Law is a verbal field. Most JDs need to know their way around putting together a narrative that can be and will be followed by a judge and jury. That's make them perfect candidates for putting together those narratives for other people for pay - that is, working part- or full-time as a ghostwriter.
To tell you about that field, I snagged an exclusive interview with Dan Michaels [DMichaels1234@aol.com]. He's not a household name because many clients want the relationship with ghostwriters confidential and to keep that under wraps they will even pay extra. Increasingly, I'm finding in my own ghostwriting assignments, clients demand that, even for smaller projects such as opinion-editorials, articles, testimony, and letters-to-the-editor. That might be because the world has become so much more competitive and they need that extra credibility of being perceived to have created their own publications.
Unlike me, Michaels primarily ghosts books. He prefers the long-term relationship whereas I don't mind getting in and out fast. Michaels has put together full-length books for stars in sports, business, politics and even psychology. Some of those books have been best-sellers. He's in the catbird seat in that he chooses his clients. Through his agent, leaders come to him to be interviewed by him. If Michaels doesn't believe in the value of the project or the character of the person, he will turn down the request for ghostwriting.
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JG: How would a JD or law student "break in?"
DM: A first-time ghost should consider finding a person who is worthy of being published and propose a joint project. Perhaps that person is a client or a person of note in one's social circle. Anyone with a story to tell or expertise to share is a potential "author" and a ghost can offer services in the development of a proposal and later the book.
JG: How long does it take to become a ghost in demand?
DM: A successful first book can make a ghost a known quantity or a brandname in the field in a year or two. However a ghost can also build a reputation slowly, creating solid books over a period of years, and then climb the ladder.
JG: Is this a career path that can be done part-time? For example, do this on the side and law as a day job?
DM: It is a perfect part-time addition to a career, but it helps if you are able to block out certain days or weeks to spend with your authors. It's more difficult if you have to devote weekends and nights to the book.
JG: What is the average fee for book?
DM: Average is very hard to determine. Publishers hope to pay as little as possible, and so do those who pay out of their own pockets to have a ghostwriter's services. The low is $20K and the high end starts about at $100K.
JG: What are the negatives, as you see it, of this career path?
DM: When a project is in high gear the work will consume all your time and energy for weeks, even months at a time. It also requires that you put your ego on hold. However, if you are a good listener, and you enjoy learning new things, there's no better way to get an education.
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Dan Michaels can be reached at DMichaels1234@aol.com. He is based in the Northeast but travels to meet and work with prospective clients.
Jane, Dan - thanks for an enlightening look behind the curtain.
Posted by: Marsha Keeffer | July 23, 2008 at 03:30 PM