Interview with Ghostwriter Amanda Howells

When I recently heard that most of the books in the Sweet Valley High series had been ghostwritten, my first question was, "How do you get that gig?!" I don't have the skills to write fiction, but I'd love to align myself with a successful series in order to virtually assure myself of ongoing ghostwriting work.

So when I saw this interview with ghostwriter and author Amanda Howells (real name Amanda Gersh) about her stint writing Sweet Valley High books, I was thrilled to hear exactly how she got her foot in the door.

http://thedairiburger.com/2010/07/29/dreams-do-come-true-an-interview-with-a-sweet-valley-ghostwriter/

Her latest book, The Summer of Skinny Dipping, looks like a great summer read - and is not part of the Sweet Valley High series.

How Easy Are You to Do Business With?

My family and I are house hunting, albeit at a rather relaxed pace, but when a home comes on the market in the area we like, we contact our broker about touring it. Generally this is not an involved process and we're able to take a look soon thereafter.

However, just tonight we encountered a local broker group that seems unconcerned about showing or selling homes. Making an appointment to get into one of their listings is beyond inconvenient, to the point that we don't even want to look at any of their properties.

Which got me thinking. How easy am I to do business with? I'd like to think I'm easy to find, easy to reach and easy to buy from, but I'm going to review my marketing tools to make sure that is, in fact, the case. This includes making sure that:

- My contact information is on all my printed materials, web pages and social media sites.
- My website is search engine optimized for keywords like "ghostwriter" and "freelance writer."
- All incoming phone calls are returned within 24 hours.
- All emails receive a reply on the same day I receive them.
- I have a presence on ghostwriting-related forums and in discussion groups.
- I meet all deadlines, preferably turning projects in early.
- I am in constant communication with clients, so they know exactly where their project stands.

I'm sure there are other steps I can take, too, but this is where I'm starting, so that editors and clients won't shy away from giving me the opportunity to work with them. So how easy are you to do business with?

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Whose Voice Should You Hear?

I recently came across an article titled "Ghostwriting Doesn't Mean Writing Like Someone Else," to which I replied, "Oh, really?" Well, not out loud, but you get the point.

The author of the article indicates that ghostwriters should apply their own writing style and voice to whatever project they are working on, that they shouldn't try and adopt the voice of their client. Specifically, she says, "you have to write according to your own skills and way of thinking. It is not writing just like someone else." Oh really?

Because I thought one of the main benefits of hiring a ghostwriter is that you tap into the experience and talents of a professional writer, who can actually mimic and adopt your own style and tone of speech. Otherwise, the finished product may look and sound nothing like you, the client.

Granted, with some projects, such as how-to articles or white papers, where the author's voice is less important, copying your speech pattern and vocabulary may not matter. But if we're talking about a book that relates personal experiences or concepts, it should certainly sound like you and not the person you've hired to help put your ideas on paper.

The most talented ghostwriters are chameleons, able to match the speech and writing style of their clients, rather than allowing their own voice to show through. Take advantage of their skill and make sure your finished product sounds like you, not your ghostwriter.

Source of Ghostwriting Projects

I just came across a website that posts ghostwriting opportunities that I thought writers should be aware of. Although the budgets appear to be rather small, there may be some gems in there that lead to ongoing work - especially the blogging and ebook projects.

To see what's currently listed, go here: http://www.writingbids.com/jobs/freelance-ghostwriting-projects.php.

Hawaii-based ghostwriting opportunity

I happened to glance at the following Craigslist posting for a ghostwriter and was intrigued by the title: "Ghostwriter for social networking assignment." As someone who has done her fair share of ghost blogging, I thought this might be right up my alley.

And then I read the post in full.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/wrg/1826163985.html

While ghostwriting is part of the full-time job responsibilities, making travel arrangements seems to comprise a larger portion of the daily activities, as well as travel, answering emails and maybe even cooking and cleaning.

Don't get me wrong, for anyone who can write well and who wants to live in Hawaii for a year, this sounds like a terrific job. It's just not what I would necessarily consider a ghostwriting gig. Then again, it's in Hawaii...

So who's applying?