What is ghostwriting?
I am not excited about the term ghostwriting, but it appears that’s what most people call one person putting another person’s message into words—and that’s what I do. In a sense, I am a literary impersonator. Using your "voice," and writing under your byline, I do my best with the help of the Holy Spirit to say what you want said in the way you want it said. Thus, going beyond mere editing.
My work as a ghostwriter starts by intently listening to you describe the piece of writing you are looking to produce. Once I have an agreement to work together, I take whatever source material you give me, such as a first draft you have worked up or transcripts from your speaking engagements. Of course, you may not have anything like that and may prefer to have me interview you. Either way, I work with you to get the information I need and then I get busy writing.
During the writing process, I collaborate as closely with you as you want, and I do everything I can to make sure you are satisfied with the final product. In short, I custom-design my approach to the project according to your particular needs.
What kinds of writing do you do?
I write Christian Inspirational books, articles, reports, newsletters, book proposals and online content. But I respectfully pass on any project that I believe might turn out to be dishonest, destructive, immoral, or illegal.
Who have you worked for?
I prefer to give my clients privacy and to let them mention working with me.
Will you get credit for the work?
I have no desire to take credit for your ideas. I do believe, however, that readers deserve to know that someone other than the primary listed author was involved in preparing the material. So typically I request that a client offer some kind of indication of our participation. This could be a byline that says something like “Your Name with (or and or as told to) Selena D. Stubbs.” Or it could be a line on a copyright page that says, “Prepared in association with Words of Tehilliah ”. Or it could be a mention in the acknowledgments of a book.
How much does it cost?
My fee varies depending on how long it takes me to complete the project. And that depends upon such things as how extensive the material is that you want me to produce, how complex the subject matter is, how much research you need me to do, and how available you are for interviewing. Once I gathered detailed information about what you are looking for, I can provide an estimate of what my work will cost you. I require that 50 percent of the estimate be paid up front, with the balance of my bill paid within thirty days after I complete my work.
I don’t charge for minor expenses (such as long-distance phone calls and postage). On the other hand, If I incur major expenses in completing your project (such as airfare and lodging bills required to meet with you in person), I would expect you to reimburse me for those costs.
How long will it take?
That depends on a lot of factors, including all of those listed above as affecting the cost. To give you some idea, though, an average-sized book of average complexity, with helpful source information provided by the client, usually takes me around three months to complete.
If you’re in a hurry, I may be able to find ways to speed up the process, such as by hiring a research assistant. Please note, however, that I charge extra for rush jobs.
Do you do all the work yourself?
Usually. But Iam in touch with other publishing professionals who research, write, edit, proofread, create indexes, and so on. If your deadline is tight, or if you are looking for specialized skills I don’t have, I can (with your permission) look for someone in our network to help me meet your needs.
Will you help me to get my book published?
I will write the material you request—including a book proposal if you want one—but that’s as far as I go. While I can give you some basic advice about finding a graphic designer, a publisher, a printer, or whatever else you may need, I do not provide their services ourselves.
