If you’ve had any amount of success in writing, then you’ve most likely been approached to help someone write his or her book. Or to write someone’s story for that person.
I get asked all the time, but I almost always say no. Why?
1. I usually have two or three contracts in the works on my own projects.
2. Not every good story will make a good book. Yes, God may have done something amazing in your life, but what benefit will the reader get from hearing your story? Why would they pick up your book?
3. People are picky about their own stories (which they should be), and it’s hard to get the words just right.
Yet, there was a time I said yes. . . .
I was blessed to co-write Kristen Anderson’s book, Life in Spite of Me. I was introduced to Kristen through a mutual friend, Margaret McSweeny. Within five minutes of meeting Margaret, she grabbed my arm and said, “I feel Holy Spirit butterflies, and you’re supposed to write a book for this young woman I know who tried to commit suicide.” I smiled and nodded like I always do when people say, “I have a book for you to write.”
Margaret would not give up until Kristen and I talked on the phone. She even scheduled the phone meeting for us! Yet when I talked to Kristen and listened to her story, I was amazed. God did SO many amazing things with her! I didn’t get any money up front, and we settled on a very small percentage for my work. But I set it in my heart ahead of time that this book was a tithe of sorts. (And, yes, my name is on the cover.)
There were two challenging things:
1. Kristen had shared her story hundreds of times (including on Oprah [watch the video here]), so she had her script down. The harder part was talking through all the details, facts, and moments she hadn’t thought about in a while.
2. It was hard for Kristen to relive many moments. Really hard. She had to revisit places she hadn’t in a while. I felt like a counselor at times—asking questions that would spur memories.
There were more amazing things:
1. Kristen is amazing! She is a friend for life!
2. I was able to see connections in her story she wasn’t able to see. For example, Kristen’s childhood nickname was Speedy Two-Shoes . . . and in her accident, Kristen lost her legs. Because of that, no one used her nickname again, which was just another small thing but another layer of loss.
3. Thousands of people have written Kristen about the book, and many, many have decided not to commit suicide after reading it! This is payment that monetary compensation doesn’t touch.
All that to say, sometimes you just have to do what you feel God is calling you to do.
Also, I hope you understand why authors have to say no. Writing our own books is easier. We have messages we feel God is asking us to share, too.
Finally, the right stories will be written at the right time with the right people. Trust God in that! And if you really feel your story needs to get down on paper, I encourage you to write it! God may be leading you in a direction of publication that fills you with fear, but if He’s asking you to write your story, He’ll help you with that!
P.S. My literary garage sale has been extended to Monday, and all book prices have been reduced! Be sure to get your signed copies before they’re sold out. All proceeds go to fund my upcoming mission trip to the Czech Republic. Visit my store here, and find out more information about the literary garage sale here!
Hi, Tricia! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
I just finished my first ghostwriting project & I now hope it’s not my last. Like you said, when someone approached me about doing this, my initial response was that I had too many projects I needed to work on, why would I want to write someone else’s story?
But I finally took a project on because, to put it bluntly, I needed the money. It ended up being a wonderful experience … & I learned a lot! The woman I worked for was a delight. And probably spoiled me if I forget not all clients will be like her.
One thing I felt I needed to do was stay on task where some of the more sad &/or emotional aspects of the story were concerned.
A definite plus: I don’t have to worry about pitching, querying or submitting the manuscript. It’s a lot less pressure when it’s not my manuscript.
Thanks again for sharing your insights, Tricia. I’ve heard about Kristen’s story & have an even stronger desire to read it now.
blessings,
~sharyn
I have been wanting to write for a while, but never got up the courage and faith to move forward. I prayed and asked for guidance, and mentioned to a few people that I would like to start working on my writing. I started a blog. I have a few story ideas, some I have started by making notes. I am not published, have never completed a story. I have continued praying, and I was recently approached by a friend to write her painful story. Then another acquaintance asked me the same thing. These stories involve emotional healing from sexual trauma, and I have my own story to add. Both women want to have their stories told anonymously and I had no idea they had overcome the things they told me about. My story would be anonymous as well. These two ladies are strong women healed by the Grace of God. I am unsure if this is an answer to prayer. There is so much pain. Any advice would be appreciated as to whether I move forward or not – and if I do, what do I do with it when completed. 🙂
TammyArlene.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing this post. I totally agree with everything you said.
I have been considering writing a book for a very long time. And I have decided that I wish to do this now. I don’t really know why I waited till I was middle aged but I did and have many questions. Once I write the draft where do I send it?
I’m writing a book for another person. I have never written a book before. It is hard telling someone else’s story. I’m not in their body. Is there a sample contract I can use. What if it gets published? There should be a contract. Is there a code of ethics or practice? Help please.
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