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#AskAGhost: I only have a vague idea for a book ... Is that enough?!

Writer's picture: alisonkilianalisonkilian

The latest in the my #AskAGhost series, which addresses common questions I get as a ghostwriter.

The #AskAGhost 👻 series answers common questions ghostwriters get from clients and potential clients. This week's topic: "I only have a vague idea for my book. Is that enough?!"


Yes! A ghostwriter can work with you to take even a rough concept and develop it into a detailed outline for your manuscript. I frequently work with authors to develop their personal "Book Roadmap." Here's how it works:


  1. Over two to three Zoom calls, we flesh out the core idea for your book. We discuss everything from your goals for the book—be it generating leads or landing speaking engagements—to what personal anecdotes you want to include in your story.

  2. Based on those conversations, I create your unique Book Roadmap. This document details the goals for your book; pinpoints your target audience; summarizes the core messages; and elaborates on the storytelling approach (for example, what style and tone is appropriate? Should it include personal anecdotes? Scientific studies? Graphics? What titles currently on the market might it be compared to?). The Book Roadmap also includes an outline of the entire manuscript—chapter by chapter—so you can see what key messages, themes, and anecdotes to include.

  3. You can use the Book Roadmap to write the book yourself, work with another ghostwriter, or (my favorite) continue working with me. And, if you decide you want to hire me as your ghostwriter, the cost of the Book Roadmap is subtracted from the ghostwriting fee.


Ghosts, anything to add? And, as usual, if anyone has suggestions for what to include in the #AskAGhost 👻 series, let me know!


Thank you for reading my blog! This is a space where I share personal thoughts — an opportunity for self-expression that has nothing to do with my professional writing. None of the thoughts or opinions expressed in this blog should be construed as anything but my own, nor should they be affiliated with any company or person I contract with or write for as a ghostwriter.


NOW that that's done... I'd love to hear from you about this blog post in the comments!

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