A client who wishes to hire a ghostwriter should have some idea of what his or her publishing goals are. Does the client wish to receive a traditional contract from a large mainstream publisher? Does the client want to seek a small or independent publisher? Finally, does the client want to seek self-publication with a POD firm?
Unless a ghostwriter is extremely familiar with the literary marketplace, he or she can't help you assess the chances that you will attain your goals. A top-tier ghostwriter should be thoroughly knowledgeable about the submission process, literary agents, large and small publishing houses, royalties, the editorial process, and all pre-flight measures (the steps that it takes to edit, print, promote, distribute, and launch a book). The ghostwriter should also be familiar with small and independent presses that are viable options to seeking a contract from a major New York publisher.
Finally, POD, while still affordable, has become more expensive, and most POD companies only offer package deals that include unnecessary services. They make money on upselling promotional packages that are worthless in getting publicity for an author's book. A ghostwriter worth his salt can help steer you through the confusing waters of self-publication. Gone are the days when iUniverse would publish a book for $99.
There's simply no substitute for experience and a working knowledge of the literary marketplace. You can have the best book in the world, but if you don't have a strategic plan for getting it into print, it will eventually die a quiet death.
~William Hammett
Contact: wmhammett@aol.com
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