Member Spotlight: Karen Rowe

How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?

In 2008, through a network of editors from my freelance writing work, I was offered my first book deal with a small, regional press to write a trivia book on chocolate. I wrote that book in six weeks, and was paid $4,000.

This led to a second book deal about coffee. And although freelance writing paid well and I had experienced relative success and some profitability, I ultimately realized it was not for me as a long-term career choice.

When a business coach heard I had written my first book in six weeks, he got me to see the value of ghostwriting: it was a skill people would pay good money for. He was my first ghostwriting client. He then promoted my services to his network from the front-of-the-room, which directly led to at least two additional book deals.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

What has been your secret to building a steady stream of ghostwriting clients?

In-person events! I invested in several key groups and focused my attention on building strong relationships in target-rich environments.

Once I clarified my ideal client, I realized they weren’t online. They were speaking from stages, in masterminds, and hosting their own events. So I went to them. In the early days, I would attend free events.  Eventually, I started paying to attend events, join high-end mastermind groups, business incubators, and upgrade to V.I.P. rooms. Bonus if I was the only ghostwriter in the room. Double-bonus if the group encouraged its members to publish a book to meet their goals, or increase their reach and credibility. I stayed in those groups for as long as they would have me, sometimes up to five years, and established a deep level of trust, and multiple reciprocal relationships.

These days (sixteen years later), my business is 90 to 95 percent referral based, thanks to the relationships I was able to develop from the very beginning.

What do you wish clients understood about the ghostwriting process?

1. How involved the process is, how many steps there are and how long it takes.
2. Even the most talented ghostwriter is not a mind-reader.

How would you describe your favorite type of project and client?

I love helping entrepreneurs, especially women, write nonfiction business, self-help and memoir.

The ones I enjoy working with the most usually have a burning message or story that they need my help to translate onto the page. They trust my guidance, know their content incredibly well, and have a strong proof of concept. I especially enjoy hearing about their personal anecdotes and life experiences.

What are the best parts of this career?

I can work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. I love the freedom and flexibility to choose everything about my work environment, including how many projects to work on, who I work with, when, where, how, and for how long.

I love capturing an author’s genius on the page: translating their words into compelling prose. I love all the neat stories I get to hear, and the privilege of getting a front row seat to experience the world of so many fascinating, accomplished people.

I also love helping authors produce a result they couldn’t produce without me. There is nothing more satisfying than helping an author who has been trying unsuccessfully for years (or in some cases, decades) to finish their book!

How can people reach you? 

Check out my website (https://www.karenrowe.com) or say hi via email: Karen@KarenRowe.com