We wanted to get to know Jake Poinier (NAIWE’s Freelance Expert) better, so last month we sat down with him. Here are some thoughts he shared with us.
How did you get started in ghostwriting, and how did your previous experience in editing inform your approach?
My first ghostwritten book opportunity happened out of the blue. I’d interviewed someone for a magazine feature, and when I asked him if he’d ever written a book, he responded, “No, but I’ve got a great idea for one. Can you help me write it?” I’d already been writing and editing for a long time, so the main challenge was working in a much longer format and structuring my time over an extended period. Having been a managing editor of a magazine was helpful in that respect: You need to drive the project, because the client is looking to you for guidance.
For writers just starting out, what would you say to them about building a reputation as a ghostwriter when they can’t publicly claim their work?
This is a tricky one if you have a nondisclosure agreement. On my website and LinkedIn, I list “ghostwriting” as a service. My portfolio simply says what type of book or client it was, without giving details, and I will say the same thing verbally if I am talking to a potential client. My business has always been word of mouth, and that’s a good way of getting these types of projects: Let everyone know that it’s something you offer, whether it’s existing clients or new prospects. You might not be able to jump right into books without a background, but smaller steps like blogging or speechwriting can be a stepping stone.
How do you adapt your voice to match that of a client? What is your process for learning their communication style?
Nothing can replace spending an ample amount of time talking with someone, preferably in person but over the phone or video can work too. I record every conversation, which allows me to pay full attention to their speaking style without taking notes. I run the conversations through Otter.ai for transcription, and listen to the whole thing again. From there, it’s a matter of mimicking word choice and cadence, hearing how they convey themselves, and areas where they feel passionate or put emphasis on.
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Not everyone has the time or talent to write for themselves — but that can spell opportunity for freelancers. In this webinar, Jake “Dr. Freelance” Poinier discusses how ghostwriting can open up new business avenues for you by crafting content in a client’s voice and style, in whatever platform they need: books, speeches, articles, blogs, and videos.
You can join in this conversation on September 24 at 2:00 pm eastern, when NAIWE will host a discussion on working with agents. The cost for NAIWE members is only $10! Nonmembers can join for $30. Register today!
Jake Poinier made the leap into freelance writing and editing in 1999 after a decade of positions in the publishing industry, giving him key insights from both sides of the desk. As the founder and owner of Boomvang Creative Group, he has worked with a diverse array of Fortune 500 and small businesses, consumer and trade magazines, and independent authors. Jake is committed to helping freelancers improve their businesses and shares his knowledge and experiences frequently as a speaker at industry conferences, through webinars, and on his blog.
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