What About Your Voice?
Will my book be in my voice if I hire a ghostwriter? Before signing the contract with your ghostwriter, this may be one of your questions and considerations. Generally, a ghostwriter will have a solid, proven process they follow.
Collaboration: The ghostwriting process is collaborative. The ghostwriter will take the time to get to know the author’s expertise, vision, and goals for their book. They will conduct interviews and establish formal and informal feedback loops.
Detailed interviews: The ghostwriter will interview the author throughout the ghostwriting process. The interviews will be at critical points during the writing process, such as establishing the target audience, developing a detailed outline, reviewing drafts of chapters, and identifying the stories and interview the author wants to include.
Voice and Tone Discussion: The ghostwriter will discuss the author’s preferred voice, tone, and style. They will become attuned to the author’s voice through these discussions. There may be supporting materials like podcasts, previous publications, blog posts, and previously published books and articles.
Review and Feedback Loops: This is a crucial critical process component. The author provides suggestions and offers input. This assessment assures deviations from the author's voice or intent are course corrected. The author can request regular updates at the interval most comfortable for them.
Revisions: The ghostwriter will review the writing process. The writing and editing process is iterative. Often, first drafts are written from beginning to end without editing. Various levels of editing are applied to provide a polished, publication-ready product.
Communication: The ghostwriter knows the value and importance of communication with the author. The author establishes the schedule and type of communication according to the author’s preferences. The critical element is that communication is open. The author should feel comfortable expressing concerns, asking for clarification, and providing input.
Transparency: The ghostwriter’s role is to amplify the author’s message while preserving their unique perspective. The final product will embody this goal. The author should believe in the ghostwriter's integrity and understand their purpose.
These checks and balances in writing allow the author’s voice to be heard. A book written in a clear voice is the successful outcome sought by the author and their ghostwriter.