Many people profess a desire to have a book written in their name, but feel that they lack the skills to fulfil their ambitions. Time may also be in short supply, with their primary career, or other responsibilities, accounting for the majority of their efforts, while English might not be their primary language.

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When collaborating with a ghostwriter, what might have seemed an impossible task can quickly become a reality. By joining forces, a ghostwriter can reduce the workload of his or her collaborator to a bare minimum – to the extent that their involvement rarely exceeds imparting the necessary information in interviews and checking drafts to ensure that content meets with their approval. And while the publishing industry continues to possess a voracious appetite for celebrity-driven titles, there is always room for other people who, while not well-known to the public, have extraordinary stories that possess the capacity to captivate readers.

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They might be people who wish to publish material about their particular profession or interests, or those with stories that they think could connect with a wider audience. Or perhaps they want to record the events of their life for posterity, enabling future generations to recognise their highs and lows. Whatever the specification, a ghostwriter can proficiently assemble the facts and distil them into a slick, well-crafted document that has been honed to their satisfaction.

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Once a decision has been made to pursue a ghostwriting project, a number of options are available, dependent upon the nature of material at your disposal. I prepare critiques, whereby I read and provide feedback on existing manuscripts, offering advice on how best you might restructure material in order to help you realise your objectives, and am available to mentor those who have a promising idea but aren’t sure how best to put their plans into operation.

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A copy edit, meanwhile, involves my enriching content by ensuring that it is grammatically correct and perfectly punctuated, while restructuring text so that it sits more comfortably on the page; whereas a developmental edit is a more intensive reworking – a means by which I can become more deeply involved in the writing process. Indeed, by reorganising sections of a manuscript and, with consent, rewriting certain passages of text, I can use my experience to identify areas I consider extraneous or which could be improved upon, helping the end product to become a more streamlined, rounded piece that stands a better chance of success, if publication is targeted; or which reads more fluidly, should the project be more of a private concern. A good example of this might be a life story or a work of fiction that its creator has already written, but which lacks the necessary finesse to cross the finishing line.

If a quicker route to publishers is sought, a proposal might be the most suitable option. Such documents – which typically comprise a synopsis, overview, and chapter headings and breakdowns, with sample chapters also included, where required –  provide prospective suitors with all of the information they need before contemplating a fresh commission, and are a crucial step in attempting to win the affections of publishers.

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In the same way as house buyers want to view a property before tabling a bid, a proposal showcases to publishers the attractions of becoming involved with the project on offer. As well as giving a solid impression of how the projected book would shape up, a proposal will also demonstrate why a commission could benefit a publisher, giving examples of similar works and identifying the market/s in which it might thrive. An added advantage of a proposal, for those lacking the time or funds to complete a manuscript before approaching a publisher, is that it is a relatively compact document that costs far less than a ghostwritten book.

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For those ready to commit to an entire book, however – whether it be with the intention of selling to a publisher, or via self-publishing – there doesn’t have to be an enormous amount of material at my disposal for work to commence. Of course, the more information available at the onset the better, but a series of interviews, coupled with phone and email contact, can quickly make up any lost ground; within a short space of time, a skeletal concept can be fleshed out, a mere outline morphing into a fully-fledged, refined piece of work. And, for those wishing to pursue a publishing deal, I have direct access to potentially interested parties, having spent years developing a network of contacts in the business.

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Price structuring is dependent upon the nature and size of the job, and I would be happy to provide a quotation. For any enquiries regarding projects that you might wish me to assist you with, please use my Contact Form, outlining the nature of your proposition. Any information imparted will, of course, be kept in the strictest confidence.