Inside the Life of a Ghostwriter: A Typical Day

Starting my Day

The life of a ghostwriter begins early. Mornings are often the most productive time for me. I usually get up around 7am and start off with a cup of coffee and a quick review of my tasks for the day. I check emails and respond to clients, which sets the tone for the rest of the day. 

Next, I prioritise my assignments. Some projects have tight deadlines, while others allow more flexibility. I make a to-do list, noting the most urgent tasks at the top. This helps me stay focused and organised. Here's a life hack I learned years ago; take on the 'biggest' tasks first and don't put them off. The brain works well when underwhelmed for the day rather than overwhelmed.

Shamarukh Chowdhury, a senior doctoral student at Carleton University, in the US collected data from 300 undergraduate students and reported that students who use a to-do list more, procrastinate less. This was attributed to conscientiousness, including not being impulsive and staying self-disciplined. A second study by Ralph Ryback, a former professor at Harvard Medical School and the medical director of the Mindful Health Foundation, found that “The satisfaction of ticking off a small task is linked with a flood of dopamine.” To do lists really work. 

Research is a big part of a ghostwriter's job and I'm a researcher at heart having spent over fifteen years in senior academic posts in addition to establishing The Dissertation Doctors Clinic back in 2007. I spend a significant amount of time gathering information. This involves reading articles, books, and other resources. Accurate information is crucial for creating quality content. Actually, for the month of June, I've asked two of my team to read and review the same book with me. We've chosen 'Prophet Song' by Paul Lynch who recently won the booker award 2024. We'll meet at the end of the month and compare notes (what we liked/didn't like in terms of narrative and writing style, the overall story, plot development, character development etc and, of course, the cover and overall production).  

Back to my typical day...Once I have enough data, I outline the content. An outline serves as a roadmap and helps me structure the piece logically. This step is important for maintaining a clear and coherent flow in the writing and is something I always share with my clients to ensure they are on board early in the process.

Writing and Editing

Here's the gravy. With the outline in place, I start writing. I aim to write in short, focused bursts which keeps my mind sharp and reduces fatigue. I also take regular breaks to avoid burnout. This is a biggie in ghostwriting, as it's so easy to get fed up of it all. 

Client Communication

Communication with clients is ongoing. I update them on progress and seek their feedback. Clear communication helps in understanding their needs better. It also ensures the final content meets their expectations. I work in tracked changes facility which makes it a seamless process for my clients to get a sense of my thought process and substantive commentary on material. 

Sometimes, quite a few revisions are necessary. I take client feedback seriously and make the required changes. This collaborative process enhances the quality of the final product. There's no point in getting upset with feedback, as the ghostwriter/client relationship is professional. 

Before signing off, I organise my workspace. A clean and tidy environment boosts productivity. I also make a note of any pending tasks to address first thing in the morning. Remember, back to those all-important lists. 

Being a ghostwriter is demanding but rewarding. It requires discipline, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, which keeps the work exciting and fulfilling.