Ghostwriting a memoir means collaborating with a professional writer who remains anonymous.
Ghostwriting a memoir can be a profoundly fulfilling and introspective experience. It allows you to reflect on your life’s journey, share your unique perspective, and preserve your memories for future generations — with the help of a writing assistant. Here are some steps and tips we’ll encounter as the ghostwriting commences.
First, Interview Ghostwriters and Ask About Testimonials
Experienced ghostwriters will have dozens and dozens of author clients who have weighed in with testimonials and reviews. I feel fortunate and gratified that volumes of wonderful testimonials appear on my website.
Ghostwriting a Memoir Includes Defining Your Purpose
Once I’m hired, we’ll clarify why you want to write a memoir. Is it to inspire others, document your life for loved ones, or simply to reflect on your own experiences? Understanding your purpose will guide your writing and help you stay focused.
We’ll Choose a Theme or Focus
Consider the central theme or focus of your memoir. It could revolve around a specific period of your life, a significant event, a personal transformation, or a particular aspect of your identity. Having a clear focus will give your memoir coherence and structure.
We’ll Create an Outline
Develop an outline that maps out the major events and stories you want to include in your memoir. This will serve as a roadmap and help you organize your thoughts. You can arrange your outline chronologically or thematically, depending on what works best for your story.
We’ll Dive Into your Memories
Take the time to reflect on your past and dive deep into your memories. Consider the people, places, and experiences that have shaped you. Be honest and open with yourself, as this will bring authenticity and emotional depth to your writing.
We’ll Find Your Voice
Explore different writing styles and find the voice that feels most authentic to you. Do you want your memoir to be introspective, humorous, or poignant? Experiment with different tones and see which one resonates with your story.
The Writing Starts!
Begin with the parts of your memoir that inspire you the most or feel the most vivid in your memory. Don’t worry too much about getting everything perfect in the first draft. The most important thing is to get your thoughts and stories down on paper.
Show, Don’t Tell
Instead of simply telling the reader what happened, we’ll strive to show them through vivid descriptions, dialogue, and sensory details. This will bring your experiences to life and engage the reader on a deeper level.
Be Selective
While it’s tempting to include every detail, be selective about the stories and events you include in your memoir. We’ll focus on the ones that are most significant and align with your chosen theme or focus. This will help you maintain a cohesive narrative and keep your readers engaged.
Edit and Revise
Once we have a complete draft, we’ll go through several rounds of editing and revising to polish the prose, clarify ideas, and ensure the flow of your memoir is smooth. Remember, writing a memoir is a personal journey, and it’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process. Celebrate your unique story and enjoy the experience of sharing it with others.
Need Help Ghostwriting a Memoir? I Can Assist!
Contact melaniesaxton@icloud.com to discuss your project.