Member Spotlight: Tom Hanlon
How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?
In 2002, a friend passed along a tiny newspaper ad looking for a ghostwriter. I was working full-time for a publishing company at the time. I responded, got an interview, and landed the job. It was for a CEO who wanted to share the commonalities that successful small towns shared. Helping small town development was an integral part of his company. I wrote the book, and he ended up selling 35,000+ copies, because he took the time to tour and hold seminars around the country. The book was an advertising tool and it was very successful for him. And it paid me essentially a year’s salary, so I took the leap at the beginning of the project, resigned my position with the publisher, went full-time as a freelancer, and haven’t looked back since.
What has been your secret to building a steady stream of ghostwriting clients?
I’m not great at marketing myself. But I genuinely enjoy working with people and helping them tell their stories or get their messages across, and doing so in a way that engages and entertains and educates readers. I treat every client with the utmost of respect, and I build a good rapport with clients. I respond in a timely manner, I meet deadlines, I exceed expectations, and I make it a positive experience for clients. That often translates into more work, either with them or with their friends or business associates.
What do you wish clients understood about the ghostwriting process?
I really don’t have any major frustrations with clients, in terms of their misunderstanding the process. I would say in general, though, that people are a bit surprised that a 65,000-word book can’t be churned out in three months.
How would you describe your favorite type of project and client?
I love to tell stories. Memoir is the most obvious genre in which stories are told, but they are told just as well through other genres. I like to use scenes and dialogue, just as you might in fiction. I think people are drawn into others’ stories, and memoir and nonfiction narrative are ideal for that type of writing. As for my favorite type of client, it’s one who is wholly invested in the project and willing to give the time and thought needed to help me produce the best content possible. And one who trusts me in leading the process, who trusts in my expertise. I’ve been blessed to have a steady stream of good clients to work with throughout the years.
What are the best parts of this career?
Diversity. Freedom. Fresh and new challenges. Each project is unique: the subject matter, the client, the challenges it presents. I also love the flexibility in my work. Ghosting and freelance writing is not a 9-to-5 job. I love being my own boss. Very early on in my career, I went to a seminar given by a successful freelance writer. He said all he needed to do quite well financially was to work about four billable hours a day. Coming from a lifetime of 40-hour weeks, I was highly skeptical. But I found his statement to be completely accurate. (Another game-changer for me right as I was launching my freelance career was the advice a friend gave me: Don’t undersell yourself. I pass that on to others. First, it’s really hard to make any money when you work for less than your work deserves. Second, if potential clients see that you charge very little for your work, they’re going to think you’re not very talented. Fellow writers: Charge what you’re worth!)
How can people reach you?
217-417-1578
