Member Spotlight: Tracy Hume
How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?
I started my freelance career as a generalist, writing about any topic I found interesting. Around 2010, I became increasingly curious about health information technology (HIT). I followed up on my interest by completing a year-long program in HIT offered by UC San Diego.
After that I began writing white papers, executive reports and other B2B content for the Health Information Management and Systems Society (HIMSS) and other organizations operating at the intersection of healthcare and technology. I discovered that the healthcare industry is a great area to focus on because it is endlessly interesting, constantly evolving and always relevant.
In 2016, a HIMSS client I had written a white paper for asked if I would be interested in writing a book for them. I said, “yes!” and I’ve been a book collaborator focusing on the healthcare industry ever since. I use the term “book collaborator” because my work ranges from full ghostwriting (I interview the author, I write, the author reviews) to book coaching (the author writes and I work with the author to develop the book structure and optimize clarity and depth).
I meet each author where they are. Each collaboration is a unique and rewarding journey.
What is your favorite type of project or client?
My favorite client is someone who has deep healthcare industry expertise and a passion for sharing that expertise with others. My projects have covered topics such as the history of the U.S. health insurance system, cyber risk management, revenue cycle management, complexity-fit leadership and more. If the project touches on the healthcare industry in any way, I’m likely to be interested.
The book manuscript development process involves asking thoughtful questions, uncovering the insights that matter most, and shaping those ideas into a compelling, accessible narrative. I especially enjoy helping subject-matter experts translate complex ideas into a framework and narrative that resonates with their readers.
What’s your favorite question to ask clients during an interview?
“Why” and “how” are my favorite questions:
- Why does [insert author’s expertise here] matter?
- How can readers benefit from your expertise?
These two questions get to the heart of thought leadership: not just what someone knows, but why it matters and how it changes things for the reader.
What are the best parts of this career?
I’ve always been a curious person and someone who asks a lot of questions. I’ve also always been a writer (I won a local poetry contest when I was 12!). This career lets me combine both: learning from smart people and helping them turn their ideas into books. I’m grateful that I get to earn a living doing work that lets me ask questions, learn new things, and write every day.
What’s one thing clients might be surprised to know about you?
I love to dance. Which is a good thing, because being a writer means spending way too much time sitting in front of a computer.
How can people reach you?
People can learn more about my writing at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyhume/ or reach out to me directly at: tracy@tracyhume.com
