Member Spotlight: Laura Sherman

How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?

It was completely accidental. A friend told me he was approached to write a novel for a friend of a friend, but he wasn’t a professional writer. He knew I was starting out, having written a few articles, short stories and in the middle of a science fiction novel. Unbeknownst to me, he passed along my name to his contact and within days I found myself bidding for the project. That gentleman from New Jersey hired me to write four novels, launching my dream career of helping authors share their stories and messages.

What is your favorite type of project or client?

I love working on uplifting projects. Over the years, I have written more than two dozen memoirs and another two dozen leadership books and novels. Honestly, I love working across multiple genres at once, as it keeps me on my creative toes. My clients often become good friends as the bonding experience is part of the journey. I especially value clients who communicate openly and freely.

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

During the initial interview, I always like to ask potential clients, “Why now?” Their goals become mine, so it is crucial to understand their motivation.

I also like to ask, “Why me?” I’m well aware that there are many ghostwriters in the world today, far more than when I first started 23 years ago, so it is important that clients research my work. After all, it’s a significant investment!

Once I launch into the content interviews for a memoir client, I start by zeroing on the moment everything changed for the author. Structurally, I build their story around that key incident.

What are the best parts of this career?

I learn something new from every client, through every new relationship forged. It’s quite an adventure to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes. That perspective is essential before I can help them share their story with their readers.

In addition, I love helping clients fulfill their goal of completing their books. Most people tell me they have been in the middle of the project for years, sometimes decades. It’s wonderfully rewarding to help them bring those dreams to life.

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

I authored a book called Chess Is Child’s Play, which teaches parents how to introduce chess to children as young as four. I was inspired to write it because when I was a young girl, my father told me I was too young to learn. He just didn’t know how to teach a youngster. He was a tournament player, but not a chess teacher.

Finally, when I was nine he gave in to my pleas. Within months, I could beat him, so he signed me up for chess lessons with a Russian master an hour away. I went on to become one of the top 50 women chess players in the US as a teenager. I wrote Chess Is Child’s Play to give parents the tools to properly teach chess to young kids.

How can people reach you?

My website, https://laurasherman.com/, is my calling card. There you will see testimonials, media features, my blog, and much more. You are also welcome to email me directly at Laura@LauraSherman.com.

I’d love to hear from you!