Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Writer
To come up with a fiction story idea is a pretty cool thing. Getting notes down or a basic outline takes it to the next level.
At this point, some authors realize they need professional help to bring their ideas, notes, or outlines to life. It’s time to hand it over.
In this scenario, the ghostwriter has free range.
This is true because the client, the author, can envision the type of story they’d like, but they don’t have any investment in how to get it there.
While there’s an idea or a basic outline, the story needs to be told. The writer can weave her magic and create it with the authors’ feedback as they go along.
But what happens when there’s a complete manuscript?
What happens when the author has taken the time and effort to come up with an idea and has actually written the story? Whether it’s taken him a few months or a couple of years, it’s his baby. He’s brought it to life.
In this scenario, the author is fully invested in the story.
The problem is the author may not know how to write. Even more importantly, she may not know anything about writing for children. It really is a different type of writing – lots more rules.
Thinking of a few of quick examples:
– The author may own a kennel of dogs and wants to show each dog’s personality. Max is playful to the point of being hyper. Daisy loves being held and likes to cuddle. And watch out for Dutch.
– The author is a professional and is determined, maybe even obsessed, with driving home what’s good for the child. Each scene tells the child what to do.
– The author has gone on an amazing journey or has a passion and wants to share it with children. He wants it to be fiction, but it reads more like a nonfiction story.
While writing a book based on these examples will satisfy the author, it won’t meet standard children’s book guidelines.
That’s not to say these ideas aren’t good; each scenario can be kindling for an out-of-the-ballpark story … if it’s written right.
Hoping the author/client can let go.
In some cases, rewriting a story can be more difficult than ghostwriting from an idea or basic outline.
Some clients have blinders on. They want what they want, whether it’s reader-friendly or not. They just can’t let go of what they’ve written.
When this happens:
The writer often becomes a writing teacher.
The writer tries to explain why something in the story doesn’t work. Or, it may be even worse, and the entire story is a problem.
She tries to explain the rules for children’s writing that all books for children should adhere to.
She hopes the client is reasonable and understands. She hopes the client allows her to do her job.
The writer becomes a negotiator of sorts.
It can become a back-and-forth. The writer resorts to the, “Well, what if we do it this way?”
Unfortunately, the client has blinders on and wants what she wants. So, it’s back to, “Well, what if we do it this way instead?”
The writer just jumps in.
Knowing the story needs to be improved, the writer may rewrite it into a publishable book.
This can be a gamble, though.
It can waste the writer’s time and effort if the client doesn’t like it.
Then, the writer has to go back to being a teacher and negotiator.
When the writer’s hands are tied.
It can become an ethical dilemma for the writer when the client doesn’t want to budge.
– Does the writer write the story the way the client wants it to be, even though she knows it’s not professional?
While the writer is being paid to write for the client, this isn’t always the best route to take. Although the writer’s name won’t be associated with the book, it’s a story being worked on and should be as professional as possible.
However, there are some instances when the client wants the book for personal or family use. In these cases, it’s the writer’s decision. I will take on the project.
– Does the writer walk away from the project after it’s started?
Whether to bow out of a project is obviously a very individual decision that a professional writer doesn’t take lightly.
While I haven’t accepted projects because I knew they wouldn’t be publishable worthy, I’ve never had to walk away from an ongoing project.
I’ll teach and negotiate until the story is how it should be. It takes more time and effort, but that’s okay.
Every situation is unique, and the ghostwriter will need to decide what’s best.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach with clients worldwide. If you need help with your children’s story, please visit Karen Cioffi Writing for Children.
https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com
Karen also offers HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK.
A 250+ book that will help you start or finish your children’s book
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING HELP
For those children’s authors who are self-publishing.
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MORE ABOUT THE BLOGGER Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the multi award-winning author of fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. She is also a marketing consultant, editor, and author of the multi award-winning #HowToDoItFrugally Series (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTXQL27T/ ) of books for writers including "The Frugal Book Promoter" (https://bit.ly/FrugalBookPromoIII), and "The Frugal Editor" both offered in their third editions by Modern History Press. Others in that series are "How to Get Great Book Reviews Frugally and Ethically," and two booklets, both in their second editions also from Modern History Press. The booklets, "Great Little Last Minute Editing Tips for Writers" (https://bit.ly/LastMinuteEditsII) and "Great First Impression Book Proposals" (https://bit.ly/BookProposalsII) are career boosters in mini doses and both make ideal thank you gifts for authors. The one on writing book proposals is also available as an Audio Book. "The Frugal Editor "(https://tinyurl.com/TheFrugalEditor), was recently released in its third edition. It is the winningest book in this series for writers. Carolyn also has three frugal books for retailers including one she encourages authors to read because it helps them understand what is needed to convince retailers to host their workshops, presentations, and signings. It is "A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques" (https://bit.ly/RetailersGuide). In addition to this blog, Carolyn helps writers extend the exposure of their favorite reviews at https://TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com. She also blogs all things editing--grammar, formatting and more--at "The Frugal, Smart, and Tuned-In Editor" (https://TheFrugalEditor.blogspot.com). Learn more and follow it to get news on her new releases directly from Amazon at https://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile.
