INVISIBLE INK
By Cal Orey
Ghostwriters might not see their name in print,
but
the work is varied and even in demand
I am a ghostwriter. I am often on the job
writing books for someone else. For example, writing as a military wife, I
dished out heartfelt feelings in a woman’s magazine about my husband’s service
in Iraq. Writing as a witty English doctor, I prescribe anti-aging secrets in a
self-help book. Writing as my sensitive mixed-breed cat, I dispense advice to
pets and humans in a bimonthly horoscope column.
Sound
like fun? For writers who don’t mind losing a byline, ghostwriting is an
interesting and potentially lucrative career option. Here are five reasons why
you should consider this often-overlooked writing path.
1 Interesting assignments
Ever wish you were someone else? As a
ghostwriter, you can live your dream vicariously—without having to get
credentials or be reincarnated. Being a “ghost” is like channeling into someone
else’s body and mind. For example, I write for my 5-year-old cat, Kerouac, who
pens the column “What Do the Stars Hold for Your Pet?” for a pet magazine. Not
only is his name on the masthead, each column pays for his premium cat food and
toys.
Eric
Neuhaus, a New York ghostwriter, did the writing and more for a book by fitness guru Joe Decker As part of the assignment, Neuhaus and a diet
consultant cooked up healthy versions of traditionally unhealthy dishes such
and meatloaf and fajitas. “The kitchen in my one-bedroom apartment became the test
kitchen,” Neuhaus says. “I bought another book on how to write recipes. All of
this was trail by fire. I never thought in m wildest dreams that I’d be testing
recipes.”
Ghost Tip: “If you enjoy people,
ghostwriting is a way to delve into some of the most unusual people on the
planet,” says Marc L. Weber, a former ghostwriter.
2 An occasional credit
When I was assigned the Iraq article for
Complete Woman, I collected the very personal first-person narratives of two
military wives, using their unique voices to put together their heart-warming
tales. I received an “as told to” author credit.
Ghost Tip: If you think the book has
potential to be a bestseller, request co-author credit. But if the project is
an author’s tool (i.e., selling products), credit isn’t a big deal.
3 Appreciative clients
“One of the most surprising facts I have learned
about ghostwriting is that there are some extremely intelligent people out
there who cannot put anything onto paper,” Habert says. “For some reason, somewhere
between the thought process and the actual movements of their pen or fingers on
keyboard, they become babbling fools.”
In
my ghostwritten book on anti-aging, I noticed while the doctor had good command
of the English language, his prose tended to be dry. I was hired to “dumb down”
his health advice and product information. And the doctor appreciated my ability
to do just that.
Ghost Tip: “You have to check your ego at
the door,” cautions Deborah Kotz of Silver Spring, Md., who has worked as a
ghostwriter on several health books. “Realize that you are the ‘writer’ and not
the ‘author.’ There’s a big difference between the two. You are not the
authority. So, you have to convey the message that the author wants to convey.”
You
have to check your ego
at
the door. Realize that you are
the
“writer” and not the “author.”
4 Big-money potential
Some book advances can make you smile.
Case in point: I just signed a book contract for a five-figure deal, travel
expenses and bonuses. For the next five months, I will feel financially secure
as I ghostwrite about a fascinating and controversial topic. How rich is that?
Ghost Tip: “If you think the book isn’t
going to get that six-figure advance, settle on a fee upfront for your
services,” Neuhaus says. “If you think it is going to be a blockbuster project,
then negotiate a percentage of the advance and royalties.”
5 Unlimited prospects
The best part of ghostwriting is that it’s
like a deep well that never goes dry. Habert understands the glory of
ghostwriting. “It is a lucrative source of writing, not only in a monetary manner
but also in the volume available,” she says.
Weber adds that a baby boomers age, “that generation becomes interested in
holding on to its memories, so there is more work for ghostwriters to do than
ever before.”
Ghost Tip: “Network as much as you can,”
Weber says. “Make sure people know you have the talent to help them."
Each
in his or her own way, Habert, Weber and Neuhaus have discovered that
ghostwriting is a good avenue to a never-ending road of projects. You, too, can
arrive at that point. Just put on your mask and go to work.
Getting Started
Look close to home: Offer to be the
ghostwriter for your family, friends and co-workers. Don’t rule our your kids
or pets, either.
Develop a specialty: “Whether it’s fitness
or fashion, write about what you love and have a passion for,” says New York
City ghostwriter Eric Neuhaus.
Network with other ‘ghosts’: Often,
ghostwriters will be busy with projects and may refer clients to you for a
finder’s fee.
Discuss the editing process: If you want
to avoid ghoulish re-dos, talk with the author about edits before you begin. Personally, I have incorporated the phrases "No revisions" in the agreement. A dentist to hair stylist may make minor tweaks--but countless changes? Not a chance.
Get it in writing: “If you’re going to
collaborate, you’re going to need a written contract or agreement that spells
out show does what and how much you get—and when,” Neuhaus says.
Tackle Tasks: Outlines, restructuring and crafting, developing characters, writing prologues, cliffhanger chapters, and WOW endings, settings, description, dialogue -- and much more!
Remember, everyone has at least one book
in them: It’s your job to connect
mentally and emotionally with someone who want to hire a ghost—namely, you.
Published in The Writer (since 1933, RIP)
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