Nonfiction is a powerful way to spread Christ’s message and offer readers peace in difficult times. Whether helping people rediscover their spirituality or helping business owners manage their affairs in a Biblical way, Christian nonfiction provides comfort and instruction they may not be able to find in real life.
While you may have ideas and enthusiasm, writing a book that sells can be extremely challenging. The average self-published author sells about 100 copies of their first book, particularly those that lack the professional polish readers look for. While there are exceptions, like Karin Inglis’s incredible 500,000 copies sold, it takes a strong voice and marketing savvy to reach this point.
That’s where ghostwriters come in. These seasoned writers can transform your idea into a masterpiece while still preserving your voice. If you’re ready to get the message out, consider these factors to make your search more successful.
Have a Book Proposal Ready
A ghostwriter needs a clear mission in order to stay on track and within your budget. This is where a book proposal comes in.
Your proposal does not need to be perfect, but it should give your writer an idea of your overall mission. First, explain what you want readers to take away from your book. Is it about how to handle uncertainty with Christlike resolve? Are you exploring the history of Christianity or how it has been influenced by world cultures?
Another aspect is how you want readers to feel as they read. This is subtle, but it has a huge impact on what readers take away from your book. Comfort, excitement, confidence, or awe will all shape how the ghostwriter approaches your project.
Lastly, focus on the audience you want to attract. Are you speaking to the younger generation of Christians, married couples, or older individuals searching for purpose in their golden years? The ghostwriter will tailor their writing to your audience so that it speaks to what they need.
Prepare Writing Samples and Gather Materials
Every writer, whether a seasoned professional or a hobbyist, has a distinct voice. Some speak simply and with an authoritative tone, while others choose a gentler, more conversational approach. Ghostwriters are trained to embody your particular style as closely as possible, but they need examples to understand how you write.
As such, you’ll want to prepare a few pages of sample writing to show what you’d like your book to sound like. You might sketch out part of an introduction or simply provide personal communications that you believe best represent your unique voice.
If you are not a writer at all but still have an idea, then consider finding examples of writing that you would like to emulate within your genre. You can choose samples from a variety of different books, and the ghostwriter will find a happy medium between these.
Christian nonfiction often focuses on certain parables or themes within the Bible. You might have a book that explores the meaning of Genesis in everyday life, or that discusses how to build a healthy marriage based on Biblical examples.
Consider Using a Well-Known Ghostwriting Marketplace
Finding ghostwriters for hire can be overwhelming at first, but a well-established marketplace makes it much simpler. On these platforms, you can sift through ghostwriters based on their experience and genres. In many cases, you’d like a self-help, business, or nonfiction writer who is comfortable with writing Christian books.
Budget is also key. You can request quotes from your top ghostwriters, then choose the one with the price range and experience you need to succeed. This is where having a book proposal comes in handy: ghostwriters typically charge per hour or per word, so knowing how long you expect the book to be will ensure you’re not getting overcharged.
Ask to See Samples of Their Work
As you’re now familiar with what you’d like your book to sound like, you can ask to see samples and see if their voice matches what you prefer. While ghostwriters can embody a huge range of styles, they will often gravitate toward a middle ground between the client’s style and their own, so understanding what they typically sound like will help ensure that their work resonates with you.
Ghostwriting is a unique niche in the nonfiction space, but it can be very successful, helping your voice reach a wider audience than you may be able to achieve on your own. However, know that it’s an active conversation between you and your writer, as they may ask for additional information or need you to review chapters to ensure it matches that you need. Stay proactive but trust that they have the experience necessary to bring your work to life. By relying on experienced writers, you can help spread Christ’s message while imparting invaluable wisdom to your readers.
