How to Get a Technical Book Ghostwritten

Working with a ghostwriter is a great idea if you have valuable insights and stories to share, but lack the time or the skill for writing. If this is your first time outsourcing written content, this article will help you get your technical book ghostwritten smoothly and successfully.

Types of Technical Writing

There are three types of technical writing: traditional, end-user, and tech marketing content. Those seeking a technical ghostwriter are most likely looking for end-user or traditional ghostwriters. End-user includes electronics and consumer products, and traditional includes manuals and medical information. Tech marketing includes ad content, press releases, and catalogs.

The goal of a technical writer is to take complex information and write it in layman’s terms. For example, if you want a book written about the popular keto diet, and you want it to focus on the science behind the diet and how ketosis is biologically broken down, you’ll want to hire a traditional technical ghostwriter. If you want to compare bag and bagless vacuum cleaners, you’ll need an end-user tech writer.

When we think of technical ghostwriters, the first thing that comes to mind is computers; however, that is not the case. While computer coding, website building instructions, etc. fall under technical writing, this writing is generally left to those with a specific degree in computer science.

The Advantages of Technical Ghostwriting

Whether it's time or skill that’s keeping you from writing, hiring a ghostwriter is the best alternative. Technical ghostwriters will perform thorough research to create quality work and go above and beyond to make your book authentic. Every writer has a unique tone and voice, which contributes to the originality of the book. Also, every writer has style preferences and a unique perspective on the topic. Here's why you should work with a ghostwriter:

Completion of the Book

Working with a ghostwriter means that your book will be finished on time and based on thorough research.

Writing/Market Expertise

A good ghostwriter is knowledgeable of your niche, industry, target audience, and the book market. They'll understand the needs of your genre and demographic, what's popular in your industry, and how to present it to the market.

Quality and Authenticity

A good ghostwriter is both thorough and time-efficient. They also know how to add authenticity to the content. They do this by writing from a different angle and tailoring the content to the reader. Here at The Urban Writers, we pay close attention to deadlines and quality. Whether it’s technical ghostwriting, book descriptions, or blog posts, we ensure your work is carefully reviewed.

The Risks of Working With Ghostwriters

The wrong choice of a ghostwriter can cause a significant inconvenience, such as:

Project delays

If you choose a low-budget ghostwriter, they're more likely to overschedule to make ends meet. At the same time, they'll always look for better opportunities. A quality ghostwriter is honest about the cost of their time, and they will finish a project regardless of the schedule or personal circumstances.

Low-quality writing

Poor-quality content results from poor skills and rushed work. Because a ghostwriter is just that–a writer whose identity is never revealed–it’s impossible to review content they’ve done for others or check references. To determine the quality of the writing, you can pay a small fee for a writing sample. This can be anywhere from one or two paragraphs to a dozen pages.

For technical ghostwriting, education and experience are paramount, and this is not information that would fall under a confidentiality agreement; therefore, it can be easily obtained and verified.

When using a ghostwriting company, you can rely on their reputation and by reviewing feedback from clients who may have provided a testimonial. When using a company such as Urban Writers, the vetting has been done for you.

Plagiarism and Inauthenticity

Plagiarism is defined as taking the content or idea of someone else and presenting it as one’s own. This can include rewriting the work of others or spinning the text of a Wikipedia article.

Inauthenticity is publishing information that is not factual. This can include writing about a historical event that never occurred.

Both instances can cause embarrassment, and Amazon will remove plagiarized work from its site and possibly suspend the user’s account. Keep this in mind if you are uploading a technical ghostwritten eBook to Kindle.

How to Hire a Technical Ghostwriter

Before hiring a ghostwriter, you’ll need to discuss the subject, how you want the material presented and you’ll want to give an idea as to the page count you’re seeking. Your ghostwriter will provide you with terms, deadlines, and costs. Here’s how to go about hiring the best ghostwriter for your book:

Define Your Book

You need to clearly define your book to a technical ghostwriter. You can explain it verbally or in writing. If possible, provide an outline or a rough draft. The more information you provide, the more accurate your book will be and you can avoid numerous rewrites.

You’ll want to provide the writer with the following:

Title and subtitle

You’ll want to tell the writer the title and subtitle you have in mind. The writer may make suggestions that better fit your book. Be open to change unless you are absolutely set on the title and subtitle you chose. 

Subject

Be clear about the message that you want to relay to readers. Explain the content you want and the content you don’t want. While you are relying on the writer’s expertise, you are paying the bill and you want to make certain your book includes all the information that you’d like.

You should request an outline before the writing begins to ensure you and the ghostwriter are on the same page. This will save you time and possible frustration down the road. If the writer intends to waiver from the final agreed-upon outline, you should be notified so you can agree to any changes. This will prevent surprises when the final copy is delivered.

Structure

Technical writing follows the same structure as all nonfiction writing, using the three W’s:

• What Was
• What Happened
• What Is

These three elements are essential to all nonfiction writing. What was someone or something before, what happened to change it, and what is it now.

When discussing the outline of your book, be sure the three W’s are followed.

Interview the Writer

Once you've narrowed down a list of writers, it's time to make a final decision. Here are the qualities of a good ghostwriter you should look for:

Niche knowledge and experience

Your ghostwriter will work with materials that have already been published online or work of their own unless you supply them with unpublished material and the budget for interviewing experts. If the writer is an expert in the subject matter, they will provide the necessary research. 

Passion and creativity

It will take much work besides securing grammatically correct and accurate content for your book to be successful. Readers are skillful in noticing low-quality, ghostwritten books. These are the books that have been published without sufficient research and written without authenticity and creativity. They offer superficial information available through a simple Google search.

Understanding the Target Reader

Your reader will be quick to notice that they can read about the topic from other bloggers instead of purchasing the book. You want to avoid this. If you're looking for an authentic writer, question them about their research process, and check that they know how to identify the audience and their pain points.

Outline the Project Course

You want to define the deadline for book completion. You shouldn't start planning to publish a book on a tight schedule. Secure a window of time to edit or alter a book in case you want to make additional changes to the content.

Preferably, your book should be written in ample time before publishing to allow for additional adjustments and working around other obstacles. For example, if the book is a part of a major advertising campaign, you want it finished before the official release date. This way, you won't have to rush it in case other products or projects get delayed. 

Discuss the Payment

Be clear about your budget. Discuss the range of services the budget will cover with the writer in terms of:

• time
• amount of research
• the volume of the content
• the payment schedule (e.g., partial/milestones, upfront fees).

This way, there will be no confusion surrounding the budget or the timing of payments.

Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement

The Non-Disclosure agreement covers the rights to the book, royalties, and all other relevant legal aspects. You may include both the outline of the project and the manner of the payment into the NDA. This contract obliges the ghostwriter to complete the work within the deadline and limits them from referencing the work as their own.

What Do You Need for Successful Kindle eBook Ghostwriting?

Now that you know how to find the best ghostwriter for your technical book, and for Kindle eBook ghostwriting, here are the most important details to discuss:

A Rough Outline/Description

Make sure to define the subject and the focus of the book. Your topic should target a narrow issue or a problem to solve for a reader. Books on general topics tend to fall flat among readers because, while offering plenty of information, very little of it is relevant or useful to the reader.

The Goal of the Book

Let the ghostwriter know what the purpose of your book is. Note whether you'll use the book to sell a product and advertise it, or if you aim to add content to your business and better engage with the audience.

The Message of the Book

You will be the owner of the book. The book should reflect:

• Your brand and business
• Your values
• Your expertise

A skillful ghostwriter can implement your brand or company values into the writing. This way, the book will align with your published content, and integrate successfully into your brand/business concept and your advertising strategy.

The Reader Profile

Defining your reader profile ensures the presentation of the content that fits the audience. Inform the ghostwriter of your audience group, telling them the expected age, interests, pain points, and other relevant features.

Suggested Sources and Examples

Give the writer a list of good and bad examples of content similar to your topic. The samples show them what to aim for and what to avoid in terms of style, structure, and vocabulary.

Conclusion

If you're looking to get a technical eBook ghostwritten, finding a great writer secures that your valuable knowledge and experience will have the best presentation. The ghostwriter is responsible for showing your unique ideas in a way that's best suitable for the reader, including proper phrasing and structure of the content. This way, your idea will get the right form that aligns both with your audience and business concept.