If you’re struggling to write your book, if it feels like your beating your head against a brick wall, if the blank screen on your laptop is staring at you, judging you, this video will tell you the three types of help available to get you moving so you can finally write your book.
This is the last post in a five-part series about five questions to ask yourself before you start to write your non-fiction book. Read part one, part two, part three, and part four.
I'm Liz, the writer behind Green Goose Ghostwriting. I help entrepreneurs who want to write a book to demonstrate authority in their niche and get more speaking engagements. I write their book in their own voice so they can share their message, inspire others, and finally level-up their business
But ghostwriting isn’t necessarily right for you. It is one option, but there are three main types of help you can get during the writing process so you don’t have to struggle alone.
Writing help 1: An editor
You can work with an editor. This is the best option if you already have a bunch of stuff written but know it’s not as good as you want it to be. An editor will look at what you’ve already done and tell you how to improve it. There are different types of editing available to address either big structural issues or specific language stuff.
What do you have to do to write with an editor?
Write your book. Most editors work with you after you’ve completed the full first draft.
Get their feedback, which may include advice for big structural changes, or smaller language improvements (depending on the type of edit you’ve asked for).
Make edits based on their feedback and improve your own work.
Writing help 2: A writing coach
A writing coach is a great option if you want to write yourself but can’t seem to get your butt in the chair. You might have already started writing, you might not. But you know you’ll never get it done unless you have someone holding you accountable. A coach will help you set writing goals and will keep you on target to achieve them.
What do you have to do to write with a writing coach?
Set up regular check-ins with the coach.
Write a targeted amount of words or chapters between each check-in session.
If you don’t meet your goals, explain why and work through the challenges with your coach’s help.
Writing help 3: A ghostwriter
A ghostwriter is the best writing partner for those who have a lot of ideas for their book but don’t want to sit down and type everything out, then try to make it make sense as a book. They know it’s not their strong suit, they know their time is much better spent in other areas of their business, but they still want to get the book done.
You might just have an idea or you might have an outline written, but probably not much more than that,
What do you have to do to write with a ghostwriter?
Sit down for a set number of interviews with the ghostwriter, where you’ll tell them everything you know.
Work on your business and do the million other things you have to do while the ghostwriter writes one chapter at a time.
Read through the writing to make sure it sounds like you and properly communicates your message. Tell them anything you don’t love yet so they can change it.
So there you have it, three types of help you can get for writing your book: An editor, a writing coach, and a ghostwriter.
Want a recommendation?
If you want a recommendation for an editor, a writing coach, or a ghostwriter who’s good for you, stick a comment below this video and tell me what type of book your writing. I’ll reply with some advice.
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