“We all have a unique voice that sets us apart from other providers of similar services, and it’s important to reflect that voice in our business book.”
~ Debra Hilton
Speaking and writing are quite different gifts and many people do not have both. This is why some of the most enthralling speakers either employ a ghostwriter who can reflect their unique speaking voice through the written word, or they end up writing boring books. The problem is, that when they sit down to write they don’t have the same level of energy, personality, and confidence they bring to the stage, or they are crippled by the memory of English class and use a formal style that strips out the best qualities they bring to speaking.
Don’t get me wrong: I believe in using good English style, but I also believe that it’s even more important to communicate with energy and effectiveness than to be strictly correct.
Very few business books are written to communicate groundbreaking information. The reality is that most of the ideas we implement in our business are proven and tested, which means they have a history and are permutations and combinations of other people’s ideas. The truly unique part of the puzzle is you and your particular application of the knowledge you are sharing. That’s why it’s important to have your voice and style shine strongly through your business authority book.
3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Using a Ghostwriter
Reason #1: Robotic Writing Style
As I mentioned above, many dynamic speakers write like robots. Sitting down in front of a computer or piece of paper strips out all that is unique and vibrant from them and the resultant chapters are tedious. Even when they use a transcript of their speeches as a base it doesn’t help because they either neuter the text to make it grammatically correct, or they forget that when you speak you also have gestures and tonality to reinforce your words. A ghostwriter may be able to infuse your personality into your book more effectively than you can do yourself.
I will never forget the disappointment I felt when, after listening to a riveting speaker, I bought his book. The stories were almost identical, but all the personality and colour had been washed out and the book was close to unreadable. If only he had used a ghostwriter!
Reason #2: Lack of Time to Write
This is the biggest reason people give to justify why they haven’t yet published their book. They say, “I just don’t have time to sit down and write and when I do, I am interrupted and lose my train of thought.” We all know it’s a question of priority rather than a genuine lack of time. Since every author I have spoken to who used to have this problem also says, “If I had realised how dramatically this would affect my business I would have given a higher priority to completing my book much, much sooner!” a ghostwriter might be your solution. Interestingly, several authors who used a ghostwriter for their first book have gone on to publish several subsequent books. It seems as though writing one book unlocks ideas for the next book and the one after that.
Reason #3: Structural Challenges and Confidence
If you haven’t previously written a book, then structuring your manuscript can be an enormous hurdle which using a template does not overcome. The two biggest mistakes authors make with templates are: 1. Sticking slavishly to the template and finding that their IP doesn’t really fit; or 2. Throwing the template away and ending up with a rambling tangle of ideas. When you launch out on a new venture you don’t know what you don’t know and you are often confused by the range of possibilities. Using a ghostwriter provides the confidence that the final book will be something you take pride in displaying.
Do You Want to Find a Ghostwriter Who Creates Unique Books?
Like all professions there are different levels of ghostwriter at differing price ranges.
If you just want ‘a business book’ for the sake of having something to hand out and believe that no-one will read it anyway then just about any ghostwriter who completes your manuscript will do.
A more sophisticated ghostwriter will take into account your message and your market and structure your book accordingly. At this level you can find ghostwriters whose books are all solidly well-written, although they can be formulaic and you can often identify the ghostwriter who worked on them because they have a particular style.
Further up the range is the type of ghostwriter (like myself) who creates unique business books for each client that radiate the voice and style of the author, and structures each book so that it best reflects the author’s IP and appeals to their audience. I am known as “the ghostwriter you use when you don’t want anyone to suspect that you didn’t write the book entirely by yourself,” because my goal is to get into your head and turn your words into a persuasive book that you are proud to have authored and want people to read… the book which your best self would write to express your processes, beliefs, and ideas.
At the top of the ‘food chain’ is the celebrity ghostwriter who can charge up to $500,000 per manuscript and only works with people who already have a reputation (actors, Presidents, celebrity CEOs, etc.)
We all have different gifts…
Many gifted public speakers and conversationalists struggle to communicate their personality in writing. This may be through lack of self-belief or through lack of practice, or even lack of interest in developing the skill. Any of those reasons are fine, but don’t let them stop you from publishing a book that expresses your personality as well as your ideas.
If writing isn’t your strength, and you don’t have time to develop it right now, then hire a ghostwriter who will help you publish a book that showcases you at your best.
If you’re in Melbourne, why not visit our Magnetic Marketing Mastermind which meets monthly in Box Hill. To learn more and sign up for notifications visit https://memg.com.au
