Member Spotlight: Kathy Bruins

How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?

It truly was somewhat comical. I was bidding for writing jobs on Guru.com and received a response from someone who lived in a city near me who wanted a ghostwriter because he was well-known. I said that would be great, but could he please explain to me what a ghostwriter was? It was a turning point in my life because I have been ghostwriting since then, in addition to my other writing. I felt that I was fulfilling a dream for people in getting their message out, because I knew they either didn’t have the skill or the time.

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

In my early years of writing, I was always seeking the next opportunity. As time passed, word spread about my services, and I began to receive more job offers. I guess my “secret” is to give good customer service. Show that you care and respect the client as well as their book. Keep them informed on how the work is going. Be available to them (with boundaries). Of course, write an awesome book for them. People truly appreciate these things and will tell others about you.

What do you wish clients understood about the ghostwriting process?

Until they try to do the work themselves, I don’t think they understand how much work it is. Some think we, as ghostwriters, could write a book a month, and I suppose that some of us could if we wrote 24/7. However, what kind of life is that? Clients need to realize we are humans and have a life beyond their book. Just because they pay a good deal of money for having a ghostwriter, they don’t own us.

Also, the client must respect the ghostwriter. If they verbally abuse the writer, demand more than what was contracted, or go beyond the boundaries of a working relationship, it’s time to tell them they need to find another writer.

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

I personally love writing about faith topics. God is very important to me, and if there is any way I can bring him glory, I will. I enjoy conducting research and hold a degree in Religious Education, as well as having spent time at a seminary.

I also love writing memoirs. Telling people’s stories teaches me and the readers about life’s experiences, which helps us grow. I’ve become very close to people whose personal stories I have written.

Fiction is also a favorite as I get to fantasize how a story will go, what the characters are like, the conflicts, resolutions, losses, celebrations … all mixed together in a flowing manner that will entertain the reader for hours, and perhaps help them feel something they haven’t felt before. I love hearing the first reactions from a client to something I have written that makes them laugh, cry, think, or perhaps feel a bit fearful in a scary scene.

What are the best parts of this career?

There are many things. I can write at home in my pj’s and a cup of coffee, or travel to different destinations and write. The pay is normally good, and the service I provide for people is very satisfying to me. I also appreciate that when the manuscript is complete, I am typically finished. I say that because I now have a publishing company, so the opportunity of publishing their book is a possibility.

How can people reach you?

The best way is through email. kbruins77@gmail.com I welcome all queries and would be happy to help you get your book written.