#AskAGhost: How long will it take to write my book with a ghostwriter?

The latest in the my #AskAGhost series, which addresses common questions I get as a ghostwriter.

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-white-message-balloons-1111368/

The #AskAGhost 👻 series answers common questions ghostwriters get from clients and potential clients. This week's topic: "How long will it take to write my book?"

How long will it take to write my book? This is probably the most common question I get from potential ghostwriting clients. The answer: It depends—largely on you!

Author partners who have the time needed to dedicate to regular calls with their ghostwriter and to review chapters in a timely fashion can expect a finished manuscript within six months—that's from concept to a complete, copy-edited manuscript. Note: This does not mean you will have a physical book in your hand at this point, as the manuscript still needs to go through the production process: typesetting, layout, graphics, cover design, printing, etc. For the actual written manuscript, however, six months is the general rule.

With that said, as with any rule, there are exceptions. Some of my author partners need longer because they are juggling other obligations. Others are eager to expedite the process, for example because they want to have a book in hand for an upcoming speaking engagement or similar event. The fastest I've ever wrapped a project personally, from contract signing to manuscript sign-off, is three months. That is not the norm!

When discussing a potential project with a ghostwriter, it's a good idea to talk timeline up front—and to be realistic about the bandwidth you have to give the project. While a ghostwriter will take most of the work off your plate, they still need to have regular access to you, for example with a weekly 90-minute interview. Talking timelines helps set realistic expectations and ensures that your book project becomes an enjoyable process, rather than one filled with stressful deadlines. This is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience—make the most of it!

Ghosts, anything to add? And, as usual, if anyone has suggestions for what to include in the #AskAGhost 👻 series, let me know!

Thank you for reading my blog! This is a space where I share personal thoughts — an opportunity for self-expression that has nothing to do with my professional writing. None of the thoughts or opinions expressed in this blog should be construed as anything but my own, nor should they be affiliated with any company or person I contract with or write for as a ghostwriter.

NOW that that's done... I'd love to hear from you about this blog post in the comments!