The Secret: How Leaders, Celebrities, and Influencers Write Books

Ever wonder how leaders, celebrities and influencers find the time to write books? The secret is out! They are hiring ghostwriters to do it for them. By hiring a ghostwriter these individuals are able to provide content and additional monetization to their brands. What was once taboo has now become an expectation. People expect the icons they envy to have someone write for them with no reservations. But how does this process work?

Total Package

Some people are simply too busy doing the work to get into the details of writing a book. That’s where a ghostwriter comes in. In total package scenarios, the ghostwriter conducts the research necessary to put the book together as well as composes the work. In some cases, the author may not even read the book before it is released. This writing style takes trust and professionalism.

Meat on the Bones

There are individuals who have the ideas and knowledge framework for their book. In these cases, they provide the ghostwriter with an outline and notes for how the content should be arranged. The ghostwriter provides any additional research and fills in the details producing a complete work. The final delivery is reviewed by the author to make sure their desires are included.

Jessie Maple and E. Danielle Butler working on 2019 Memoir, The Maple Crew.

Side-by-Side

The side by side writing process is one in which a ghostwriter spends significant amounts of time interviewing the author. Recordings are made with copious notes to follow. The ghostwriter then goes away to compose the work based on the information that is obtained. The author usually participates in the finalization process ensuring their satisfaction.

In each case, the ghostwriting process provides an opportunity for executives, personalities and others to add publications to their resume. The type of ghosting relationship should be established based on individual needs. Moreover, authors have the ability to choose to work with ghostwriters that can capture their voice and message with clarity. Which ghostwriting style would work best for your book endeavors?

Influence to Legacy: Why Writing a Book Matters

It has been said that writing a book was the new equivalent of a business card. In fact, many entrepreneurs and business leaders have taken to the notion in droves. Book writing seems to be catching on like wildfire. While it is the “it” thing to do, writing a book is much more than making a new connection. Writing a book is about influence and legacy. Storytelling and texts have been part of history for generations. New discoveries of texts are constantly happening as explorers and archeologists work. The truth is, text lasts. What was written and what will be written will be discovered and analyzed. Writing a book contributes to future understanding of present ideas. 

Writing a book will build credibility now. However, it is in what lies ahead where the purpose is found. People will know you based on what is written. Your ability to craft a story will influence the way that people view your existence and impact. Writing a book creates a foundation for your contributions to the world to live on well after you are gone.Writing a book will also connect you to people that you may not otherwise come into contact with.

When I started writing my children’s book series, it was for selfish reasons. I wanted my children to have something from me later in their lives. What I got in return was far more - it was an opportunity for them to see themselves through my eyes. Then there was the opportunity to connect with others around the globe about the themes in the books. Writing a book prepared the way for me to step into rooms and have conversations of influence and legacy. I’ve been on the writing journey helping others - influence. I’ve created something that will be here for my family once I’m gone -legacy.

 Writing a book is significantly more than a networking opportunity. It is a foundation for establishing influence and securing a legacy. Writing a book matters because the written word is what will continue in some form or another.