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Non-Fiction Ghost Writing
Take Eric Markowitz as an example.
Eric is a successful businessman, an expert in marketing and business consulting, and a professional coach working independently and with Mind Valley, sharing his knowledge and insight with hundreds of people.
Eric is an intelligent man. He has highly-developed skills. He's even good at writing. But he isn't a writer. Writing isn't the area where he wants to spend his time... he doesn't have a lot of time to spare!
Enter the ghost writer: Me.
I consult with Eric, gather his expertise and insight, and we decide on an order, or structure to the book. I then get to work, turning bullet points into explanations, illustrative stories, and guidelines for those who need to know what Eric has to teach, but can't get, or can't afford, one-to-one access to this busy man.
Eric then reads the draft, highlights, makes notes, or circles things that need adjustment - after all, he's the expert, and his name is on the cover: he should have the final word on the content! I take the marked-up draft, and we repeat the process until he is happy with the final product as a representation of his knowledge, insights, and experience.
Sometimes my name is on the cover as a 'with Jeff Spence' contributing author, and sometimes the expert opts to be the sole acknowledged author. Either is acceptable, common practice in the non-fiction writing world.
The best part for you is that I don't own the book or take any of your profits from publishing it - that money is all yours. When my fee is paid and the project is complete, I step away and fade into the background... like a ghost.
Some people make a good living from their books, using ghost writers to help them get the words and structure right for their target audiences. Maybe you could do the same.
Guideline Prices*
US$0.10 to $0.30 per word
*Prices vary with project type.
Discounts available with shared authorship credit.
Example book lengths (not my books)
Rich Dad Poor Dad, 60,000 words
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective people, 111,000 words
The Myth of Normal, 171,000 words
Fiction Ghost Writing
Fiction and Memior Ghost Writing
Fiction (and Memior) writing is handled a little differently. I first sit down with a client, go over the desired style and the outline or plot idea the client has. I then move through the writing process a smaller section at a time, ensuring that the tone, feel, and pace of the story conforms to what the client envisions.
The back-and-forth interaction continues through the process. Some clients need a lot of interaction. Others very little. It depends on the individual.
Once the story is complete, the client decides whether they want sole authorship credit - which comes at a higher price point - or will opt for the 'with Jeff Spence' co-authorship credit. If the client chooses sole authorship, they receive full rights to the work upon final payment, and my name drops from view forever... like a ghost.
The best part for you is that I don't own the book or take any of your profits from publishing it - that money is all yours. When my fee is paid and the project is complete, I step away and fade into the background... like a ghost.
Some people make a good living from their books, using ghost writers to help them get the words and structure right for their target audiences. Maybe you could do the same.
Guideline Prices*
US$0.25 per word
or $65 per hour.
*Prices can vary with project type.
Discounts available with shared authorship credit.
Example book lengths (not my books)
Charlotte's Web, 32,000 words
The Giver, 62,000 words
Harry Potter (Book 1), 77,000 words
Cost Estimate
$8,000
$15,500
$19,250
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