GHOSTWRITING FAQ
These FAQ are related to full-length manuscript projects.
For questions about other services such as business content, please contact me.
For questions about other services such as business content, please contact me.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: From two months to a year. This will depend on factors such as how much Concept Development is involved in your project, the need for time-intensive activities such as background research, interviewing, etc., and one of the biggest factors - your own availability. Additionally, I try to work on only one project at a time which means I may have a backlog and we might have to wait before beginning your project. But there is a lot we can do in the meantime to make the formal work go more quickly once it begins. As part of your proposal, I will include a detailed project timeline so you know what to expect, and as a professional project manager, you can be sure I will keep us on schedule once we dive in!
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Small projects start around $8,000 with large projects reaching up to $60,000. Just as the timing of a project can vary drastically, so, too, can the cost. It again depends on factors such as how much Concept Development is involved, the need for background research, interviewing, etc. The payment plan will be part of our contract but, as opposed to some ghostwriters who require 50% of their fee up-front then the remainder upon completion of the work, I typically charge pre-determined increments set to a pre-agreed schedule. I've found this is much more manageable for both sides and more closely represents payment as work is completed.
Q: Why should I write a book?
A: The short answer is, to set yourself apart. In this day and age when everyone has a website, a podcast, thousands of followers... having authored a book is still fairly unique. Whether you're a business leader looking to further position yourself as a thought leader in your space or an influencer who wants to impact even more people, having written a book gives you credibility and boosts your existing platform. A book sets you apart from others in a memorable and substantial way. For these reasons, it's important to think about writing a book as an investment. Like any good investment, the more you put into it, the more you will gain from it it. A high-quality book is key to achieving your overall objectives, which is why investing in a quality team - from ghostwriter to editor to publisher to PR - is crucial to your success.
Q: What exactly is your role?
A: Depending on the type of support you need, we can label my role as follows:
Q: I see you're based in Idaho. Do you work with clients in other locations?
A: Of course! In this day and age, we are fortunate to not be limited by location. I typically travel to meet with new clients so that I can get to know you and your story in person. But after an initial meeting or two, we will plan and coordinate a series of remote sessions (via tools like Zoom). The same is true for supplemental interviews. I can travel to key interviews or conduct them remotely. These variables, again, can impact cost and schedule of the project but I can make anything work!
Q: What if I don't want anyone to know that I worked with a ghostwriter, or I'm worried about sharing personal, private things with you?
A: Discretion is one of the most important qualities of any ghostwriter. We have chosen this profession because we are not out for recognition for the work. Our fulfillment comes from the satisfaction of helping you tell your story. I always include a non-disclosure clause the agreement to assure your privacy is protected. We will also agree contractually on the role I will have as described in the question above, and what credit - if any - I will have in the byline of your book.
Q: What if we finish the project and I don't like the book?
A: Keep in mind, we don't just sign a contract, have me go into a dark cave then come back months later and hand you a book. You will actually be closely involved in the project the entire way. I will expect you to speak up and help course-correct as we go. For this reason, your complete dissatisfaction with the final product is unlikely. However, in the unlikely case this happens, contractually I will still be owed payment for the work I performed but you will have the right to take the work and do what you like with it. You can simply choose to not publish your book, or you might hire a new writer or editor to work on your project, with or without the work I already completed.
Q: Can you ensure my book gets published?
A: No. Check out the information on How it Works. My role is in Book Creation, not Book Production. However, I do have a solid network in the publishing business, including agents, editors and publishers, and am happy to advise you, as well as provide additional services such as book proposals and query letters to help you in the Book Production phase of your journey.
Q: Why should I choose to work with you over any other ghostwriter?
A: Writing your book with a ghostwriter can be a very intimate experience. You need to find someone you are comfortable with, who respects you and your project, and who you simply have chemistry with. This is why I welcome a free initial consultation so we can see if we are a good fit for each other.
Additionally, some of the most brilliant writers in the world are notorious for having horrible people skills and no sense of professionalism. I believe what sets me apart is my professionalism and my business acumen. I pride myself on delivering quality writing but also providing an organized and enjoyable experience.
It all comes down to what you value and what you are in need of on your project. If you're looking for someone well-rounded who is a professional, a consultant, a teammate, a project manager, in addition to a great writer, I'm your ghostwriter!
A: From two months to a year. This will depend on factors such as how much Concept Development is involved in your project, the need for time-intensive activities such as background research, interviewing, etc., and one of the biggest factors - your own availability. Additionally, I try to work on only one project at a time which means I may have a backlog and we might have to wait before beginning your project. But there is a lot we can do in the meantime to make the formal work go more quickly once it begins. As part of your proposal, I will include a detailed project timeline so you know what to expect, and as a professional project manager, you can be sure I will keep us on schedule once we dive in!
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Small projects start around $8,000 with large projects reaching up to $60,000. Just as the timing of a project can vary drastically, so, too, can the cost. It again depends on factors such as how much Concept Development is involved, the need for background research, interviewing, etc. The payment plan will be part of our contract but, as opposed to some ghostwriters who require 50% of their fee up-front then the remainder upon completion of the work, I typically charge pre-determined increments set to a pre-agreed schedule. I've found this is much more manageable for both sides and more closely represents payment as work is completed.
Q: Why should I write a book?
A: The short answer is, to set yourself apart. In this day and age when everyone has a website, a podcast, thousands of followers... having authored a book is still fairly unique. Whether you're a business leader looking to further position yourself as a thought leader in your space or an influencer who wants to impact even more people, having written a book gives you credibility and boosts your existing platform. A book sets you apart from others in a memorable and substantial way. For these reasons, it's important to think about writing a book as an investment. Like any good investment, the more you put into it, the more you will gain from it it. A high-quality book is key to achieving your overall objectives, which is why investing in a quality team - from ghostwriter to editor to publisher to PR - is crucial to your success.
Q: What exactly is your role?
A: Depending on the type of support you need, we can label my role as follows:
- Ghostwriter - The idea is yours, you are the author, and you know exactly what you want to say. I write the book for you, and no one knows I was involved.
- Collaborator - The idea is yours, you are the author, but you need a little support developing the idea and the approach. I help with Concept Development and I write the book for you. You give me credit for this work by saying "with Monica E. Pierce" in the byline.
- Cowriter - You and I are both authors, meaning the ideas are originating from both of us. We both write the book and I'm given credit by saying "and Monica E. Pierce" in the byline. Cowriting is appropriate when it's my own project I originate along with someone.
Q: I see you're based in Idaho. Do you work with clients in other locations?
A: Of course! In this day and age, we are fortunate to not be limited by location. I typically travel to meet with new clients so that I can get to know you and your story in person. But after an initial meeting or two, we will plan and coordinate a series of remote sessions (via tools like Zoom). The same is true for supplemental interviews. I can travel to key interviews or conduct them remotely. These variables, again, can impact cost and schedule of the project but I can make anything work!
Q: What if I don't want anyone to know that I worked with a ghostwriter, or I'm worried about sharing personal, private things with you?
A: Discretion is one of the most important qualities of any ghostwriter. We have chosen this profession because we are not out for recognition for the work. Our fulfillment comes from the satisfaction of helping you tell your story. I always include a non-disclosure clause the agreement to assure your privacy is protected. We will also agree contractually on the role I will have as described in the question above, and what credit - if any - I will have in the byline of your book.
Q: What if we finish the project and I don't like the book?
A: Keep in mind, we don't just sign a contract, have me go into a dark cave then come back months later and hand you a book. You will actually be closely involved in the project the entire way. I will expect you to speak up and help course-correct as we go. For this reason, your complete dissatisfaction with the final product is unlikely. However, in the unlikely case this happens, contractually I will still be owed payment for the work I performed but you will have the right to take the work and do what you like with it. You can simply choose to not publish your book, or you might hire a new writer or editor to work on your project, with or without the work I already completed.
Q: Can you ensure my book gets published?
A: No. Check out the information on How it Works. My role is in Book Creation, not Book Production. However, I do have a solid network in the publishing business, including agents, editors and publishers, and am happy to advise you, as well as provide additional services such as book proposals and query letters to help you in the Book Production phase of your journey.
Q: Why should I choose to work with you over any other ghostwriter?
A: Writing your book with a ghostwriter can be a very intimate experience. You need to find someone you are comfortable with, who respects you and your project, and who you simply have chemistry with. This is why I welcome a free initial consultation so we can see if we are a good fit for each other.
Additionally, some of the most brilliant writers in the world are notorious for having horrible people skills and no sense of professionalism. I believe what sets me apart is my professionalism and my business acumen. I pride myself on delivering quality writing but also providing an organized and enjoyable experience.
It all comes down to what you value and what you are in need of on your project. If you're looking for someone well-rounded who is a professional, a consultant, a teammate, a project manager, in addition to a great writer, I'm your ghostwriter!