Member Spotlight: Gabriella M. Gafni
How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?
I have always had a profound love of literature and majored in German and Spanish classical literature at Barnard College/Columbia University, where I graduated with the highest GPA in the German department’s thirty-year history. Greek classical literature (read in translation to English) was also inspirational in furthering my interest in literary analysis and culture.
Subsequent to my law school graduation, I found myself at a crossroads. While many of my peers were on their way to lucrative careers at prestigious law firms, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my path lay elsewhere. I had always been a writer at heart, but I never imagined it could become my career. Little did I know that an offhand conversation with a dear friend and neighbor would change the course of my life forever.
One day, as I was discussing my future plans with my neighbor, she confided in me that she had long dreamed of writing a book. She had a story to tell but lacked the confidence and writing skills to bring it to life. Knowing my background in writing, she asked if I would be willing to help her write her first book. I was taken aback; I had never written a full-length book before, and the prospect of taking on such a daunting task seemed overwhelming.
Despite my initial reservations, my neighbor’s encouragement and faith in my abilities persuaded me to give it a shot. She reminded me that I had always been passionate about writing and that I had a unique perspective to offer. As we began to work together, I found myself becoming more and more engrossed in the project. I discovered a profound sense of satisfaction in helping my friend articulate her ideas and bring her story to life.
As I continued to work on my neighbor’s book, I found myself falling in love with the world of ghostwriting. I was intrigued by the idea of using my talents to help others share their stories, and I began to explore the possibility of turning this newfound passion into a career.
I decided to take the plunge and began searching for ghostwriting opportunities online. The process was a bit daunting at first, but I was determined to learn and grow with each new project, gradually honing my skills and building a reputation for myself as a reliable and talented ghostwriter.
As my portfolio of completed projects grew, so did my confidence as a ghostwriter. I found myself working with clients from all walks of life, each with their own unique stories to tell. From business executives sharing their secrets to success to individuals overcoming adversity and hardship, I was constantly inspired by the resilience and creativity of the human spirit.
Looking back on my journey from law school to ghostwriting, I can’t help but marvel at the unexpected twists and turns that have led me to where I am today. What began as a simple request from a friend has blossomed into a fulfilling and rewarding career I could never have anticipated.
My experience has taught me that sometimes the most meaningful opportunities arise when we least expect them. By remaining open to new possibilities and embracing the unknown, we can uncover hidden talents and passions that might otherwise have remained dormant.
I have come to view ghostwriting not only as a career but as a calling. Each new project offers a window into the lives of others, allowing me to learn from their experiences and share their wisdom with the world. I am deeply thankful for the chance encounter that set me on this path.
What has been your secret to building a steady stream of ghostwriting clients?
In the main, I receive my clients through my website and word-of-mouth. Many of my clients have written several books because they love the creative process so much, they don’t want it to end. My “stream” of clients flows in tandem with the consistency of my outreach and referrals. I also work with wonderful teams at various publishing companies. I am especially grateful to Marcia Layton Turner for providing a platform at AOG, where fellow ghosts conceptualize and further the interests of the profession and clients who seek our services.
What do you wish clients understood about the ghostwriting process?
At the outset of every collaboration, I always explain to my authors that abiding trust, consistent communication, timely feedback, and adherence to compensatory responsibilities are of the essence.
Ghostwriting is a skill, and the creative process manifests art through self-expression, just as fine artists produce works on canvas. A synergistic connection between the author and ghostwriter results in a product reflective of the authors’ intentions, as though they sat down to compose the text themselves. The process involves a mutual exchange of ideas, such that the author’s voice resonates throughout the narrative.
How would you describe your favorite type of project and client?
My favorite type of client has a clear vision of the subject matter, communicates effectively, demonstrates enthusiasm for the collaborative/creative process, and adheres to milestones and deadlines in a timely fashion. Although I specialize in memoir, my writing ability and interests span the spectrum of genres. I also provide translation assistance from and into Spanish, German, and English, personal web and logo design, marketing copy, and book formatting services.
What are the best parts of this career?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of a ghostwriting career is the ghostwriter’s ability to create worlds, live other experiences, and delve into diverse cultures and ideologies. Over time, the ghostwriter-author relationship morphs into a journey of discovery and positive-change agency for the client and the intended audience.
How can people reach you?
Clients can find samples/explanations of my process at gmgblog.net and can reach me via my website, gmghostwriting.com.
