MarkRMorrisJr.com: You Probably Need to Hire a Ghostwriter,Here's Why

You've probably heard the term before, but unless you've hired one, you probably don't even know what we do. So, here's a little primer on Ghostwriters. We write. For you. We get paid. You put your name on it. The end.

Yes, it really is that simple. Of course there are more steps to the writing, but the idea behind is this, we are writers that specialize in getting your voice right, communicating with your audience in a way that is seamless, so that they never know it's not you, and you get to spend less than 1/4 of the time on your content creation.

So, why do I say you need someone like me? Well there are likely a few reasons that apply to you. Here is a list of people that may want to consider hiring a ghostwriter.

If you started a blog, but just don't seem to have the time to share all of your great ideas, even though you know you get better response across all channels when you keep it updated, you need a ghostwriter.
If you've been talking about updating your company's website content to include changes you've made, freshen the content, or just replace the "filler" copy you typed in when the site was new, you need a ghostwriter.
If you know you need more marketing content, but never have time to write it. You need a ghostwriter.
If you never started your content marketing, after investing all of that time putting together a great plan that you are certain would work, if only you'd get the courage, the time, the skills, whatever, you need a ghost writer.
If you think, gee, I really should be posting articles to up my profile and gain industry credentials, but they sit there as half finished outlines in a forgotten folder on your computer, you need a ghostwriter.
Finally, if you're that person who went to a seminar, watched a webinar, listened to a podcast, audio book, or motivational speaker tell you that writing book is the single greatest thing you could do to forward your career, and you still haven't done it, you need a ghostwriter.

So, how does all of this work, anyhow? It sounds complicated.

I get that, before I'd penned my first twenty volumes for hire, it sounded that way to me to. But, after working with CEOs, sales people, entrepreneurs, politicians and travelling public speakers over four continents to produce content that is out in the world making them money, I think I've got it down. Every ghostwriter works a little differently, so here is my preferred method.

It's a complicated five step process that I've developed over time.

You talk, I listen, record and take notes.
I write.
You read, or listen to what we've created, making note of what needs changing.
We place the work with a professional editor to check for other things we've missed.
I revise the work until we're happy with the finished product. ( I say we, because often my standards are higher than the client's)

Yeah, it really is that simple.

Most people are prepared to clear their calendars and devote their lives to producing a book, but it's really not that hard. In fact, most of my work gets done on down time, dashboard time, while clients are in hotels, airports and waiting rooms. Anywhere you've got time that your attention is not directed elsewhere.

You probably already know what you want to say, but you may not. Either way, it's okay. My clients tell me that as the interview process unfolds, they often find that what they wanted to say wasn't the most important message they could convey and I've helped them to realize new things about themselves, their business, and how to connect with their audience.

So, what happens after the writing?

Well, it depends in part on the type of content we're producing. If, for example, I'm writing your weekly blog posts for you, after an hour or so monthly meeting, I submit your posts for approval and they get added to your blog, released on the dates you choose. Then, you just respond to your audience.

With book length content, it takes a little longer and once it's complete, we have several options.

You can create a printed version for a limited audience through a "print on demand" publisher where you only pay for the copies you need.
We can publish your book for public consumption on platforms such as Amazon and Lulu.com for ebook and print order by readers at no extra cost to you.
We can look for an agent and together, you can submit the manuscript to publishers in hopes of getting a traditional publishing deal. (this has happened with several of my authors)

The way you choose to publish your content is entirely up to you. There are successful people who choose all of these options. The key thing to remember is this, I do the heavy lifting. Once the manuscript is ready for public consumption, the opportunities are wide open.

How do we get started?

First, let me point out, I'm not the only professional ghostwriter in the world, or even on Linked In. I'm not a good fit for everyone. This is where it starts. We talk. You tell me about your project, I tell you about my process, if it seems like a good fit, we proceed from there.

This type of writing is typically "work for hire" meaning, you pay for my services then own the work and all proceeds that come from it, without sharing royalties. I don't typically take on "spec" projects (write it and get paid if it makes money) or collaborations (write it and get a cut of any profit) because it is simpler for me to allow you to do what you want with the work once I'm done. I'm happy to consult on publishing and marketing, and often work with the client to get their book available.

Once we have an agreement, we sign a contract outlining the expectations of both parties, payment schedule, delivery schedule, non-disclosure agreement, etc. I want you to know you and your ideas are protected. You are the author, I am the scribe.

Other benefits from ghost writing

My authors often tell me that the content is far from the only thing they get out of the process. Having someone else walk through your experiences with you helps you see it in a whole new light. They often say they see themselves and their work from a new perspective and it gives them a lot of insight into what they do, why, and how they might do it better.

Of course, the most direct benefit is the work itself. I've had clients earn double, triple, or more, from their marketing once they have established good editorial practices. One client in particular, used the book we wrote together, to launch his speaking career to the next level and booked an entire eighteen month circuit of appearances within a month of releasing his first book. We're currently working on the second.

Others have done away with other marketing, finding that regular blog content, released through multiple channels, is the best way to share their business, without selling, to an audience that is hungry to learn more about them, their services, products and industry.

Isn't it horribly expensive?

I'm not cheap. Let's just clear that up. That being said, I'm cheaper than most others who write at my level. I find my pricing suits me fine. I can work cheaper and a bit faster than some after twelve years at it, which means I can offer a good deal, and still earn a really good living.

But, here's the biggest key. I pay for myself. Seriously. If I didn't, I wouldn't still be in this business. What do I mean? Simple. My clients earn more from my work than they spend on me. The marketing content I provide works. The books pay for themselves, sometimes many times over.

For example, the young public speaker sold his first batch of a thousand books (enough to double his money) in the first month through social media and back of the room sales at his events. From there, the book funded his travel for the next twelve months, which helped him get to conferences where he could explode his exposure, and his book went with him, paving the way.

If you'd like to learn more, I'm always open to consulting. I'm going to do something here that many won't. I'll give you my personal email. Reach out, let's talk. I always give initial consultations for free. MarkRMorris2@gmail.com

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You Probably Need to Hire a Ghostwriter,Here's Why

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