Marcia Layton Turner
8 Questions Every Ghostwriter Should Ask Before Saying Yes to a Book Project
We’ve been having discussions in the Association of Ghostwriters (AOG) about prospect red flags, likely because our colleagues have run across some challenging clients. It’s easy to get stuck with a client who has unrealistic expectations regarding what you can do to help write their book. In many cases, it’s not their fault if we…
How I Would Get Started as a Book Ghostwriter Today
Like many of my colleagues, I became a ghostwriter out of happenstance rather than strategy or intention. When my agent asked if I wanted to help an author write a book that was overdue to a major publisher, I jumped at the opportunity. I also admitted to her that I had never written a book…
4 Ghostwriting Industry Predictions for 2025
As we kick off a new year, now is a good time to reflect on changes within the ghostwriting industry that we witnessed or got a glimpse of in 2024 as a clue to what may come. Which trends are taking hold and which are just starting to emerge? Which ones will impact demand for…
Guest Post: Working with a ghostwriter is shameful … or is it?
By Tracy Hume I’ve got a secret to share: my secret is that I believe in hiring professionals for complex tasks rather than trying to tackle those tasks by myself. For example: I’ve tried the DIY route: 24/7 access to Google and YouTube creates the illusion that you can Google your way to expertise in…
Guest Post: The Transformative Power of Sincere Ghostwriting Collaboration
By Albo Devine Over the past 12+ years helping bring 25 ghostwriting projects to life— from paradigm-shifting nonfiction to gripping memoir to illuminating fiction—the most important ingredient I’ve discovered for success in a collaboration is sincerity. Believe it or not, this sincerity is always the same. Whether an author is a billionaire ‘somebody’ or a…
Guest Post: How Much Time Should a Ghostwriter Invest in a Prospective Client?
By Thomas Hauck If you’re like me, you’re a sole proprietor who serves a revolving set of clients throughout the year. A new client comes on board, you write their book, and then you say goodbye and move on to the next author. I ghostwrite five or six books a year, both fiction and non-fiction,…
Guest Post: How to Find Ghostwriting Clients in Your Own Backyard
By Robert Bruce Woodcox I am a veteran ghostwriter (27 years) and a veteran AOG member (8 years). However, I also spend a great deal of time consulting/counseling by the hour, other ghostwriters on the “business” side of this profession. The first question most new clients ask is: “How do I find new work, market…
Make it Easy for Ghostwriting Clients to Find You
These days it’s standard procedure to start almost any kind of research online. Not sure what kind of office printer to buy? Ask Consumer Reports which is the highest rated. Looking for Chinese restaurant options in your neighborhood, Yelp can help. Trying to figure out how to record a Loom video? Google it. This also…
Why the Association of Ghostwriters Does Not Accept Outside Guest Blog Posts
Every week we receive at least one request from someone who is not currently part of the Association of Ghostwriters (AOG) community asking to submit a guest blog post. That number has been increasing lately, perhaps because the website has been attracting more traffic. This week alone I’ve been offered posts by John, who has…
Guest Post: How I Ghostwrite Business Books…And Bumble Messages
By Megan Okonsky When I meet new people, I hesitate before sharing what I do for work. My official title shifted from “copywriter” to “ghostwriter” in 2019 and I began fielding quite a few questions about my job. Nervous to take up too much time talking about my 9-5, I avoided bringing up work woes…
Guest Post: What You Should Know Before Hiring a Ghostwriter to Pen Your Memoir
By Rob Swystun First off, let me just say that you have absolutely lived a fascinating life. Your accomplishments deserve to be hailed and your trials and tribulations deserve to be recognized. With that out of the way, it pains me to inform you that regardless of how interesting your life is, your chances of…
Why Ghostwriting Fees Are Like Fine Art Prices
My talented father, Richard C. Layton, was a fine artist, working primarily in watercolor, oils, and pastels. He drew and painted landscapes, seascapes, and portraits. I always marveled at how quickly his paintings would take shape. He would labor for hours in his studio, concertos and symphonies playing in the background, carefully applying layers of…