I may have just talked myself out of a five-book job. The client was looking for a senior ghostwriter to finish a nonfiction thought leadership biz book, the 1st in a series. Book one was 80% done and just needed review and polish. #thoughtleadership #non-fiction #ghostwriting 1/ - ThreadSky

chipstreet.bsky.social • 44 days ago

I may have just talked myself out of a five-book job.

The client was looking for a senior ghostwriter to finish a nonfiction thought leadership biz book, the 1st in a series. Book one was 80% done and just needed review and polish.

#thoughtleadership #non-fiction #ghostwriting

1/

Comments

chipstreet.bsky.social•44 days ago

I reviewed the work and replied that it wasn't ready. It lacked a core premise, no unique value prop, no consistent actionable frameworks, repetitive "circling of concepts" rather than "focused messaging, " and platitudes that could be from anyone.

2/

chipstreet.bsky.social•44 days ago

This is, in fact, the second such project to cross my desk in 90 days. In both cases, I gave back actionable notes on refining messaging and structuring a format that provides value to readers and defines a unique brandable offering.

3/

chipstreet.bsky.social•44 days ago

The SME has tons of experience and insight in their specialty. Lots of value to share. But it's hard for even smart people to define their special insights into a new and interesting take on biz topics that have been done to death.

Not impossible, but hard.

4/

chipstreet.bsky.social•44 days ago

I hope I end up working on the project(s) but either (1) starting at zero to help define the brand, value prop, and frameworks (way more hours from me) or (2) waiting till they've done that work in-house and then doing the final 20%... tone, voice, line edit, and other polishing tweaks.

5/

chipstreet.bsky.social•44 days ago

But I won't take someone's money to polish what's not ready for polish. That ain't in anyone's best interest.

If you're a SME who wants to write a thought leadership book, what's your special sauce? What insight, process, angle, or revelation do you bring that no one has ever brought before?

6/

chipstreet.bsky.social•44 days ago

Can you define it, brand it, and organize it in a way that teaches others and enables them to put that learning into action?

In my experience, completing that exercise should come before writing the book.

Trust me. It's worth it.

6/6

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