Navigating the Author and Ghostwriter Process: Avoiding “Author Shock”
From Jeffrey Mangus, CEO, Mangus Media Group
“What’s your process? Can you tell me how it all works?” These are almost always the first questions I get from new authors when we meet. It’s completely understandable; writing a book is a huge undertaking, often a once-in-a-lifetime endeavor. If you’re considering working with a professional ghostwriter, you’ll want to know every detail involved. It’s important to understand that working with a ghostwriter is a deeply collaborative process, and if done right, it can be incredibly rewarding. However, it can quickly go awry if you don't know what to expect.
Hiring a business memoir or thought leadership ghostwriter is a significant step toward establishing yourself as a leader in your industry and leaving a lasting legacy. Yet, working with a ghostwriter can be challenging if you've never done it before. I call this “Author Shock.” I’ve compiled some hard truths and shared some of the process from Mangus Media Group to help you navigate this experience more smoothly.
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 I’ve found works incredibly well and is something for you to consider:
Our Behind-the-Scenes Process Revealed:
Initial Contact: Authors who are ready to write a book reach out to me.
Scheduling a Consultation: We arrange an appointment to discuss the project’s specifics and requirements.
In-Depth Discussion: During our initial consultation, we have a detailed conversation, usually over the phone or via Zoom, to discuss the project's aim and set clear goals. We cover all expectations and preferred communication methods. We also delve into the target audience to ensure I understand who your readers are, which helps me shape the book’s narrative and direction. In this first meeting, we also establish the desired tone and style.
Agreement & Confidentiality: Once we agree on terms, we draft a Statement of Work (SOW) that specifies deadlines, payment terms, and rights to the work. This SOW includes confidentiality clauses. As a separate document, I am sending over a nondisclosure agreement (NDA), which we will both sign. This mutual signing signifies trust and good faith, protecting your privacy.
Contract and Payment: You receive the Statement of Work and agree to proceed by signing the contract. After signing, you’ll receive an invoice for the first down payment (typically 30% of the total fee).
Outline and Table of Contents: Once the down payment is made, we schedule our first interview. This session is crucial for drafting a comprehensive outline and a working table of contents. Just as you need a strong foundation to build a house, the same principle applies to writing a book.
Interview & Voice Capture: We schedule regular meetings for the introduction or first chapter, and then for every chapter thereafter. I record these sessions to thoroughly study your tone, style, mannerisms, and personality. This ongoing process helps me truly capture your unique voice on the page.
First Draft Submission: I ghostwrite the first draft of the chapter and send it to you for review.
Author Review & Revisions: You receive the chapter, review it, make any necessary revisions, and return it to me.
Iterative Process: We repeat steps 7-9 for all subsequent chapters until the entire manuscript is complete.
Final Manuscript Review: Once all chapters are written and approved individually, you receive the complete book in Microsoft Word format and are asked to conduct a final review with any last revision requests. I then complete all requested revisions.
Pre-Editor Approval: As the next step toward completion, I send the book to you for your absolute final approval before I send the manuscript to my editors and proofreaders. (Yes, their services are all included in my fees!)
Professional Editing: I then send the book to my professional editors and proofreaders. Once their work is complete, I send the polished manuscript back to you for your ultimate final approval.
Publishing Consultation: Finally, you and I make plans for me to consult you on the process of publishing your book.
These steps ensure that we work together in a structured and effective manner, leading to a polished and professional product that stays true to your original vision. When I meet an author, my primary goal is to gain a deep understanding of their vision. I listen intently. At Mangus Media Group, we approach every conversation with compassion and pay full attention to all the nuances you bring. As you evaluate me, I am also evaluating you to ensure that our personalities align and that the project will truly succeed.
With the help of Mangus Media Group, our elite team of writing and publishing professionals handles every aspect of this journey with complete transparency, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. We meticulously manage the entire process, from initial concept to final publication, always careful not to disrupt your busy schedule as a leader.
Our goal is to make the experience seamless and efficient, allowing you to focus on your business while we bring your literary vision to life.
The objective is to create a business memoir that perfectly mirrors your experiences and insights. Working with a ghostwriter encompasses more than simply creating a book; it’s about collaborating in tandem to draft your lasting legacy. Embrace this process as an incredible opportunity to share your unique perspective with the world, knowing that your memoir can influence and inspire countless individuals.
When working with a business memoir ghostwriter, such as myself or any member of our elite writing team, remember that it's a collaborative experience that demands trust, clear communication, and mutual respect. By finding the right fit, establishing clear expectations, and fully embracing the creative process, you can create a memoir that genuinely reflects your voice and vision. 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 book idea or concept that you've been considering, I truly encourage you to connect with our team. Let's explore how we can bring your unique story to life and make a lasting impact. (click here)
