Member Spotlight: Alicia Dale

How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?

I landed my first ghostwriting project by accident. In 2010. My friend and colleague, Karen Field Bolek, was writing How to Apologize to Your Woman; a book that helps couples to create positive relationships. She asked me to read and review some of the content. I noted that the dialogue didn’t seem realistic. She then invited me to re-write the dialogue and gave me credit for the writing in the book’s acknowledgments. In 2017 I decided to pursue professional writing as a career and joined the Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC). I received an opportunity to write a Guide to Health Care Engineering, which was my first official full-time ghostwriting assignment.  Since then I’ve written several leadership books and a guide to personal injury law.

What has been your secret to building a steady stream of ghostwriting clients? Tenacity and creativity. I work with an agency in New York that provides a steady stream of leads. In addition, I find opportunities from other writers. At times, I’ll receive an inquiry through my website. I’ve also received leads through the Association of Ghostwriters website.

 

What do you wish you’d known about ghostwriting when you were first starting out? I wish I would’ve known about it as a career choice earlier. Although, I think I became a ghostwriter at the perfect time in my career. I had a long and established business career. I owned a small business for 14 years and also did some high-level consulting at a Fortune 150 financial services company. I held several professional positions in corporate America,  at Fortune 500 financial services companies. The business experience I gained throughout my career, helps me to work with nonfiction and business authors since I have a wide variety of knowledge on many topics. I also think it’s the perfect time to become a ghostwriter as there are so many publishing options available to authors. Anyone who wants to write a book – should.

 

How would you describe your favorite type of project and client? My favorite client is one who is willing to collaborate on content. I like when I have the ability to share an idea or insight. Whether or not the author chooses to accept the idea, is up to them. However, it makes it a more meaningful working relationship when we can discuss options. I appreciate it when authors either tell me their stories or send information for me to review. I find the content evolves best when the author is open to allowing the story to unfold.  I especially enjoy working with attorneys. I think it’s important to share legal information in a way that laypeople can easily comprehend. I really like working with authors who have a passion for their topic and want to share meaningful insights with their audience.

 

What are the best parts of this career? I enjoy the flexibility of being a ghostwriter. I also appreciate all the things I learn and the interesting people I meet. Finishing a book, and helping an author get their message to the marketplace is very rewarding.

 

How can people reach you? alicia@aliciadalewriter.com or www.aliciadalewriter.com

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