Interesting! I have done some of this kind of work before, and I'd like to do more. I would be interested to know if Amy's high-paying clients are self publishing, or doing so through major publishing houses.
My high paying clients go both routes! And some don’t publish at all — those clients are writing their memoir as a family heirloom with no intention of publishing it, so cost doesn’t matter to them as they want it done right as you only write your memoir once. That’s why this niche is so special.
Incredible interview. I have been approached for, and passed on several ghost-writing cookbook deals, a few that would have been very lucrative. They didn't feel right for me at the time in the midst of my own thriving career as a cookbook author, but now, as a woman mothering older children who have bigger emotional needs, and wanting to put less of my own story on the page for everyone to see and judge--ghostwriting feels like a compelling opportunity. Thank you for helping me rethink this, Leigh and Amy! Congrats on your massive success and much gratitude for sharing these numbers freely.
Such a great interview! I’ve been considering to get into ghostwriting for a long time as part of a portfolio career, and something in this interview made it click with memoir. It would fit me perfectly. Need to wait for the kids to be a bit older and then I’ll give it a go - exciting! I guess a remaining question would be where to best market for potential clients.
I left a magazine job in 2007 and started a ghostwriting job for a forensic psychiatrist (now late) in my town while I wrote my fiction. Weirdly, a lot of bad health policy stuff happened in our Florida community quickly, and we never had time for the project. On the plus side, I ended up becoming part of his family. I have shared a lot of his stories with his now-grown daughter. But I wish I had had more insistence with him to get it done. He was fascinating.
Thanks so much for interviewing me! I love what you’ve built at Attention Economy, so it’s super cool to be included in this interview series.
"You'd be surprised what setting aggressive word count goals can unlock for you in your writing process!" Hard agree!!
Really interesting interview!
I thought of you immediately when I read her answer re: NaNoWriMo!
Interesting! I have done some of this kind of work before, and I'd like to do more. I would be interested to know if Amy's high-paying clients are self publishing, or doing so through major publishing houses.
My high paying clients go both routes! And some don’t publish at all — those clients are writing their memoir as a family heirloom with no intention of publishing it, so cost doesn’t matter to them as they want it done right as you only write your memoir once. That’s why this niche is so special.
I see, it hadn't occurred to me that people write memoirs as heirlooms -- a bit like having a portrait done! Makes sense.
Her website is gorgeous.
Incredible interview. I have been approached for, and passed on several ghost-writing cookbook deals, a few that would have been very lucrative. They didn't feel right for me at the time in the midst of my own thriving career as a cookbook author, but now, as a woman mothering older children who have bigger emotional needs, and wanting to put less of my own story on the page for everyone to see and judge--ghostwriting feels like a compelling opportunity. Thank you for helping me rethink this, Leigh and Amy! Congrats on your massive success and much gratitude for sharing these numbers freely.
I read an article in the WSJ on this topic over holiday break and was fascinated! So glad you opened the door for more discussion in this.
Ooh I'm curious! I'll try to find that article.
What a fabulous interview!!
Fascinating interview! Thanks for sharing!
Such a great interview! I’ve been considering to get into ghostwriting for a long time as part of a portfolio career, and something in this interview made it click with memoir. It would fit me perfectly. Need to wait for the kids to be a bit older and then I’ll give it a go - exciting! I guess a remaining question would be where to best market for potential clients.
Amy posts ghostwriting jobs in her Substack newsletter! She also has tips in her ebook on freelancing: https://www.amazon.com/Six-Figure-Freelance-Writer-Holistic-Freelancing/dp/B0C12DRGKL
This is fascinating!
Great interview. Very helpful. Thanks.
Okay I think I need to become a ghostwriter now hahah
I love every inch of this interview. Thanks a lot
I left a magazine job in 2007 and started a ghostwriting job for a forensic psychiatrist (now late) in my town while I wrote my fiction. Weirdly, a lot of bad health policy stuff happened in our Florida community quickly, and we never had time for the project. On the plus side, I ended up becoming part of his family. I have shared a lot of his stories with his now-grown daughter. But I wish I had had more insistence with him to get it done. He was fascinating.
Fantastic interview. Thank you 🙏
What’s the average ghost writer make today ? How many contracts and applications got denied before you hit big ?