Want to Write a Book? An Expert Shares What You Need to Know
Professional ghostwriter poses some important questions that any would-be author might want to consider before diving into such a challenging task.


“I am the fourth-generation CEO of our family’s agricultural services business. I want to write a book about our history, the people who have been at the helm for over 100 years and show our business community just how dedicated to their needs we have always been, so there is a PR benefit I’m trying to achieve. Candidly, I don’t know a thing about what’s involved. Have you some suggestions on how to get started and how to not get taken advantage of by the internet ads I see about giving them two hours of my time and they will create a best-seller? Thanks, ‘Scott.’”
Advice from a book collaborator
I ran Scott’s question by Caroline Lambert, who is an internationally recognized ghostwriter and book collaborator. She provided down-to-earth recommendations for anyone who is thinking of writing a non-fiction book. Lambert began our interview with these cautionary statistics and highly focused questions an author must not fail to answer:
“Only 10% of all books sell 10,000 copies in the first year, which pays for the publishing costs. Below that, a publisher does not make back its money. Statistically, few books even sell 1,000 copies. Very few sell a million copies. If someone goes into it thinking to sell millions of copies and become famous and rich, their odds would be better in Las Vegas!”
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Still, she points out, there are valid reasons to write a book that may only sell just a few copies — such as family memoirs. Whatever your motivation, it is critical that you do not fail to ask these questions:
1. Why do you want to write this book?
- Who is your audience? What do you want this book to do for your readers?
- What questions do you want to answer for them, or what problems are you trying to help them solve?
- What do you want this book to do for you? What are you trying to achieve? Are there some ideas that you want to share? Is your purpose business promotion, services that you want to sell? Or are you writing just for your family?
The answer to the why is that you need a central thread that ties everything together so that you never lose track as to what this book seeks to accomplish and who you are writing it for.
2. How much staying power do you have for this? (Hint: It takes more than just time.)
Writing a full-length book by yourself requires a lot of staying power. Besides skill, it takes effort and time. Unless you are clear as to why you are doing it and have a compelling reason that gives you a desire and motivation, at some point, you may hit a roadblock, such as getting stuck on a structure issue or some other frustration.
So, you’ve got to keep your eyes on the finish line, or maybe you’ll write a chapter or two and put it on the shelf, never finishing the book.
3. Do you have what you need?
- Do you have enough material, or do you need to do research? Are interviews needed?
- How much time do you have to write?
- Do you have the skills to write a book by yourself?
4. Should you consider working with a ghostwriter or writing coach?
A ghostwriter is a professional writer who writes on your behalf — and “becomes you” in terms of style and voice. Authors who don’t have the time or skills needed to write a book often go that route. Even though it is faster than doing it yourself, don’t expect your book to be written in a week, however. It can be a long process. Reputable ghostwriters will have a proper contract that sets out the various rights and responsibilities each of you have, including whether their name will appear on the book cover with yours.
A writing coach supports you through what for many is the challenge posed by writing itself, but you hold the pen.
5. What kind of publishing will you do? Traditional, hybrid or self-publishing?
If traditional publishers aren’t interested in your book, or you’re not interested in traditional publishers, then you can self-publish.
Self-published authors are responsible for all of the costs in book development: production, printing, distribution and marketing, but retain all of the profits (if any!).
You can do it all yourself or turn to companies that can help with self-publishing. Beware of publishers who advertise “Give us two hours and we will write a bestselling book for you.” Research, research, research them! Use your business judgment. Are they reputable? Do they produce good-quality books? (You can read more about this in my article You and the Law: Author in search of a publisher? Beware!)
If you’re aiming higher on the quality scale, then hybrid publishing could be the right choice, as it is often described as a partnership with shared responsibilities, guidance and control throughout. Authors still cover most of the costs, but hybrid publishers typically bring expertise honed in traditional publishing.
Lambert concluded our interview with this observation: “Never forget the why.” Find out more about her and what she does at her website, carolinelambert.com.
Dennis Beaver practices law in Bakersfield, Calif., and welcomes comments and questions from readers, which may be faxed to (661) 323-7993, or e-mailed to Lagombeaver1@gmail.com. And be sure to visit dennisbeaver.com.
Related Content
- A Memoir to Record Your Life Story
- A Unique Estate Planning Idea: How to Write Your Memoir
- 7 Website Issues That Can Get You in Hot Water
- Eight Don’ts to Keep in Mind as You and Your Loved Ones Age
- Thinking You Are a Mind Reader Could Cost You
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

After attending Loyola University School of Law, H. Dennis Beaver joined California's Kern County District Attorney's Office, where he established a Consumer Fraud section. He is in the general practice of law and writes a syndicated newspaper column, "You and the Law." Through his column, he offers readers in need of down-to-earth advice his help free of charge. "I know it sounds corny, but I just love to be able to use my education and experience to help, simply to help. When a reader contacts me, it is a gift."
-
Savings Goal Calculator
Tools Want to know how much you need to save each month to reach your financial goals? Our calculator helps you build a realistic savings plan.
-
Cash vs. Mortgage: How to Pay for Your Second Home
Should you buy your second home outright or finance it with a loan? Weigh the pros, cons and tax implications before making the leap.
-
Gray Divorce Can Throw Your Retirement a Curveball: What to Know
If you're entering retirement and going through a divorce at the same time, you've got some work to do to shore up your long-term financial security.
-
I'm a Real Estate Investing Expert: Optional 721 UPREIT DSTs Can Be the Best of Both Worlds
Before investing in any 721 UPREIT exchange, look for one that offers a straightforward, investor-friendly exit.
-
How an Expired Passport Thwarted Blackmail (and What Other Important Documents You Should Keep)
An optometrist produced his expired passport to foil a blackmail attempt by the daughter of a former employee. After proving he was out of the country on the date of a forged diary entry, he took it a step further.
-
Optimize, Grow, Retain: The Power of Annual Client Reviews
Financial advisers can use annual reviews to help enhance client outcomes, strengthen relationships and build their practice.
-
I'm a Real Estate Investing Pro: This Is What Investors Should Know About Truck Stop Investments
Truck stops might seem like good investments, but they can actually be a risky gamble due to unstable fuel prices, unreliable operators and coming changes in transportation. Instead, consider safer options like industrial or residential properties.
-
Don't Disinherit Your Grandchildren: The Hidden Risks of Retirement Account Beneficiary Forms
Standard retirement account beneficiary forms may not be flexible enough to ensure your money passes to family members according to your wishes. Naming a trust as the contingent beneficiary can help avoid these issues. Here's how.
-
This Is How Life Insurance Can Fund Your Dreams Now
Beyond a death benefit, life insurance can provide significant financial value and flexibility through 'living benefits' while you are still alive, helping with expenses like education, business ventures or retirement.
-
Potential Trouble for Retirees: A Wealth Adviser's Guide to the OBBB's Impact on Retirement
While some provisions might help, others could push you into a higher tax bracket and raise your costs. Be strategic about Roth conversions, charitable donations, estate tax plans and health care expenditures.