Ghostwriting Your Inspirational Book

Our very first inspirational book - in print 23 years after initial publication.

The American public has an insatiable desire for inspirational and motivational books that can help them become better people and get ahead in life.

Way back in the 1790’s, Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography extolled the virtue of continual self-improvement as a key to success. In the 1840’s, Ralph Waldo Emerson promoted Self-Reliance; in the 1930’s, Dale Carnegie explained How to Win Friends and Influence People; and in the 1950’s, the Rev. Norman Vincent Peale presented The Power of Positive Thinking. In more recent years, M. Scott Peck described The Road Less Traveled, Marianne Williamson wrote movingly about A Return to Love, and Deepak Chopra offered The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Such books have often sold well, and will continue to do so.

Why hire us?

Over two decades ago, we began ghostwriting and editing inspirational books. Our inspirational works have been praised by giants in the field such as Rev. Norman Vincent Peale and Rev. Robert Schuller. (See below.) Let us help you get your inspirational message out to the world!

You can learn more about us on the Home page. Or continue reading to learn more about how ghostwriting may be the key to your inspirational book.

What should be included in an inspirational or motivational book?

There is no set formula but the book should include:

• A provocative idea, story or statement that opens the book – something to let the readers know this book is different
• Empathy – readers should know that you truly understand them
• Some of your own story, if possible – to show readers that you are one of them
• Emotional experiences – stories or experiences that touch  readers’ hearts
• Firm ideas for improvement – it’s not enough to give general ideas for bettering one’s life; instead, offer concrete, specific steps
• Periodic “check ins” – questions, checklists or other ways for  readers to gauge their actions, thoughts or feelings
• A closing call to action

How do I work with a ghostwriter?

It depends on you. Sometimes the ghostwriter works primarily from material the client has already written or dictated. Or the ghost may interview the client several times, ask questions that help the client shape ideas, remember relevant stories and quotes, etc., which the ghost then transforms into episodes and chapters. In still other cases, the ghostwriter sits down with the client at the computer and the two of them write the book together. There is no “right” way; only what works best for an individual client.

I’m an inspirational/motivational speaker: Can I turn my presentations into a book?

Yes. Many do so and enjoy profitable back-of-the-room sales at their speeches. But remember that a speech or seminar is not the same thing as a book. You’re not standing in front of the readers as they read your book, which means that the gestures and vocal inflections that sell a story in your oral presentations will be absent. What works well in person may bomb in written form.

I’m just a “little guy.” Does my book stand a chance?

Marianne Williamson was a little-known pastor until A Return to Love earned her an appearance on Oprah. Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen were not well-known outside of the speaking circuit until their book Chicken Soup for the Soul took the nation by storm. There’s no guarantee that any book will be a big hit, but there’s nothing to stop a “little guy” from making it to the top.

What’s the connection between inspirational and religious books?

The two genres are closely linked, for many inspirational books have a religious theme and vice versa.

Suppose I only have a general idea of what I want: Is it too soon to call a ghostwriter?

No, for a ghostwriter can help you flesh out your idea, select your theme, choose the stories/episodes/ideas that support the theme, organize them in the manner that best supports your concept, and get it all on paper in the form of inspiring prose.

How do I know if I need a ghostwriter?

If you have a great inspirational idea but don’t think of yourself as a writer…you need a ghostwriter.

If you need someone to get you started, help you over the rough spots and fill in the details…you need a ghostwriter.

If the thought of writing an entire book seems overwhelming…you need a ghostwriter.

If you want to make sure your message is delivered clearly, concisely and in the most expedient way…you need a ghostwriter.

P.S. Here’s what some of the giants in the inspirational field say about our inspirational writing

• Richard Carlson, Ph.D. (mega-bestselling author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and other books) – “I’m really enjoying your work, as well as your attitude and customer service. Hopefully, we can continue working together for years to come.”
• Rev. Norman Vincent Peale (the “granddaddy” of the inspirational book field, and author of The Power of Positive Thinking) – “I must confess that I felt really good physically upon reading this book. And that feeling of well-being has remained with me through the days following. The humor with which the book is interlaced is infectious.”
• Rev. Dr. Robert Schuller (bestsellng author and founder of the Crystal Cathedral) – “…you offer a crystal clear message: you hold the key to health and happiness in your hands. And it all starts with the positive thoughts in your mind. They show you how to use that key with a sure blend of science, inspiration and scripture.”
• Norman Cousins (author of the bestselling, groundbreaking classic Anatomy of an Illness) – “You enable people in need of help to discover their own resources, even as they avail themselves of the best that modern medical science has to offer.”
• Benjamin Shield, Ph.D. (coauthor of Handbook For the Heart and other seminal works) – “Thank you for all of your help with this project. Your talent and insight brought it to a much higher level.”