Should I hire a ghostwriter for my thought leadership book?

Dear Mr. Higgonbottom: I want to write a thought leadership book to boost my credibility, but I’m not a writer. Should I hire a ghostwriter or try to draft it myself first?

— Leadership Leap in Louisville

Dear Leadership Leap,

First thing’s first: kudos! You’ve recognized the impact a thought leadership book can have for you and for those who read it. A well-crafted volume with your name on the cover is a great way to establish credibility. But you make a good point. Writing a book is no easy feat. Staring at that blank page is daunting for the most experienced writer, so for someone whose specialty lies elsewhere, it can seem an impossible task.

So, should you hire a ghostwriter to handle it or take a swing at it yourself? Both paths have merit and ultimately the choice is up to you.

Why Drafting Yourself Helps

Okay. So, you’re not really a writer. That’s okay. It’s still a good idea to jot down your ideas. It can be hand-scribbled notes, outlines, or even voice memos. This is the core of your book. This raw material captures your authentic voice,  personality, and perspective. It also helps clarify the message you really want your book to put out there. A ghostwriter can polish your prose, but they can’t invent your passion or expertise.

What Ghostwriters Are Worth Their Weight in Ink

A professional ghostwriter brings a lot to the table, like structure, pacing, and polish. They can transform scattered insights and notes into a compelling narrative. They also save you time. Those precious hours you save can be spent doing what your really love – leading your business and your people. Many CEOs, athletes, and public figures rely on ghostwriters, and their credibility doesn’t take a hit for that. In fact, it often soars because the final product is professional and persuasive.

The Hybrid Approach

Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to choose! Start by attempting a draft on your own. It can be just bullet points, anecdotes, key lessons, or a complete draft. Then, hand it off to a pro. The ghostwriter can take that’s draft and mold it into a book that’s both authentically yours and eminently readable. You create the foundation; the ghostwriter builds the house.

Key Considerations

Here are some things to consider before you decide on an approach:

• Time: Do you realistically have months to dedicate yourself to a full draft?
• Budget: Ghostwriting is an investment but consider the benefits of a polished book and time saved to continue working on your business.
• Voice: Would you rather have every word be yours or have your ideas polished and presented in a professional manner?

In the end, the most important step is committing to sharing your insights. Whether you want to tackle it on your own or hire a ghostwriter, or blend the two, your ideas deserve to be out there in the world.

Keep on leading on,
Mr. Higgonbottom