Professional Ghostwriter for Doctors - What You Need to Know

This is a question that a lot of aspiring authors probably ask themselves - especially if they're sitting in front of a blank screen, watching the cursor blinking mockingly at them... Or if they're so busy running their businesses, or their medical practice and they find it difficult to actually find the time to sit down at a keyboard and create a manuscript. A full length non-fiction manuscript can take between 200 and 400 hours of work - and that's just the writing. It doesn't include the background research, interviewing the client or other people, and creating the proposal (something that needs to be done even if you're self-publishing)...

If you're really not sure if you need a ghostwriter, the process map - the photo on the right can walk you through the steps.. And you can get a full-size .pdf copy of it on my Website at: www.ghostwriterfordoctors.com ...

But I don't want to talk about how busy you are, or how intimidating it can be to actually sit down in front of your computer and write your book, day in and day out, month after month... (Or sometimes, year after year)

I want to talk about a different aspect of why you might need a ghostwriter... And why I think it's one of the most important qualities of the relationship...

Ghostwriters are people who can write, yes (at least they should be)... if you're in the market for a ghostwriter, you'll want to check out their writing samples...

But you want a ghostwriter who's more than just a good writer.

You need a ghostwriter who can take your ideas, your passions and your knowledge and experience... and use your words, your style and your "voice" and get it down on paper. You want someone who you're comfortable with, who "gets" you... And of course, someone who has the skill of an impressionist - who can mimic your words, thoughts and feelings on paper. You don't want your ghostwriter to have too strong a "voice" of their own, because it's not their book they're writing, it's yours... So you want to make sure they've got the ability to write in different styles, across different genres - which means they don't necessarily have to have a lot of experience in your particular field of expertise.

When you hire a ghostwriter, you need to be prepared to develop a close, intimate relationship with them. Part of my job is to get inside your head, and understand who are you, and what you're passionate about. It's also to learn how you feel, and the way you communicate - both in writing and in person. A ghostwriter needs to understand "why you" and why "this book" in order to help ensure that it achieves your goals.

Which means your ghostwriter is someone who will be asking a lot of questions - and then really listening to your answers. At the same time, it's my job to keep the purpose, the platform and your audience in mind - and make sure the book stays on track - which again, means it's got a better chance of success.

My goal, when I'm working with a client, is that no one knows which parts of the manuscript were written by me, and which parts were written by them.

So, if you've been thinking about writing a book... maybe you've even carved out some time to sit down and start writing it... or you've even made it so far to put together an outline or a rough draft of a manuscript - but you haven't been able to finish it... Then you need a ghostwriter.

If you think your book idea has the potential to be a best seller... but it needs some work getting there... Then you need a ghostwriter.

If you're busy with your practice, your patients, and trying to juggle your professional life and your personal life... but you're still determined to write your book this year... Then you need a ghostwriter.

A professional ghostwriter can do some, most - or even all - of the 'heavy lifting' when it comes to getting your book out of your head, and down onto paper. She can organize your thoughts and ideas for the book, help you create an outline, come up with chapter titles, headlines and subheads, and make sure that your book maintains the pace, flow and connectivity that it needs.

But more than that, a professional ghostwriter can sit down and get your book finished.

And isn't that what you really want?

What exactly does a ghostwriter do - and how can they help me write my book? This is a question I get asked a lot by people who want to write a book, but aren't sure they've got the time or ability to write it themselves.

You probably already know that writing a book and becoming a published author is one of the best ways to create credibility, build your brand and establish your expertise in your niche or industry.

But writing a book is hard work. And if - on top of writing your book - you're also busy running a business or a practice, or doing other things, you might not have the time and energy required to devote to writing your book alone.

Which is why so many people - including professional authors, celebrities, business professionals, speakers and coaches routinely hire the services of a professional ghostwriter. (Did you know? Hollywood uses more ghostwriters than the entire book and newspaper industries combined!)

When you hire a ghostwriter you're adding an expert to your team - someone who's on your side, understands the process and can help you turn your ideas into a completed manuscript - listing you as the author.

My job as a ghostwriter is to take care of all the details of your book - to take the big idea you have, the chapter titles you've struggled with, your outlines, all the beginnings you've struggled with, the endings you've probably changed so many time - and help you create a finished, polished product... One that engages, empowers and excites your readers. (In other words, it's my job to make you look brilliant - to showcase your expertise and position you as "the" expert in your industry or niche.)

Here's What a Ghostwriter Does

Every ghostwriter has their own style of working and system. If you're still looking for a ghostwriter, you'll want to interview several ghostwriters, until you find someone you're comfortable with.

I can't speak for other ghostwriters, but here's what I do:

I work with you in the way you're most comfortable - to help you flesh out your book. That may mean we take your outline, draft manuscript or even just the idea - and start creating the actual paragraphs, pages and chapters. If there's additional research to be done, I can do that too - if you've already got sources and data compiled, that's great and means things will go faster.

We'll work together one-on-one. We can meet by phone or by email. Some of my clients prefer to "speak" their books to me, while others would rather "write" them out.

Once we've figured out how you work best, the actual work gets going. We'll put together a schedule to meet, and a goal of so many chapters or pages a week. After each meeting, I'll work on your manuscript, and send it back to you for your approval and any editing or changes you want to make.

Anyway, that's the basics of how it works. If you'd like to find out more, click the "contact me" button, and let's set up a time to talk. You can ask me any questions you want, and I'll be happy to answer them.

If you've been thinking about hiring a ghostwriter to help you write your book, or you've already started looking, you may be feeling a little discouraged. Finding a professional ghostwriter isn't easy. (Of course, you've landed here, so maybe things are looking up!)

On the other hand, if you want to look around a little bit, I'll give you some ideas for where to look, and where NOT to go!

One option is to take out an ad...
You can try an ad in your local paper, or online at a place like Craig's List.

You can check with writing associations - they usually spotlight their members' services.

You can check with colleagues who have written books. (The problem here is, if your colleague used a ghostwriter, they might be uncomfortable or embarrassed to admit it ...)

You can do a Google search. (Try something like 'ghostwriter for doctors" or "professional ghostwriter for doctors")

You can check out sites like squidoo... See? You're already here!

You can check out professional ghostwriters' blogs... (Like this one at: http://www.ghostwriterfordoctors.com ) Okay, seriously... Just look around online, and you'll come up with more possibilities than you can shake a stick at!

Here's Where NOT to look...

Writing mill sites. These are places where thousands of people are waiting to bid against each other for the privilege of writing for you. The problem is, they're usually filled with people who have little or no professional ghostwriting experience, who may never have written anything more than a few online articles, and who are interested in one thing - getting your money.

Students from local universities. Getting an 'A' in English or a journalism class doesn't make someone a good ghostwriter. Remember, it's your reputation on the line here. You want someone who has experience, who is a good writer, and who can help you reach your goal of creating a professional, well-written book that will captivate, entertain and inform your readers.

Your wife's mother's second cousin's little brother (or sister). First of all, hiring family seldom works out well. But again, it's your reputation on the line. Are you really willing to settle for anything less than the best?

Professional ghostwriters ARE out there. But they're not always easy to find. And the good ones are busy. Because it can take 200 hours (or more) to write a book, good ghostwriters get booked fast. (In 2010, i only have 2 open slots left - and it's still January.) So when you find a professional ghostwriter, do yourself a favor and snap them up quickly - otherwise, you'll be stuck on a waiting list, and another year will go by, without your book being finished.

Because your ghostwriter may be located far away from you, setting up a telephone interview is usually best. (As part of my service, I always take care of the details of setting up the initial consultation for my prospective clients. I'll set up a teleconference line, and record our conversation - that way, if you're taking notes and miss something, you don't have to worry about it, because you can listen to the call again whenever you want. Plus, as an additional service for my clients, I have the conversation transcribed and sent to them as a .pdf document, so they can find the parts they want to go over quickly, without having to listen to the entire conversation.)

If the ghostwriter you're interviewing doesn't suggest this type of consultation, you might want to. I find it takes some of the pressure off both parties not to have to be scrambling to take notes, and it's reassuring to know that nothing will be lost or forgotten. It also makes the interview go smoother and quicker, because you can focus on the important questions and answers.

How long should the initial consultation be?

I find most of my initial consultations last about an hour. Much longer than that, it's easy to lose focus, and things start either dragging along, or go off onto tangents, which isn't useful. It helps to have a general agenda, with a list of questions you'll want to ask the writer.

And the writer should be asking you a lot of questions as well.

What Qualities Should You Look for In a Ghostwriter?

First of all, you want a ghostwriter who an excellent writer. While in theory, any writer can write a book, there is a world of difference between an ordinary book and a great one - a book that is dull, and difficult to read, and a book that is fresh and new and and full of twists and turns that keeps the reader glued to the page from start to finish.

You want to choose a ghostwriter that understands the nuances of structure, pace and rhythm. Someone who engages the reader, grabbing their attention and entices them to keep reading... And then makes them tell everyone they know about 'this great book I just read'...

So start by checking out the ghostwriter's Website. Do a Google search for their name and see how many pages there are. Read some of their work online.

And then, (even before you schedule an interview), it's perfectly acceptable to ask for a sample of their work - even something written especially for you, to your guidelines. (Of course, don't expect an entire chapter for free.) But you have the right to see enough to give you a good idea of the quality and writing style.) Here's a hint: A really good medical ghost writer is probably going to ask you to send them a sample of your writing - either from your book, an article or two you've written - something that gives them a sample of your writing style, so they've got something to model from. If they don't, this could be a red flag that the writer is either inexperienced, or perhaps incompetent.

Next, you also want a ghostwriter who understands the interview process. This is very important, for two reasons. First of all, a good interviewer understands how to guide the interview - injecting the right question at the right time - without upsetting the rhythm of the person being interviewed. And, when necessary, the interviewer needs to be able to ask difficult questions - the ones that might upset, embarrass or even be painful for the interviewee to recall - and do it without judgment, and with respect, compassion and the utmost professionalism.

And of course, you want a ghostwriter who provides rock solid confidentiality, as well as integrity and who is completely trustworthy. Look for their privacy and confidentiality policies. Do they adhere to the highest medical writing standards? Go ahead and ask a leading question or two - if the ghostwriter names names or is willing to give you what should be confidential information about past clients in order to try to land your project, chances are good they'll do the same thing to you down the road...

And finally, you want a ghostwriter who, like a method actor that "becomes" the character he's playing, can step inside your head, and "become" you, to write your story in your words, the way you would write it.

An excellent ghostwriter is someone who goes outside of themselves, and writes your book through your eyes, using your "voice" - with your nuances, speech patterns, rhythms and personality - and that's what you're looking for.

(Truthfully, that's not easy to do. There probably aren't one in 50 writers who are accomplished enough to do it. And yet, I believe its one of the most important characteristics of an excellent ghost - but more importantly, don't you think it's something you deserve?)

What Questions Should You Ask the Ghostwriter?

(Note: I'm giving you the questions I would want to know, if I were the one hiring a ghostwriter - and I'm also including my generalized answers, so you've got a kind of cheat sheet to work from, during the interview. In most cases, my answers during our interview would be unique to your project and your needs, but this gives you a starting point.)

Q. What is your process, when working with a new client?

A. I've discovered that working with doctors is very different from working with other authors. For one thing, you have less time to devote to your book, because you've got so much going on in your practice and your life. So I have created two different systems when working with physician authors, both are designed to be as flexible as possible, to meet your particular needs, schedule and budget. You choose the one that works best for you, and we will make adjustments during the first phase, in order to ensure that it's the best fit for your needs.

The first step will be a free, no-obligation consultation by phone. I will set up a conference line, which will be recorded. That way neither of us has to go crazy trying to take notes, and instead, we can focus on the most important details of your project, your goals for your book, your reasons for writing it, and your publishing plans. My assistant will get in touch with you to set the date and time and then send a follow-up email to confirm with all the details.

Next, we'll discuss your book, your goals, where you're at in the writing process, etc.

Then we'll go over the two systems I have found to work best, and talk about which one would work best for you.

After that, I will ask you to send me one or two samples of something you've written. (If we decide to work together on your book project, I'll need more samples of your writing, or the chapters in your book you've written, even past speeches or papers you've written, so I can capture your 'voice'.) Also, I'll ask you to give me a sample chapter, or something that you want me to write - so you can have a good idea of the quality of my writing, and also my ability to write through your eyes. Generally the sample will be between 10 and 15 pages long, although it might be less, depending on your project.

Along with the sample, I'll send you a project scope, which includes the milestones, deadlines and contract and confidentiality statement, and fee schedule. This usually goes out to you within 48 to 72 hours after our consultation. Once you receive it, you'll have a full week to look it over, check it out with your attorney or other business adviser, sign it and send it back to me. I'll also need you to start emailing me the information that will be on the checklist in your new client packet. (The faster you can get me what I need, the sooner I can get started.)

Q. How much time will I need to set aside for this project? What exactly will you expect from me?

A. This depends on the type of book, how much you've already done, and what information, resources and background research or sources you've got in place. It also depends on our deadlines, and if you've got a publisher, what their requirements are. We will go over this in more detail during our consultation though, so don't worry - we'll work it out so it works for you. You may need to plan on meeting with me by phone once a week for an hour, or set up time to read and respond to email questions. If we speak by phone I'll always set it up on the conference line, and my assistant will send you both a link to download the audio recording and a day or two later, the transcript in .pdf format.

Q. My agent/editor/publisher said my book needs to be highly commercial. What does that mean, and how can you help me do that?

A. First, it depends on what type of book you're writing, and what the regulations are for you as a doctor, in the country you reside. For example, in some countries, doctors are forbidden from doing any advertising, and may have specific regulations they must follow. Secondly, what your editor, agent or publisher probably wants is for you to be able to help (read: do the majority of the work) for marketing your book. There are several ways we can do that. For example, even before your book is written, you need to start marketing and promoting it - and incidentally, yourself. One of the easiest ways to do this, is to set up a blog and also an online news room. (Check out my video "How to Set up an Online News room on Your Website or Blog"). Plus, get connected with social media - Facebook and Twitter. And if you don't already have a newsletter - online or offline - start one now. You want to be collecting names for your mailing list right away. Also, we can create a series of "sticky" elements for your book - checklists, worksheets, even informative articles - that can only be found on your Website - with links to them in the book. These are just a few ways we can help make your book more commercial... There are lots more.

Maybe you're ready to write a book, but you're not sure exactly what topic you want to write about? Here is a short list of books I wish doctors would write... These are topics that have a high potential for success. Some of the subjects are more evergreen than others, but even the ones that focus on what's going on now are commercially viable simply because "inquiring minds want to know..."

Maybe you want to reach people who are struggling with a particular health problem - such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, etc. - what if you could share the stories of people who were struggling - just like the readers might be - and let them see that there were people like them who had the courage and the determination to make it through the problems%u2026 Books like these give people hope and can even help motivate them...

Or perhaps you want to share your practical expertise - so you could reach people who are living lives of quiet desperation as they struggle with diseases that could be prevented, or at least have their current symptoms diminished, by following your advice about lifestyle changes... These kind of books not only help build your reputation as an expert in your field, they also give people a road map to help them create a better, healthier lifestyle...

If your practice is related to babies, the birthing process, the challenges and joys of raising children, childhood diseases and illnesses - chances are you'll find a hungry audience of parents and grandparents... Books like this are a prescription to prevent sleepless nights, walking the floor in worry and ease the stress felt thanks to your guidance...

And what better time than now to write about the state of health-care in general, and the things people can do to take responsibility for their overall health and well-being... plus help them understand what they need to know to get the best medical care possible... A timely book on this topic could catapult you to the top of media lists as an expert analyst. And think of the people who will learn how to get access to the best health care available...

Do you treat baby boomers? Again, there is a hungry audience just waiting to hang on your every word, in areas such as longevity, quality of life, general healthcare, and even alternative medicine and treatments - and what to watch out for%u2026 People are living longer, so why shouldn't they live better? Doctor authors of these types of books can become celebrities in their own rights - with the potential for syndicated radio shows or newspaper columns%u2026 Not to mention make the rounds of the talk show circuit, public speaking engagements, etc.

It's not about the money.

After all, as a doctor, you make a comfortable living, (even if you're not as rich as your patients and neighbors and non-medical friends think you are)...

No, the first problem is, you work long hours - longer than most people probably realize. And it's hard work. There's a lot to keep on top of, every single day. Different patients, different diseases, different tests, different diagnoses.

And it's stressful. After all, you've often got someone's life in your hands, and you have to make the kinds of decisions other people shy away from. Not to mention the threat of malpractice suits hanging over your head... And all the paperwork and red tape and regulations you have to deal with.

Still, the Number One reason doctors hire ghostwriters is that they're like any other budding author - they've got a story they want to share with the world.

And they hire a ghostwriter because one of the biggest problems doctor/authors have with actually sitting down at their desks and writing their books - is being able to find the time every single day to work on it. (We're talking about hundreds of pages - and hundreds of thousands of words.)

Not to mention all the background research and fact checking and sourcing that has to be done...

Plus writing the book in an easy-to-understand format that engages the reader and makes them want to read the book enough that they pull out their wallets and buy it. (And then love it enough to recommend it to everyone they know!)

That's a lot of pressure, especially if it's your first book.

Here's another barrier doctor-authors often run into... And it's also the Second Reason doctors hire ghostwriters:

Among some agents and editors, doctor-authors have gotten a bad rep. And if you're a first-time writer, having that MD behind your name doesn't always mean your manuscript will be welcomed with open arms.

In fact, it might even stand in your way - unless it's known you're working with a ghostwriter. (Because ghostwriters are professional writers who understand the writing process, and who know what it takes to create an entire book - not just two or three sample chapters. They know how to take your idea and polish it, and turn it into a book that your target audience wants to read...) Which may actually give you an edge.

And here's the third reason doctors hire ghostwriters

Doctors hire ghostwriters because they discover writing a book isn't like learning how to play chess or improving your golf game. You can't just read a few "how to write a book" books, look over some publisher's guidelines, whip up two or three sample chapters and assume you'll end up with a 300 page masterpiece that will have agents and publishers lining up around the block to represent you.

In fact, for many doctor/writers who got far enough along in the process to actually write those couple of chapters and maybe a book proposal and sent it to a publishing house... Getting that first rejection letter came as a pretty rude awakening. (Of course, many doctors don't even get that far - for the reasons we've already talked about above.)

However, let's not get ahead of ourselves - because before you can submit a manuscript to an agent or a publishing house, you have to actually write the book.

And sitting down and writing an entire book from start to finish is hard work too.

But the truth is, it's damn hard to get published. Studies have shown that more than 75% of all manuscripts are rejected. (And that's not even looking at what's going on in the publishing industry right now because of the economy, the fact that more people are reading more and more books online, or the rising tide of authors who self-publish their books.)

In fact, when they finally came to me, some of my past clients were understandably angry and frustrated by the whole traditional publishing route where you have to have an agent to get your book published, but many agents won't take you on as a client unless you're a published author. More than one doctor felt like he was in the middle of a big conspiracy, that that it must not be what you know, but 'who' that counts.

And another client in particular, a well-known doctor who advocates for simple lifestyle changes to reduce stress and the risk of many diseases, felt like she was fighting against the "good old boys" club all over again to get her book published and out to the people she was trying to reach.

The point is, if you're a doctor who wants to become a published author, because of who you are and what you do, you might be up against several road blocks to keep you from achieving your goal.

But the good news is, none of the barriers have to stop you from some day seeing your name in print, and having your photo on the back cover of your very own book.

You can do it. You can become a published author. And hiring a ghostwriter might be 'just what the doctor ordered', to make the whole procedure practically painless.

When you're putting together the information your ghostwriter is going to need, one of the most important pieces of the project is your book outline. Your ghostwriter will use your outline to make sure your book comes together the way you picture it - but an outline has many other uses as well. Think of the outline as the roadmap of your book.

The outline can help you see the "big picture" and it can organize the smaller details into a cohesive unit as well.

Is there a "right way" to do a book outline?

The truth is, there is no "ONE" right way. One of the most important tips I give my clients if they haven't already outlined their book, is to do it in a way that makes them feel comfortable and helps them stay organized, and that makes sense to them.

Here are some of the most common ways to outline your book:

1. One way is to use the method you were probably taught in high-school English%u2026 Grab a bunch of index cards, write one topic (chapter or idea) on each card. Once you've written everything down you think you want to include, lay the cards out on your dining room table, and start moving them around until you get them in the order you like best - and then transer that to an outline form on a word document.

2. Use a legal pad and create a list of topics or chapters. After you've got your list made, go through them and number the in the order you think the chapters make the most sense. (Use a pencil for this part, so you can erase as you need to.) Again, when you're happy with it, create a list in a word document.

3. Use a mind map. Mind maps are usually software programs - and they range in price from being very expensive to being free. Some also have more of a learning curve than others, but once you've learned how to use them - if you like the way they work, you'll never want to use another method.

My personal favorite is the mind map. And I like a free version called "free mind" - for a few reasons. First of all, it's free. Secondly, the learnng curve is almost nonexistent. Most people can figure out the basics in about 20 minutes. And thirdly, it works on both PCs and Macs, so no matter which type of computer my clients have, we can use it.

The process for creating your outline

* Start with an overview. This isn't part of the outline itself, per say. Think of it as the 'big picture'. Give a brief description of what your book is about and who the target audience is.

* Then create a list of broad topics or sections. For example, if you were writing a book about diet and exercise, you might want to think about things like: Diet, Healthy eating habits, Recipes, Exercise, Diseases, What to talk to your doctor about, etc.

* Next, create a short list of narrower topics that could go under each section. So for example, under exercise you might want to include: cardio, stretching, walking, water aerobics, etc.
* Once your outline is fleshed out, you can start adding in ideas for graphics, charts, tips, lists of symptoms, or whatever else will make your book more interesting and useful to the reader.

A finished outline is the first big step in turning your idea for a book into reality. And as you can see, it's not that difficult to do if you understand the process.

But if you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comment section and I'll be happy to answer them for you!

Right now. Today. Even if you haven't put a word down on paper.

I'm completely serious.

Whether you want a traditional publisher to publish your book, or you've decided to self-publish, you need an audience who is going to buy your books.

(And sure, there are several ways you can sell hundreds - if not thousands - of books at one time), you need to have some built-in credibility to make that happen...

Here are 7 easy, low-cost or free ways you can start promoting yourself and your book right away...

Use social networking sites - set up a fan page on FaceBook, create a twitter page and start tweeting, start a blog...

Write articles on your chosen area of expertise. Use a mind map or create an outline of topics, points you want to cover and the titles of the articles. (You can tweak the list as you go along.)

Create an online newsroom on your Website or Blog. I'm putting together a quick video that will show you everything that needs to be in your online newsroom. Sign up on my blog - http//www.ghostwriterfordoctors.com - and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.

Put a sign up form on your blog or Website and encourage everyone you know to subscribe.

Write Op-Ed pieces, letters to the editor, media releases and articles written about current events and issues happening that are related to your area of expertise.

Call in to radio shows to discuss or analyze events related to your area of expertise.

Begin speaking to groups about topics related to your area of expertise.

The days of having your publishing company put together a big marketing push for your book has pretty much gone the way of the dinosaur and the dodo bird. Unless your book fits a very specific "it" category, or you're already a celebrity, or you're ready to spend the money to hire a professional publicist, chances are, you're the one who's going to be promoting and marketing your book.

But, if you pay attention to the teachings of Madonna, it doesn't have to be that hard. Free publicity is one of the best ways to position yourself as an expert, gain credibility and build your own list of raving fans, who will eventually buy what you're selling, whether we're talking about your book, the new clinic you want to open up, or the products you want to sell...

Madonna and the Media:

For over 30 years now, Madonna has been a media icon. The Paparazzi fall all over themselves just trying to get a shot of her... And her fans can't wait to see who she's going to be next...

Why?

Because she knows exactly who she is - or who she's going to be - and creates a total image to fit the mold. She's created a brand that is totally and completely Madonna, and she has her a complete strategy laid out before she makes her first appearance. Here's how you can do the same thing:

Putting together a short-term and long-term media strategy is the first step - especially if you want to differentiate yourself, and spotlight your upcoming book.

In order to create a buzz and build a successful publicity campaign is to ask yourself these questions:

1. Why do you want to get publicity in the first place? (Are you trying to build your credibility? Let people know about your latest book or newest services?) Are you trying to build or strengthen your brand?

2. What is your core message? And how does it tie into your answers in question #1?

3. Who do you want your message to reach? (Put together as clear a picture of who you want to talk to as possible.) This is also known as your "target demographic." You want to know as much information about them as possible - but especially what newspapers and magazines they're reading, where they go online, what radio stations they listen to and what television stations or programming they watch. Knowing their ages, background, spending habits, etc. is all useful and will help you to create a stronger message if you can craft it towards "one person" - which is the whole point of building an ideal customer profile.

4. What type of coverage are you looking for? There are three main types - Print Press (which includes newspapers, magazines, ezines and newsletters), Radio (which includes local commercial radio stations, podcasters, and online radio), and Television (which includes local, national and cable channels, independent channels, and online television and videos.)

5. What is going to be the best way to get your message out? When creating your message and deciding what media types you want to target, keep your ideal customer in mind. For example, if you're an author who's writing a retirement advice book - you're probably not going to find a lot of potential book buyers on MySpace, but you'd probably get a much better response if your message was heard on NPR radio.

Madonna understands what's going on in her market. She constantly reinvents herself to stay on top - and to keep the buzz going. She thinks outside the box and finds ways to iet people talking about her. Take a page from Madonna's book, and know who you are, what your message is, and who you want to reach and what they want to hear from you. Then find a way to give it to them...

When you're in the market for a ghostwriter, there are a lot of things to think about... Where do you find a ghostwriter (see above for the answer to that one), what does a ghostwriter do, and how does the process work (again, see above) and, perhaps most important of all, do you want a generalist - a kind of Jill-of-all-trades type of ghostwriter, or do you want a specialist?

Now, I'll admit, this question probably doesn't rank up there with choosing the right surgeon or heart specialist, but this is your book we're talking about. And I know how important it is to you.

So here are a few things you need to know about different types of ghostwriters. Once you're armed with this information, it might help you make up your mind about whether you want a specialist or if a general practitioner will work for you.

Article writing ghosts

There is a regular ghostwriting mill flourishing on the Internet today, filled with writers (and so-called writers) who are vying to write articles - often their rates are very low - pennies on the dollar. The articles are written on the topic of your choice, so you can submit them - or have someone submit them for you - on the Internet, to 'build your credibility' or to make money through adsense or other forms of online advertising.

Now while there may be some good writers in this bunch, there are two things to think about here. First of all, anyone can churn out a 400 word article on almost any topic. But 400 words doesn't come close to being a completed, well-written manuscript. And secondly, many of the people in this field live in countries where English is not the native language, and where their only experience or background comes from the work they've managed to dredge up online.

Copywriting ghosts

Copywriters are fast becoming another writing mill. There are literally thousands of ebooks, online courses, videos, home study programs and books that claim to be able to teach anyone how to start their own business as a copywriter. And sadly, there are thousands of people out there who believed it, bought the programs and set out a shingle, promoting themselves as a copywriter.

Some of them are good at it. A few are really good.

But copywriting, again, uses a different skill set than writing a book. And just because someone can write good copy, doesn't mean they can write a book. Although, of course there are always exceptions.

Ebook and special report ghostwriters

There are writers who specialize in writing ebooks and/or special reports. These are most often works for hire that are intended to be used online. For example, in many industries, it's common practice to give away a free ebook in order to get subcribers to a mailing list. Ebooks can be between 30 and 100 pages, special reports are usually between 17 to 45 pages. While an ebook is not a book, these ghosts come closer to having the experience you want and need. Of course, you should still ask lots of questions if this is the route you decide to go, and do your best to find someone who's willing to commit to the time and intensity involved in writing a full book.

The main thing to remember, is that your book will be seen by publishers, the media and readers as a reflection on you. And the old adage that you get what you paid for is most certainly true when it comes to finding the right ghostwriter who can get inside your head and 'become' you while she's writing your book.

And when it comes to the amount of work involved, sometimes having a specialist, who understands the constraints you're working under already, and can be flexible enough to be able to work around them and still get your book written - is worth it.

If trying to maintain balance in your life makes you feel like a tightrope walker, you're not alone. Most of us have so many demands on our time and energy, life can feel like a three-ring circus. Take this quiz to see how well you are meeting responsibilities, while also recognizing and fulfilling personal needs and wants.

True False

1. The only way I can successfully manage my life is to take care of myself physically and emotionally.

2. Nurturing myself enlarges my capacity to help others.

3. I eat healthfully and exercise regularly.

4. I get check-ups, go to the dentist, and take preventative precautions.

5. I set aside personal, quiet time for myself, whether I'm meditating or simply letting my thoughts drift.

6. I experience the gifts of each season: ice skating, sledding, bundled-up beach walks; gardening, hiking, more time outside; camping, swimming, barbeques; harvesting the bounty, gathering wood, spending more time inside.

7. Creativity nurtures me, too. I do what I love, whether that's cooking, drawing, painting, writing, dancing, singing or another creative pursuit.

8. Reaching out to others enriches my life. I spend quality time with family and friends.

9. Contributing to the world provides connection and purpose, so I give my time, energy and experience where it is most useful.

10. I notice and heed the emotional signals that tell me I'm out of balance: irritability, overwhelm, resentment.

11. If I feel that I'm catching a cold, I realize I may have stressed my immune system with overactivity, so I stop and take care of myself.

12. When I need or want to, I say no to requests for my time.

13. I listen to and honor the requests my body makes for such things as a nap, a walk, green vegetables, hot soup.

14. If I have something planned for myself, I don't just toss that aside when someone makes a request of me.

15. I'm busy, but I find time to do the things I want to do.

16. I'm happy. I regularly experience well-being, contentment, even joy.

If you answered false more often than true, you may want to take a look at the questions to which you answered false and see if you can incorporate something of its message into your life. Please don't hesitate to call if you'd like to explore this issue further.

Author's content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications

Are You Self-Publishing Your Book?

You need a platform. Your platform will be the foundation that you build your book sales on and will help you to become a successful author.

Are You Looking For A Publishing House to Pick Up Your Book?

Then you need a platform. That's probably the first thing any publishing house is going to ask your agent - "What's your client's platform?"

Do You Want to Become Known As An Expert In Your Field or Niche?

You need a platform. Your platform will be the way your fans and the media will find you.

Why Publishing Houses Want Authors With An Established Platform

10 to 15 years ago, it was a lot easier to get published. You could have an idea for a book, work and slave over a good book proposal, type your fingers to the bone whipping out a couple of chapters and the Table of Contents, send it off... and wait. Sometimes the Gods smiled on you and you entered into negotiations and ended up with a contract to write a book.

If You're A New Writer, You Probably Stand A Better Chance of Winning The Lottery Than Getting A Publishing Contract Right Off the Bat

Here's why: Traditional publishers are leaking profits like a pirate ship that's been hit with cannon fire...

It's expensive to publish books these days... It's expensive and time consuming to market books these days... And with profits being down, fewer and fewer publishing houses are willing to take the gamble on new, untested and untried authors and their books.

Remember - even though you're living, breathing, waking and sleeping with your book... book publishing is a business - and businesses are in business for one main reason - to make a profit. (Which, by the way -is something you need to keep in mind too... as a writer, you have a writing business...

So having a platform gives you credibility with the publishing house. It's reassures them that you're a professional, someone who understands how the game is played, and who is willing to do their part to market your book and help generate sales.

Why A Platform Is ABSOLUTELY VITAL if You're Self-Publishing Your Book

WARNING: What You're About to Read May Scare the Dickens Out of YOU! If You're Not Absolutely Serious About Becoming a Self-Published Author - STOP Reading Here.

Do you have any idea what kind of competition you're up against with your book?

At this point, I'm talking about published authors in your niche or industry.

Here's a good way to find out.

Open your browser (if you use "tabs" just open a new tab - and go to Amazon.com.

In the "type of product" choose books. Then type in the "niche" or "genre" your book falls under.

For example, type in "romance novel". Go ahead - I'll wait. (Okay, I didn't wait. I did it too. At the time of writing this article, there were 31,415 books.

If I type in "self-help" I get 209,487 results.

And typing in "business" brings back a mind-blowing 2,238,433 results.

And these are just on Amazon. Not everyone sells their books online. Or if they do, there are other bookstores they may choose to go with instead.

Are you feeling totally discouraged now? (Sorry - I warned you!)

But that's why you need a platform. Because especially if you're self-publishing, you need to find your place in the sun, and start building your credibility, expertise and fan base - so the people who need your book, who are looking for it - even if they don't know it yet - can find you, and it.

It's a proven fact that having your own book can give you instant credibility, prove your expertise and help you attract the people you want to work with.

Which means... You need a platform which is the base or foundation that explains who you are, what you stand for and helps people to find you.

Without a platform, your business will fall over like a house of cards in a stiff breeze.

Ssshhh! Did you hear that? That... Right there... Just listen... Still can't hear anything? Neither can I. And that's exactly what I'm talking about. It's called silence. And it's what happens when you don't know what your hook is if you're trying to drum up some publicity for you, your book or your business.

What's a hook? It's the brass ring... the prize in the bottom of the CrackerJacks box... It's the cherry on top of the cake. Your hook is what makes you interesting... fascinating... or simply irresistible to someone in the media and the general public.

So...

If you're getting ready to start a book tour - in person or on the internet...

Or you want to promote your latest products or services...

Or you want to become known as an expert in your field or industry...

Publicity is one of the best, fastest and longest lasting routes to get you where you want to go. It's like being able to use one of the secret passages in the board game Clue to go from one room to another in just one move. Or getting a lucky "Chance" card and moving right past "Go" and collecting an extra $200 dollars in Monopoly.

The problem is, when it comes to getting publicity, it's next to impossible to do if you don't understand the rules, or how to play the game.

Rule #1 in getting publicity is that you've gotta have a hook. So what's yours? (Hint: It's NOT about you or your business or your latest product and its NOT about your book. At least, not really.) A hook should be either: entertaining, informative, current, emotional or controversial. And - here's a "secret" most authors and writers don't seem to get...

A hook should always be presented as what we call a "blind" or open question. In other words, a hook is a question that can't be answered with a "yes" or "no." Good hooks are questions that start out with "Why" or "How" or "How to"...

Sometimes you can use a "What" in your hook. Such as... "What To Do If You're All Alone and Someone Breaks Into Your Home". But a better hook might be... "What You Absolutely Have to Do First If You're All Alone and Someone Breaks Into Your Home". And you could add a little extra bait to your hook by adding a sub-headline... "Not knowing this simple little thing could cost you or your loved ones their lives..."

In order to be effective, and practically guarantee you'll get the publicity you're looking for, your hook needs to touch on a dominant emotion. Such as Fear, Excitement, Greed, Joy, Lust... These are all dominant emotions - and we all have them. (Even if we're not proud of having them or don't want to own up to the fact that we've got them - they're still there.)

So when you're planning a particular publicity campaign, or you're getting ready to sit down at your computer, stop and think for a few minutes about what underlying emotion you want - or can -use as a hook. And here's the next thing you need to remember - I mentioned it up above. This isn't about you.

I know, I know. That can seem a little weird, especially if you're about to write a media release about your latest book. But the sad truth is... Nobody - except maybe your mother, your best friend or the people who want to be able to say they know a "famous" author - cares about your book. Or that you're about to go on a virtual book tour.

The media doesn't care about it. And the general public doesn't care about it. Yet. That's why you need a hook. A hook is what grabs them... Stops them in their tracks... And makes them wonder about what else you have to say. Why? Because your hook has given them just a hint of something they REALLY care about... Themselves.

And what's in it for them. (This is commonly known as the WII-FM channel - the "What's In It For Me?) We're always more interested in something if we feel like we might be missing out on something... or that something's being kept from us, or that we might benefit from something - and we just almost HAVE to know what it is.

That's a hook.

For the media, your hook needs to be something they think will be of interest to their audience. And for the audience, your hook needs to be something that appeals to their self-interest. That might be protecting themselves from something, learning something that will benefit them, discovering something that almost no one else knows or learning how to do something. And that's what leads back to you, your products or services or your book.

Suddenly people are interested. That's all there is to it. Now that you know what a hook is, get back to your keyboard, and create yours. And I'll be seeing you in the news.