Many freelance health care journalists are interested in writing books, and one way of tapping this market is to work with an author as a ghostwriter or collaborator. You write the book — and get a nice fee — and the author/expert gets most of the glory. Busy writers can make more than $100,000 annually.
In March, I hosted a webinar with two industry experts:
Madeleine Morel, the head of 2M Communications, an agency that represents more than 100 ghostwriters and collaborators, matching them with experts, celebrities and public figures who need help getting their ideas into print.
Susan K. Golant, a book collaborator, co-author, book doctor, ghostwriter, editor and/or writing coach. Golant has been writing nonfiction books alone and with others since 1982 and has more than 40 books to her credit.
Here are some key takeaways from our hour-long discussion.
Defining terms
Some people within the publishing industry use the terms “ghostwriter” and “collaborator” interchangeably. However, a ghostwriter doesn’t get credit, while a collaborator can see their name on the book cover or title page. Having your name appear on or inside the book is a good way to boost your reputation for future jobs, but is not always possible.
A co-author, on the other hand, absolutely gets credit on the cover.
What ghostwriters and collaborators do
The writer gets into the head of the author they are working with. The book should sound like the author/expert, not like the ghostwriter or collaborator. Some authors will give the writer papers, speeches and letters, and the writer may spend significant time interviewing the author.
Many writers need to feel passionate about the subject because the project may last a year or more. However, some writers don’t need that emotional and intellectual connection and are happy to do the project just for the money.
Becoming a ghostwriter/collaborator
This industry is even more competitive now as more media companies slash jobs. On the other hand, there is also more freelance book work than ever before. Ghostwriters/collaborators are often former long-form magazine writers, book publishing editors or mid-list book authors.
It is possible to break into the business without those credentials. Some key tips are:
Sign up for Publisher’s Marketplace to receive a daily or weekly list of all books sold to publishers. You can track the agents who are representing authors doing the kinds of books you’re interested in writing. It gives the agent’s email. Reach out and say you are interested in ghostwriting.
Start small and be prepared to write books for not much money at first.
Consider writing for authors who are self-publishing.
Consider signing up for Gotham Ghostwriters, a clearinghouse where registered writers bid and pitch to work with authors. (In contrast, Morel personally knows her stable of writers, who all have previously written books for large publishers.)
Find an author on your own by approaching someone you have interviewed for a journalism piece who you think has a book in them. However, a literary agent and publisher are only going to be interested in the book proposal if the author has a large “platform,” such as a large social media presence, a successful podcast or a built-in audience of some kind.
Make sure you have a professional-looking CV and website, and include as many endorsements as possible about the quality of your work.
Tell everyone you know that you are looking for ghostwriting opportunities.
The relationship between writer and author is critical
You want to work with an author who doesn’t think they can write the book themselves. Spend some time with the author, either on Zoom or in-person, to make sure this is someone you can get along with. In addition, beware of a project where the author’s literary agent says the author and the agent don’t yet know the focus of the book and expects the ghostwriter to figure that out.
Another potential problem is that the author, especially if famous, may not have the necessary time to work with the writer. Suss that out in the beginning and put time requirements to meet with you into the contract.
What the contract covers
There are two contracts. The first is the contract between the author and the publisher, arranged by the author’s agent. The ghostwriter is not privy to this contract. Then there is a separate contract between the author and the writer. Here are some elements of the latter:
In most cases, the payment to the ghostwriter or collaborator is a flat fee. It could also be a guaranteed minimum or a certain percentage of the author’s royalties, whichever is greater.
The contract will cover whether the writer receives cover credit, title page credit or generous acknowledgment. Regardless, always ask permission to put the book on your resume. You’ll need to show experience to get the next writing job and better pay.
The fee stipulated in the contract can vary widely. If you help the author write the book proposal being sent to publishers, you should receive a separate fee, often around $12,000. Established writers can make $75,000 to $100,000 for writing the actual book; others with less experience can expect to make far less. The writing fee is usually paid in three installments: a third on signing the contract with the author, a third when the book is accepted by a publisher, and a third when it is about to be published.
The contract will have deadlines that the writer needs to meet. Try to include requirements for meetings with the author.
The author indemnifies the writer for any issues with the content of the book, and the writer indemnifies the author for the possibility of plagiarism in the writing.
If you are represented by a writer’s agent, then you can be sure that the agent has worked with a lawyer to vet the contract you sign with the author. But if you found an author on your own, be sure to have an intellectual property lawyer review the contract. Members of the Author’s Guild have access to free contract review by a lawyer.
Community
To network, join the Ghostwriters Network on Facebook and the Association of Ghostwriters. These organizations offer ways to learn from more experienced writers and even to find jobs.
Barbara Mantel is AHCJ’s health beat leader for freelancing. She’s an award-winning independent journalist who has worked in television, radio, print and digital news.
