What’s the first step?

Give me a call. My number is 0274955544 and I’m happy to spend half an hour, completely obligation-free to see what you’re thinking, if I can help, and if we’re a good fit. I only take on two or three books a year so I’m selective. And you should be too.

Do I need a designer?

Yes, probably. If it’s just typesetting and you don’t want too much in the way of pictures and illustrations then this part should be relatively cheap. Relatively is the operative word here. If you want some fancy quotes, a cover, image pages in the middle etc, well that all takes time. Plan on a designer charging around $80-$120 an hour +GST. I can arrange the publication process if you’re looking at self-publishing.

How do I print?

Printing in New Zealand isn’t economical for any sort of big numbers. So you’ll be looking offshore with one of the big companies like Asia Pacific Offset. They’ve got a bunch of good resources on their site but you’re looking at a three to four-month timeline from sending the manuscript to that sweet, glorious unboxing moment.

This all sounds expensive, what about getting a publisher to give me an advance?

Good luck. Seriously. It’s tough out there in the book market and While JR Moehringer and Prince Harry may have managed an advance then you’re going to struggle without a high profile. 100,000 followers on social media is a minimum. Ironic given high profile folks generally don’t need the advance in the same way. Being blunt, New Zealand doesn’t have enough people to make the economics work.

There must be a quicker way?

If you’re just looking for a couple of hundred copies to get started then a drop shipping company like Lulu X can be a good option. It’s not cheap, but it is a LOT quicker and will save you time. If that’s a factor then you can always have the second print run lined up offshore.

How do I get my book into stores?

Publication companies will often do a distribution agreement but will take up to 75% of the retail price. If you have fronted the costs, this is a lot. If you have a solid social media network or a way of selling directly to the public online through events then this can be a far more profitable way to start.

How much does it cost?

The short answer to the big question is between $30,000-$125,000 depending on scope. Variables include the number of interviews required, depth of research, review rounds, timeframe, word count, and overall scope. It can be more. It won’t be less.

Here’s why.

I don’t write cheap books. There, I’ve said it. Hurl bananas at me if you will but I’m unrepentant.

If you hire me as a ghostwriter then I’m all-in. My books take precedence over scheduling all other work. And they take six months to a year depending on the level of research and length of the book. Some, even longer.

That means I’m blocking out at least half of my working week for that period. I get up, have coffee, and work on your book first.

I go for a run and keep thinking about your book. I lie in bed at night and think about your book. I edit paragraphs that stick in my mind while I’m on holiday. Basically, I live and breathe the book until it’s done.

I turn down other work for that period. You’re my priority.

There’s research, interviews with you, with friends and family, and then there’s structuring, outlining, drafting, and adding all the things that go into making a book an exceptional reading experience.

Those interviews? Yep, they’re not easy. A book is only as good as an interview which means I’m going to ask you some curly questions. It’s up to you whether you answer or not, and we may or may not include everything in the final book, but it is vital in terms of authenticity.

I’ll draft, redraft, and refine. We write the book until you’re so happy you bounce like Tigger on a sugar high.

By this stage I’m a bit attached so I’ll help guide you through the copyediting and production stage if you’re so inclined.

It’s a big process. And I won’t do it on the cheap. You’re worth too much. Your story is too important. It needs to be the biggest priority in my work life.