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Navigating the Author and Ghostwriter Process-Avoiding “Author Shock”
By Jeffrey A. Mangus
What is your process? Can you tell me how it all works? When we meet, these are usually the first questions I get from new authors. It’s understandable; writing a book is a huge endeavor, one of a lifetime. If you’re thinking of working with a professional ghostwriter, you want to know everything involved. You should know that working with a ghostwriter is a collaborative process and, if done right, can be rewarding. But it can go to hell in a handbasket if you don’t know what to expect.
Hiring a business memoir thought leadership ghostwriter is a significant step in establishing yourself as a thought leader in your industry and leaving a lasting legacy. However, working with a ghostwriter can be challenging if you’ve never done it before. I call this “Author Shock.” I thought I would assemble some hard truths and show my process to help you navigate the experience.
The author-ghostwriter relationship involves several detailed steps, each crucial to the success of the final written product. Here’s my step-by-step process, which works well and is something for you to consider.
My behind-the-scenes process revealed:
1. As a ghostwriter, I am contacted by the author who wants a book written.
2. The author arranges an appointment to discuss details and requirements.
3. During our initial consultation, the author and I have in-depth conversations over the phone or via Zoom to discuss the project’s aim and goal setting. We discuss all expectations and communication methods. We discuss the target audience to understand the target readers, helping me shape the book’s narrative and direction. In this initial meeting, we also discuss tone, style preferences, and establish the desired tone and style.
4. Once we agree upon terms, we draft an agreement as a Statement of Work (SOW) that specifies deadlines, payment terms, and rights to the work. This SOW includes confidentiality agreements, and as a separate document, I send over nondisclosure agreements (NDA), which we both sign as a sign of trust and good faith to protect the author’s privacy.
5. The author receives a statement of work and agrees to proceed by signing a contract. After signing the agreement, the author receives an invoice on the first down payment (30% down)
6. The author pays the down payment, and then we schedule our first interview to draft an outline and working table of contents. You must establish a foundation to build a house; the same goes for book writing.
7. We schedule to meet for the intro or first chapter and every chapter thereafter. I record those sessions to begin studying their tone, style, mannerisms, and personality to capture their voice on the page. This is an ongoing process for every chapter.
8. I ghostwrite the first draft and send it to the author for review.
9. The author receives the chapter and reviews, revises, and returns.
10. Until the manuscript is finished, we repeat steps 7-9 for all following chapters.
11. Once chapters are written and approved, the author receives the book in WORD format and is asked to do a final review with revision requests. I go to work and complete all revision requests.
12. As the next step to completion, I send the book to the author for final approval before I send the manuscript to my editors and proofreaders. (Yes, these are all included in my fees.)
13. Send the book editor and proofreader, and once back, I send the manuscript to the author for final approval.
14. Then the author and I make plans to allow me to consult them on publishing the book
These steps ensure that everyone works together structured and effectively, leading to a polished and professional product that stays true to the author’s original vision. When I meet an author, I put myself there to understand the author’s vision. I listen. I open my compassion and pay full attention to the nuances the authors bring. As the author is evaluating me, I am also evaluating them to guarantee that their personalities match and that the project will succeed.
The objective is to create a business book memoir that mirrors your experiences and insights. Working with a ghostwriter encompasses more than simply making a book. It’s about working together in tandem to draft your lasting legacy. Embrace this process as an opportunity to share your unique perspective with the world, knowing that your memoir can influence and inspire countless individuals.
Working with a business memoir ghostwriter such as myself, remember it is a collaborative experience that requires trust, communication, and mutual respect. You can create a memoir that reflects your voice and vision by finding the right fit, establishing clear expectations, and embracing the creative process. Your one-of-a-kind story has immeasurable worth, and I’m eager to learn how I can help you infuse it with a powerful and captivating essence.
If you have a burning book waiting to get written, please reach out and schedule a Kick Start No Obligation meeting. You can find me at