Hello! And welcome to my ghostwriting service page!
Do you have an idea for a great story but need help putting it down on paper? Do you have material written and need a hands-on person to polish it?
A lot of people have wonderful stories to tell, but either lacks the time, experience, or desire to write them down. If this is you, then you need a ghostwriter! Ghostwriting has been part of the publishing industry for decades and makes up about 60% of all published work, especially in nonfiction. Many bestsellers have been written by ghostwriters.
Ghostwriters do the heavy lifting, and when all is said and done, you get to walk away with your very own book! You take credit, title yourself an author, see YOUR name on the cover, and claim every bit of the royalty spoils. All of this for just having an idea! Sounds cool, right?
Let’s start off by getting to know each other.
My name is Michelle Deda, and my pseudonym is Michelle E. Lowe. As of now, I live in southern California with my husband, Ben, and our two children. I’ve been writing for over twenty years and have published nineteen titles. You can find my work here on Amazon and Goodreads. A couple of my books had been traditionally published through different publishing houses, Nordland Publishing and Beau Coup Publishing, both of which have closed their doors. To get a sense of my writing, please see my sample page.
My services include:
—Write a novelization of a screenplay
—Rewrite an early draft of a novel to improve voice and style
—Help the author prepare a solid outline (if needed)
—Cover design
To ensure that you get the best that I can offer, I will only manage two clients at a time. Please check my schedule below for my availability.
To get started, simply send an email with the words “Book Idea” in the subject line and tell me about yourself and your story’s premise.
After the initial email, I will send you a brief questionnaire regarding your story. Here are the questions I’ll be asking.
Note: It’s not required that you answer all questions. Answer as many as you can. 😊
1) Do you already have a detailed plot in mind?
2) Do you have a deadline? If so, what is your proposed time frame?
3) How many words do want your book to be? Give a minimum and a maximum.
4) Are you looking for someone to write your book, or is this a rewriting project?
5) How much creative input from me is allowed?
6) How do you envision your main characters?
7) Are there any specific scenes you can see in your mind, regardless of whether it fits into the plot?
8) Can you recommend any books related to your project?
9) Do you have Word on your computer, or will we be working in Google Docs?
After I receive your answers, we will schedule a free consultation, preferably via Zoom, or, if you prefer, we can talk over the phone. We’ll discuss any questions or concerns you have and what needs to be done to make your book happen.
If you decided that I’m the ghostwriter for you, please email me your story outline and also a character sheet explaining each of your characters—i.e., physical descriptions, their personalities, and their place in the story.
Note: Outlines help immensely, especially in fiction, so please make sure you have a detailed chapter-by-chapter outline to move us along. If you need help with outlines, check out How to Write an Outline. If you’re unable to write an outline on your own, then you and I can work to create one and establish a solid premise. Once we have a clear vision of where your story is going, I can then begin to write your book. (Any changes to the story line must be determined beforehand. Any major rewrites during the book writing process could be costly.)
Before you contact me, please read the guidelines below to see what I can do as your ghostwriter!
Your voice
Everyone has their own voice when telling a story. As the author, I’m sure you will want your book to sound as if you had written it yourself. If there is a certain writing style you want your story to emulate, tell me the name of the writer and suggest one of their books.
After the interview, I will send you the first two pages of your story for free and give you a sense of the writing, as well as allow you to address any adjustments and improvements you would like to see. 😊
The process of our writing journey
As your ghostwriter, I’ll help write and transform your ideas into the story you’ve envisioned. I will regard your work as delicately as if it were my own and deliver a full manuscript.
During the writing process, I will send you portions of your book in whatever way you feel most comfortable, i.e., chapter by chapter, in three increments (the beginning, middle, and end), or the whole manuscript at once.
Note: If you change your mind about how you would like to receive your book, it can always be done. If you choose chapter by chapter and later decide to get it in increments, instead, it won’t be a problem.
As you review the material, I will begin working on the next section until complete. I will do three reads before the project is complete. Once the first draft is written, I’ll read over the entire manuscript along with your comments and suggestions and then work on any corrections and adjustments. I will then send the manuscript back to you for another round of reviews. When you send it back to me, I’ll again go over the manuscript. After the second read, I’ll send it on for your approval before I begin my final read. In the third and final read, I’ll address any last-minute issues and suggestions you have, as well as do the final touch-ups, making it ready for editing.
Important note: It is paramount that yur book idea is original. If your story is comparable to someone else’s, whether it be another book, a movie, a video game, etc., you will lose acceptance from an audience and even land yourself in legal trouble over infringement. If I recognized that a story idea sounds far too similar to another existing work, I will send an email expressing my concerns and allow you to decide on whether changes to the story line are in order or if you would prefer to find another ghostwriter.
Racist material. I will not write for any hate group. Nothing that targets anyone due to their race, gender, or sexual preference.
Child abuse or any kind of material that exploits children. (unless it is strictly used for character development)
Animal abuse
Religion & Christian fiction
Fan Fiction
Chick-lit
Children’s books
Blog posts
Horror (This may change in the future.)
Articles
Self-help
How-To books
Any sort of political material
Essays
Short stories
Screenplays (This also may change in the future. However, if you have a screenplay that you would like to turn into a book, I can help with that.)
Payment
I do NOT work for a slice of the royalties.
Payments are made before any work commences and payment methods are established before the letter of agreement is signed.
If you ever wish to sever business ties with me, I require written notice of severance of contract. There are no refunds for work already produced.
. Should I be unable to finish or if I cancel our letter of agreement, I will honorably refund 50% of all payments received.
Deadlines
It generally takes four to twelve months to write a 250+ page book. Should you have a deadline that is less than this time frame, pricing may be affected. See deadlines below.
If for any reason, you cannot make a payment but wish to keep me on as your ghostwriter, let me know and I’ll hold onto your project at no extra cost until you can continue.
Pricing
My pricing guidelines are simple. I don’t charge by the word or by the hour, but rather a flat fee.
There are two options when it comes to payment. It can be made in increments of three as the first, second, and final part of the book is written, or in smaller amounts, depending on your budget.
Full-length books ranging between 75,000 and 200,000 words: $5,000 total.
Option One: Pay in three increments of $1,666.
Option Two: Pay in four smaller amounts of $1,250.
. Novellas between 20,000 and 60,000 words: $4,000 total.
Option One: Pay in three increments of $1,333.
Option Two: Pay in four smaller amounts of $1,000.
Rewrites for any project: $3,000 total.
Option One: Pay in three increments of $1,000.
Option Two: Pay in four smaller amounts of $750.
Method of payment
After the letter of agreement is signed, I will then send an invoice via PayPal. Payment must be received within 30 days after an invoice is sent or I will assume a non-written contract breach has been made. As a result, the project will be abandoned. It is not necessary to have a PayPal account to make payments.
Editing
While I am not an editor, I will do proofreading and editing on my end at no extra charge. Having said that, after the process is said and done, a professional editor will be required. My personal editor is KH Koehler who is also a cover design artist. I have worked with her on nine of my own books, and I highly recommend her if you’re in the market for an editor and/or cover designer. Her website is https://khkoehler.net/about/
Also, if you haven’t worked with an editor before, I can help you on that front. I’ll work with you and the editor of your choice until we get your book publish-ready. This is also a free service I offer.
As a side note, before the book is sent to an editor, it would be a good idea to have at least one or more beta readers go over the manuscript. Also, a couple of good proofreaders to read the book after editing.
NOTE:
(A proofreader is someone who looks over your manuscript for grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes. A proofreader should see your manuscript AFTER all the editing is done, beta readers have made their suggestions, and you have made all of your changes).
Rewrites:
If you have written a book or only partially written one and need help to make it shine, I can help with that!
In writing, there are a set of rules such as point of view (POV), cause & effect, and show not tell. As I help rewrite your story, I’ll correct any writing rule violation(s), clear up confusing writing, make dialog believable, and transform it into a proper book. If you like, I’ll send you comments to point out any major errors so you won’t make the same mistake when writing your next book.
To get started, just email me with the words “Book Rewrite” in the subject line and tell me a little about yourself, your idea, and about all the material you’ve written. Your story should be in a Word document and the first two pages sent as an attachment. I’ll respond to let you know that I have received your email and then read over the material to get a sense of your story. Afterward, I’ll email you back the first two pages edited for free, and if you feel I’m a good fit for your project, then the next step will be to schedule a time for your free consultation to discuss your story over Zoom or by phone.
During the rewriting process, I’ll be sending you back individual chapters. If you have any questions or concerns, just add them to the comment boxes. I will not make any huge changes in your work unless you give me the thumbs up. While you review the current chapter, I’ll be working on the next chapter, and so on.
Note: If anything comes up and you’re unable to continue, let me know immediately and we’ll hold off until you’re ready to begin again.
Once the first draft is completed, I will begin working on the second draft, adding and repairing everything we’ve discussed in the first round. I will again send back each chapter for your review. Once the second draft is complete, I will work on the entire manuscript alone, putting on the finishing touches. At this time, you should be looking for a beta reader(s), proofreader(s), and a professional editor if you haven’t found one already. Once I’m through with the third round of edits, I will send you back the entire manuscript.
Deadlines
If you have a specific time frame in mind for your book to be completed, I need to know exactly how long we have before we begin. As a professional, I will not take on a job if I feel I cannot deliver, so please make sure your deadline is reasonable. As I mentioned before, it usually takes between four to twelve months to write a full-length book, and if you want a project done in two to three months, please make sure you have your detailed outline and character sheet ready.
Putting a book on a tight leash will also tack on the cost simply because more time and focus will be spent on your project. If your deadline calls for the job to be done in half the time it usually takes to write a book, an extra $1,000 will be added whether it’s a full-length book or a novella. Novellas, usually take three to six months to complete, so if you’re thinking two months, have everything ready for a speedy writing process.
Book cover design
If you need a book cover, I can also provide you with a stunning cover image. In fact, I have designed nearly all of my own book covers myself. My rates for an ebook cover is $250 and print $500.
Letter of Agreement
Below is a sample of the letter of agreement. Once we determine the details, such as estimated word count, deadline (if there is one), book title, and payment options, I will add them to the contract I send you.
Please sign and date the PDF document and then email it back to me. If you do not know how to sign a PDF file, here is a short YouTube video on how to do so.
Print out a copy of the letter of agreement for your own records. This letter of agreement also refers to rewriting projects. Once I receive your signed letter of agreement, the work on your book will begin!
I look forward to working with you and helping you bring your story to life!
This agreement is between AUTHOR (print name) _________________, and GHOSTWRITER________________ and is executed this date DAY____, MONTH________YEAR__________
Author and Ghostwriter are entering into this Agreement for the purposes of completing BOOK TITLE_________________ of a word count of approximately________________ words, herein referred to as the “Work.”
Method: To accomplish the Work, Ghostwriter will meet with Author over Zoom or speak to Author over the phone to discuss Author’s project, deadline, and how the Work is to be delivered, i.e., chapter by chapter, three increments, (the beginning, middle, and end), or entire manuscript at once. This can be changed during the writing procedure if Author wishes.
Plagiarism: To the best of the Ghostwriter’s knowledge, the Author’s story is of his/her/their own unique ideas and does not borrow from any other copyrighted work. The Ghostwriter is not liable for any infringement violation should they occur.
Deadline:Ghostwriter will have {amount}_________ of the Work done by__________. Author will have access to the Work at any point during the writing process. An extra $1,000 will be added to the amount if this project is on a deadline. The price for the Work will be______. (If no deadline is needed, the Ghostwriter will put in ‘no amount’ and ‘no set date’ into the blanks.)
Payment: Payment for the Work will be delivered according to the following method and schedule: Through PayPal invoice and in an advance. Payment method is _______________. This will indicate if you choose Option One: Pay in three increments, or Option Two: pay in four increments.
Royalties:Ghostwriter will not be entitled to any royalties, residuals, or commissions upon the sale of the Work. Total payment for Ghostwriter is_________, payable according to the terms listed above.
Copyrights: Author will own the Work, including any copyrights and sale or distribution rights.
Credit: Author receives full credit for the Work unless decided upon by Author to include name of Ghostwriter.
Confidentiality: Ghostwriter acknowledges that she will have access to certain privileged information during the course of this project. Ghostwriter agrees to keep all information confidential from any and all third parties, during and after the course of this project.
Author will pay extra if rewrites are to be made during the book writing process. Ghostwriter will issue an addendum to payment on rewrites.
Termination: Author will have the right to terminate this Agreement at any point. Should the Author terminate the Ghostwriter’s services, Author will be required to send a written notice of severance of contract, and Ghostwriter shall keep all payment for any completed work. Should the Ghostwriter be unable to complete Work, a 50% refund will be given to the Author.
Author and Ghostwriter agree to the above terms and undersign here to that effect.
________________________________ ________________________________
Author Name Ghostwriter Name
