the author and I establish how I will contribute, although the brief often evolves as we work together. I pride myself on having a flexible approach and on always working within the budget.
I work on two models: one is an hourly rate, and the other is on a project basis. It is often difficult to estimate how much time will be involved in editing a manuscript, making it hard to estimate a project cost. However, most authors have a limited budget and not knowing how many hours they will be charged for is challenging. As a rule, I suggest I edit the first chapter, keeping track of my hours, and this provides the client with an idea of the work involved and how I will improve the entire manuscript.
Your location is irrelevant. Isn’t technology a wonderful thing? I have clients – especially those I ghostwrite for – with whom I have spent countless hours. However, there are clients I have never met face-to-face. Sometimes we have regular Zoom meetings, and sometimes the manuscript is developed entirely through an exchange of emails.