Member Spotlight: Denise Willson

How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?

I have been the entrepreneurial spirit behind BEOP Inc. Editorial Services for over twenty-five years, so my first ghostwriting project grew from my experience as a developmental editor. I was conducting a manuscript evaluation for a client, and we happened to discuss my extensive experience as a writer. This particular client had another manuscript idea he’d been marinating for quite some time, but didn’t have the time, expertise, or inclination to put pen to paper. He loved that we could work together to create the manuscript he envisioned while skipping various editorial stages. Having a book ghostwritten by a professional—especially an experienced editor—results in a manuscript that is much closer to publication.

What is your favorite type of project or client?

Unlike many writers and editors who create a niche, I love to work across genres. I specialize in nonfiction and fiction, but have also written and edited poetry, screenplays, websites, business reports, and more. Writing and editing nonfiction and fiction require different hats. When I don my nonfiction hat, I focus on organization, clarity, message strength, voice/tone, and narrative structure, just to name a few, keeping the target reader and manuscript goals as the guiding light. When wearing my fiction hat, I narrow in on character development, setting/world-building, theme, point of view, conflict, and plot, ensuring the genre and reader are respected. I believe my experience with both makes me a stronger writer and editor, and my clients think so too.

What’s your favorite question to ask clients during an interview?

Why? You’d be surprised by how this simple, one-word question can do wonders when exploring an idea, theme, subject, or goal. Why are you writing this manuscript? Why do you feel this subject matter needs exploring? Why would the reader benefit from reading your message? Why must this story be told? Why are you the right person to tell this story? Most people don’t go deep enough when brainstorming or working on their manuscript. Why strips layers like a vegetable peeler.

What are the best parts of this career?

Oh my, I get giddy at the endless possibilities when pen hits paper. Or, in these technical times, fingers hit the keyboard. The world is a giant oyster of ideas, perspectives, and imaginations. There are no limits to one’s creativity, and I adore watching a client see their thoughts and experiences come together so others can learn and explore what they know. We’ve been telling stories since the dawn of man. This is how we share our knowledge with the next generation, and I am honored to be part of such an amazing gift.

What’s one thing clients might be surprised to know about you?

I am an award-winning author of several books, and I personally write nonfiction and fiction under my pen name, Dee Willson. I am represented by Hilary McMahon of Westwood Creative Artists.

How can people reach you?

I run BEOP Inc. Editorial Services. BEOP stands for both ends of pencil. I can be reached by email at denise@beop.ca or by telephone at +1 905-397-7421. For those who would like to learn more about ghostwriting and editing, I’ve created a detailed website at www.beop.ca. My goal was to arm writers of all levels with the vocabulary needed to understand their options when working with a professional writer and editor, so www.beop.ca is a great place to start your journey. I look forward to working with you!