INVISIBLE INK
By Cal Orey
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.
In the past year I've co-authored novels: Romance, True Crime, Sci-Fi, and Historical Creative Fiction. Currently, I'm wrapping up a historical novel. The locale is based in the South and it has underlying themes of civil rights plus a bond between a youngish white man and elderly black man. Truth be told, I've cried many times during the "Fried Green Tomatoes" work. And I've fallen in like and awe with both characters.
Sound like fun? For writers who don’t mind losing a byline (or who can do developmental writing and complete a book or novel so it sings), 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. If you are a known author with a platform it can help boost sales for the work. 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.”
4 Fine-money potential
Some book advances can make you smile. Case in point: More than once, I signed a book agreement for a five-figure deal, and bonuses. Currently, I am content as I channel into characters in a story that is a fascinating and controversial topic. So, this summer I get to escape to another region without facing the crowds and chaos at the airports. How rich is that?
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 but it's like kid's play every day.
Words of Wisdom for Ghosts and Authors
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! work.
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 and ongoing revisions before you begin. Personally, I have incorporated the phrase: No revisions, no refunds. You are free to delete and add details. And as a courtesy I may offer to do minor tweaks.
Copyediting is a must-have. I advise my clients to run not walk to a copyeditor who knows my work and can do minor edits (i.e., grammar to typos and formatting). Work needs editing.
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)
For more information: Email me. COrey39184@aol.com Keep in mind, since each project is different, price differs, too. Novels/Novelettes: Romance, Sci-Fi & Adventure/Thrillers...
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