Helping successful coaches turn their programs into quality books.
If you have a life-changing program, a book could exponentially expand your impact and establish your credibility in a way nothing else can. But it needs to be a well-written book that people enjoy reading—even if they aren’t family members.
That’s where I come in. As a traditionally published author with a dozen ghostwritten books under my belt (75% of them based on a coaching or training program), I know how to write professional books that are clear and engaging. One client, a successful executive coach, came to me with their videos and worksheets. I built on that material to write a book from their perspective, and it’s now being published by Wiley (fourth largest publisher worldwide).
This is a major investment and not everyone claiming to be a ghostwriter has the skills to make your project shine (beware bargain rates—I’ve had to “rescue” a couple books from poor writing!). I’d encourage you to check out my testimonials on LinkedIn. Here’s an example:
“As an executive coach, I understand the value of a great ghostwriter that can gain my clients’ trust, understand their unique personalities and abilities, and then write on their behalf, capturing their voice and bringing out their best. Josh Kelley does all of that and more. I recommend him to my clients, and you, without reservation!”
Mike Acker, Owner of Advance, Coaching and Consulting
Want to learn more? Let’s talk: https://calendly.com/joshkelleyink/forcoaches
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost?
Every project is unique, and costs can range from $5,000 for a 50-page workbook based on well-developed material (such as a video course) to $50,000 for 250-page book that requires significant development and an onsite visit (such as a memoir). My fees reflect the total cost for a complete, professionally written book that has been edited by a second party (no one should edit their own material!). I can work with you to create a payment plan, typically dividing it into four payments tied to specific milestones.
Note: You can find cheaper ghostwriters online. It all comes down to how good you want your book to be. This is what makes me worth my rates:
What’s the process?
Again, every project is a little different, but this represents my standard process for a self-published book (traditionally published books require a different process that involves creating a proposal prior to completion):
As part of our work together, it will be your job to:
What if I don’t have a formal program?
I’ll help you develop one from your material—seeing the big picture and organizing information are two of my specialties.
Won’t people buy my book instead of hiring me?
Let’s be honest—those folks probably wouldn’t have hired you anyway. But people who understand the value of paid coaching will be more likely to work with you, knowing a book cannot contain all you have to offer.
Should I seek traditional publishing or be self-published?
There are pros and cons to both. Traditional publishing offers higher credibility and no initial cost but is much slower and very difficult to break into. Self-publishing offers greater flexibility and higher royalties but requires a larger investment without guaranteed returns. We can discuss your options when we meet.
Can you guarantee that my book will get a publishing contract?
Absolutely not and anyone who says otherwise is scamming you! Not even literary agents can promise you that (unless your last name is Obama). That said, agents and publishers are basically looking for three things:
Who gets the credit for a ghostwritten book?
You do! That’s part of what you pay me for. Some of my clients will include me in the acknowledgements or give me collaboration credits (i.e., “with Josh Kelley”), others prefer not to mention me at all. It’s your call.
Some people feel like that’s dishonest, but to me that’s no more dishonest than having someone do my taxes. I’m not a numbers person, so I hire it out. Here’s a little secret of the publishing industry: almost all books written by celebrities were ghostwritten. Those folks don’t have hundreds of hours to write a book, so they work with a professional. That’s perfectly acceptable.
That said, there are some “authors” that do nothing more than get paid to have their name on something they did zero work on. I’m not a fan of that approach. I expect the bulk of the content to come from you but am willing to contribute as you see fit.
What if I want to do some of the writing?
Great idea! If you want to become a great writer, there is no better approach than learning as you write your own book. For that, I offer a coaching package that can save you a lot of money.
It’s like hiring a craftsman to help build your house. The more work you do, the cheaper it will be, but I’ll always be there to lend a hand and push you forward. And if you want to speed things up or are struggling with a particular item, give it to me. It also has the advantage of helping you focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about the future components (that's my job).
Can you help with formatting, marketing, and other aspects of self-publication?
Nope, not my thing. However, I have a great working relationship with Advantage Publishing.
You missed my question!
Just email me by clicking on this link or you can set up a complimentary consultation: https://calendly.com/joshkelleyink/forcoaches
That’s where I come in. As a traditionally published author with a dozen ghostwritten books under my belt (75% of them based on a coaching or training program), I know how to write professional books that are clear and engaging. One client, a successful executive coach, came to me with their videos and worksheets. I built on that material to write a book from their perspective, and it’s now being published by Wiley (fourth largest publisher worldwide).
This is a major investment and not everyone claiming to be a ghostwriter has the skills to make your project shine (beware bargain rates—I’ve had to “rescue” a couple books from poor writing!). I’d encourage you to check out my testimonials on LinkedIn. Here’s an example:
“As an executive coach, I understand the value of a great ghostwriter that can gain my clients’ trust, understand their unique personalities and abilities, and then write on their behalf, capturing their voice and bringing out their best. Josh Kelley does all of that and more. I recommend him to my clients, and you, without reservation!”
Mike Acker, Owner of Advance, Coaching and Consulting
Want to learn more? Let’s talk: https://calendly.com/joshkelleyink/forcoaches
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost?
Every project is unique, and costs can range from $5,000 for a 50-page workbook based on well-developed material (such as a video course) to $50,000 for 250-page book that requires significant development and an onsite visit (such as a memoir). My fees reflect the total cost for a complete, professionally written book that has been edited by a second party (no one should edit their own material!). I can work with you to create a payment plan, typically dividing it into four payments tied to specific milestones.
Note: You can find cheaper ghostwriters online. It all comes down to how good you want your book to be. This is what makes me worth my rates:
- Over fifteen years of professional writing experience, including a book that has been traditionally published and translated into German (copies available upon request)
- A dozen ghostwritten books (with a combined average of 4.7 stars on Amazon), including one that has been traditionally published and another that was offered representation by a literary agent.
- The ability to ask probing questions and draw your message out.
- A back-and-forth relationship that ensures your book represents, and sounds like, you.
- Writing that is clear, concise, and engaging.
What’s the process?
Again, every project is a little different, but this represents my standard process for a self-published book (traditionally published books require a different process that involves creating a proposal prior to completion):
- I review your existing content and conduct the initial interviews.
- I provide you with the outline and first chapter within 30-days.
- I continue writing and interacting with you as needed (average 1-2 hours a week).
- The first draft is finished 30-60 days later, and we fine-tune it with my structured editing approach.
- Your book will be delivered to you for final approval within 3-4 months of starting the project.
As part of our work together, it will be your job to:
- Show up to the scheduled calls to discuss your book.
- Respond to questions and requests for edits in a timely manner.
- Be fully honest about what you do and don’t like.
What if I don’t have a formal program?
I’ll help you develop one from your material—seeing the big picture and organizing information are two of my specialties.
Won’t people buy my book instead of hiring me?
Let’s be honest—those folks probably wouldn’t have hired you anyway. But people who understand the value of paid coaching will be more likely to work with you, knowing a book cannot contain all you have to offer.
Should I seek traditional publishing or be self-published?
There are pros and cons to both. Traditional publishing offers higher credibility and no initial cost but is much slower and very difficult to break into. Self-publishing offers greater flexibility and higher royalties but requires a larger investment without guaranteed returns. We can discuss your options when we meet.
Can you guarantee that my book will get a publishing contract?
Absolutely not and anyone who says otherwise is scamming you! Not even literary agents can promise you that (unless your last name is Obama). That said, agents and publishers are basically looking for three things:
- A compelling idea and great content,
- A strong platform (i.e., a lot of people know you and are likely to buy your book), and
- Great writing.
Who gets the credit for a ghostwritten book?
You do! That’s part of what you pay me for. Some of my clients will include me in the acknowledgements or give me collaboration credits (i.e., “with Josh Kelley”), others prefer not to mention me at all. It’s your call.
Some people feel like that’s dishonest, but to me that’s no more dishonest than having someone do my taxes. I’m not a numbers person, so I hire it out. Here’s a little secret of the publishing industry: almost all books written by celebrities were ghostwritten. Those folks don’t have hundreds of hours to write a book, so they work with a professional. That’s perfectly acceptable.
That said, there are some “authors” that do nothing more than get paid to have their name on something they did zero work on. I’m not a fan of that approach. I expect the bulk of the content to come from you but am willing to contribute as you see fit.
What if I want to do some of the writing?
Great idea! If you want to become a great writer, there is no better approach than learning as you write your own book. For that, I offer a coaching package that can save you a lot of money.
It’s like hiring a craftsman to help build your house. The more work you do, the cheaper it will be, but I’ll always be there to lend a hand and push you forward. And if you want to speed things up or are struggling with a particular item, give it to me. It also has the advantage of helping you focus on the task at hand instead of worrying about the future components (that's my job).
Can you help with formatting, marketing, and other aspects of self-publication?
Nope, not my thing. However, I have a great working relationship with Advantage Publishing.
You missed my question!
Just email me by clicking on this link or you can set up a complimentary consultation: https://calendly.com/joshkelleyink/forcoaches