The Ghostwriting Brief: How to Transfer Your Expertise into a Book That Sounds Like You
You’ve made a smart choice! You hired a writer to change your expertise into a book. You know your message is important, but finding the time to write 70,000 words? That’s almost impossible. Good call on getting help.
Now comes the most important part: the briefing.
This is much more than a quick meeting. This meeting decides if your finished book will sound truly like you or feel painfully wrong. Think of it as downloading your brain. Your voice, your best ideas, and your insights move from your head into your writer’s hands. For business leaders, coaches, and experts, a clear briefing system makes sure your book arrives on time, sounds like you, and meets your business goals. Here is a simple, five-step plan to make it happen.
Step 1: Find the “Why” and the “Who”
Start with clarity before you jump into chapter details. A great ghostwriting project always begins with a clear purpose.
- The Core Purpose – Your Why
Ask yourself: Why must this book exist now? Is it to build your authority, get new clients, share your family story, or teach a proven system? Your answer sets the tone and structure. A legacy book needs a deep, emotional feel. A business strategy book needs fast, actionable advice. - The Ideal Reader – Your Who
Your audience is not everyone. You must define who you are really talking to. Are they new entrepreneurs? Are they career people changing jobs? Are they parents juggling work and life? When your professional ghostwriter knows the exact reader, they can craft a message that connects and sells naturally.
Step 2: Total Content Dump — Just Talk, We’ll Handle It
Don’t waste weeks typing out messy notes. You hired a ghostwriter to do the hard work! The fastest, richest way to share your knowledge is through simple interview-style talks.
Record two or three in-depth sessions (90–120 minutes each). Let your thoughts flow freely. Share stories, real-world examples, and your best systems. You can create thousands of words of usable material in just a few hours all in your natural speaking tone.
A ghostwriting partner (like Pens & Pages) handles the whole process. We schedule, record, type up, and organize your ideas. This lets you stay focused on your business while your book quickly takes shape.
Step 3: Build the “Anti-Outline” — Context is King
Your writer needs to see what success looks like and what you want to avoid. Instead of a stiff outline, create an “Anti-Outline.”
Provide These Clear References:
- Books you love: Titles that match the writing style, pace, or clarity you want.
- Books you dislike: Examples of tones or structures you do not want repeated.
- Internal materials: Slide decks, speeches, or training documents that already express your best thinking.
These clear references give your writer boundaries and direction. They prevent confusion before the first draft even begins.
Step 4: Gather Your Voice Immersion Kit
What is your biggest fear? Getting a book that doesn’t sound like you. The simple fix: build a Voice Immersion Kit so your writer can truly understand your tone.
What to Include in Your Kit:
- Audio or video clips from your podcasts, talks, or interviews.
- The signature phrases and expressions you use often.
- Any style guides or tone documents from your company.
A skilled book editor and writer use these cues to channel your personality. This ensures the finished manuscript reads exactly as if you wrote it yourself.
Step 5: Define the Delivery Plan
Before the writing collaboration starts, you must agree on the process. Clear logistics stop stress later.
Agree Together On:
- How often drafts will be delivered (maybe chapter by chapter or in batches).
- How fast you will give feedback (e.g., within 7 days).
- How you will communicate revisions i.e. via email, tracked comments, or short video calls.
The Real Advantage
Your book is more than a project; it’s a powerful asset for your author branding. With a clear briefing, your ghostwriting services turn into a smooth, creative partnership that captures your unique expertise perfectly.
At Pens & Pages, we specialize in professional ghostwriter and book editing services. We turn scattered ideas into manuscripts ready for the market. From capturing your unique voice to content structure and final book publishing, our process ensures your message is captured authentically and delivered beautifully.
Don’t let lack of time hold your ideas hostage. With the right briefing, you can download your brain, save your time, and publish a book that truly boosts your authority.