I’d just arrived at a paint-and-sip event when I saw her. I’ll call her Jay. Her beauty and authenticity radiated so much that the whole room seemed to float around her.
Later that evening, as we oohed and ahhed over the ship the art instructor just taught us to paint, we struck an easy conversation.
Jay was a mobile nurse who often traveled around the world. She’d seen diverse cultures and exotic places and had explored tropical dishes. She quietly expressed a desire to share not just with her travel vlog, but to one day write an ebook detailing her experiences, highlighting cities worth going to or not.
With a grin, I pulled out my business card and introduced myself as a ghostwriter. I explained that I could help put her stories together in the form of a self-help book and attain her author goals.
As the evening went on, she fell more in love with the idea. She admitted that she was not much of a writer and that now was as good a time as any to begin. The night ended with a high note and we promised to keep in touch.
Over the next couple of weeks, I listened carefully as she shared her ideas and stories with me, while taking copious notes. I then went through hours of her vlog as I tried to put a finger on her voice and unique style.
As I began to work on the book, however, I soon realized that there was a slight hitch. Jay’s original theme and message were not as clear and cohesive as she had initially thought, and I could tell that the book needed a more focused direction.
Naturally, I broached the subject with her, but she was resistant to the idea of altering her original plan. Despite the tension, I knew that it was important to continue the conversation and work through the issues.
I took the time to carefully explain the potential benefits of refocusing the book, infusing her life as a nurse. Nursing was her first love, and it had impacted the way she experienced her trips. Gradually, Jay began to see my point of view.
As we worked together to fine-tune the theme and direction of the book, there were moments of frustration and even tears as she struggled to let go of her original vision.
In the end, however, the book turned out to be a powerful and impactful piece of work that truly reflected her unique insights and experiences. She was grateful for my dedication and expertise and noted that without my help, her travel book may not have been possible.
Self-help books are like cheat codes for life. They’re books that give you advice on how to improve yourself, whether it’s in your personal life, your career, your relationships, or your health. Or just like Jay’s book, they can show you ‘how to’ adapt when you find yourself in odd places, just like Jonah in the whale’s belly. Hehe.
Self-help books are basically like having that wise and experienced friend who can give you a kick in the butt when you need it.
But here’s the thing: not all self-help books are created equal. Some are actually helpful, while others are about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
Now, if you’re thinking of writing a self-help book, here are some best practices to keep in mind:
First, structure is key. You want to make sure your book has a clear and logical flow so that readers can easily follow your advice and apply it to their lives. This may mean breaking your book down into chapters and sections, and using headings and subheadings to make it easy to navigate.
Second, you need to have a clear message. What’s the crux of your argument? Why does it matter? If you can’t answer these questions, then your book is going to be about as focused as a toddler on a sugar high.
But don’t stop there! Once you’ve figured out your message, you need to make sure you’re engaging your reader. After all, if your book is as dry as a slice of toast, no one’s going to want to read it. So, you’ll need to infuse anecdotes, humor, and personal stories to connect with your readers and keep them invested.
Finally, remember that self-help books are ultimately about helping people. So, you should make sure your advice is practical, actionable, and based on real-world experience. Don’t just spout platitudes or give generic advice that anyone could come up with. Give your readers something they can actually use to improve their lives.
And just like Jay, you can decide to write your book with me.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why should I choose you over anyone else?” Well, my friend, I’m not just any ghostwriter.
As an experienced ghostwriter, I understand that each client is unique and comes with their own set of expectations and communication styles. And so, I meander through any challenges, as we work together to create a book that perfectly meets your goals.
My process
First, I’ll have an initial consultation with you to determine your goals, vision, and voice for the book.
Next, I’ll draw up a contract to establish clear communication channels, timelines, and expectations for both parties, including payment and pricing structure.
Because the reader is an important part of the process, I’ll research the topic and audience thoroughly to understand their needs and interests. Then with you, I’ll establish a clear structure and outline for the book, including chapter titles, key themes, and messaging.
We’ll have regular interviews to get a deeper understanding of your experience and insights, and why it matters in a particular scene or chapter.
A first draft of the manuscript will then be written, alongside regular updates and opportunities for feedback throughout the writing process to ensure you are satisfied with the direction and tone of the book.
Now, you may have reservations, comments, or suggestions about the manuscript. That’s okay, after all, it’s your book. Together, we’ll work on improving the flow, organization, additional information, and overall impact as it would matter to your reader.
After this, the manuscript would be sent to the beta readers, to critique and assess whether the book adequately passes the intended message. When their feedback comes through, necessary adjustments will be made and it would then be sent to an editor to work on.
Lastly, I will proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors before putting together the final draft.
Of course, you don’t want to author a book that’s just lying there with no one to read, so we’ll discuss from the beginning, the publishing platform that works for you. Whether you want to self-publish or go through the traditional publishing route, we’ll work towards your goals and budget.
Throughout the publishing and promotion process, I’ll offer some support and guidance. We could also discuss a marketing plan that leverages social media, email marketing, book reviews, and other promotional tools to reach your target audience. This would usually be add-ons.
Authoring a self-help book is a great experience to have, as you get to share your knowledge with others and make a difference in their lives.
Ready to hit the write way? Get in touch.