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The goal is more than coffee chat. Alright, lean in. Your mission is twofold. First, sponge up their voice—every quirk, inflection, and catchphrase. It’s like voice matching, minus the annoying echo. Second, excavate the nitty-gritty project details. The who, what, where, and especially the why. Without a clear understanding of the purpose behind your words, you’re simply typing out a jumble of letters. With precision and a hint of finesse, you’ll set the tone for a fruitful relationship and truly stand out in the saturated world of ghostwriting. So, gear up. It’s not the time to act like an amateur. It’s your moment to showcase your talents. Setting the Ghostwriting Table Arriving unprepared for a ghostwriting meeting is akin to strutting onto the runway of Paris Fashion Week wearing clown shoes and mismatched socks. Not only does it reek of unprofessionalism, but it’s also a glaring missed opportunity. In the intricate dance of ghostwriting, the first step sets the rhythm. When you step into that room—or, let’s be real, that Zoom call, given our modern digital age—having your ducks in a row, you’re sending a clear message. It says, “I’m not just here to follow. I’m here to lead.” It declares your intention to be the maestro, finely tuning every note, poised to create a literary symphony. Open-ended Questions: Your New BFFs Look, anyone can ask, “What’s this project about?” But if that’s your go-to, pack up and redirect to a less demanding profession, like potato peeling. The difference between “What’s the gist?” and “Can you share the driving emotion behind this project?” is the difference between wading in the kiddie pool and diving into the Mariana Trench. Probing, open-ended questions don’t just make you look smart—they’re your ticket to creating content that resonates, not regurgitates. So, flex those questioning muscles and watch as your client spills the golden beans of information you crave. Deciphering the Project’s Blueprint Every ghostwriter knows to ask, “What’s the goal here?” But to truly stand out, try refining your approach. Toss them a curveball by asking, “What does success look like for you when this project is completed and we’ve done an outstanding job?” By doing this, you recognize that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept—it’s tailored to each client’s vision. Dig deep and understand their unique snowflake of a dream. Decoding Goals and Expectations As a writer, it’s essential to acknowledge that predicting the future is not our strong suit. So, unless you’ve got a crystal ball tucked away, you’ll need to pry out those specifics. When a client says they want their content to have a certain vibe, drill down. There’s a galaxy of difference between ‘I’m aiming for a relaxed, chill vibe’ and ‘I want to channel the elegance of 19th-century literature’. By grasping the true essence of their expectations, you’ll dodge a barrage of revision emails and achieve a more harmonious client-writer relationship. Channeling the Client’s Inner Vogue Everyone has a flavor, a style, a signature thing that makes them, well, them. Your client? No different. Maybe they’re a jazz enthusiast, climbed Everest, or have an odd obsession with collecting vintage soda bottles. Whatever it is, that’s your gold. Their unique backstory, interests, and individual quirks aren’t just idle chit chat—it’s the palette you’ll paint from. Dive into their world, absorb it, and let those insights color your writing masterpiece. Genuine Ears, Genuine Results We’ve all been there, nodding while our minds wander to tonight’s dinner or the weekend’s plans. But when you’re a ghostwriter, that’s a luxury you simply can’t afford. Turning on your ultra-focused, “I’m hanging onto every word” mode is imperative. Because missing that one adjective your client muttered under their breath? It might be the cornerstone of their vision. So, sharpen those ears and consider every word sacred. They aren’t just briefing you. They’re handing over a part of their soul. Note-taking: The Ghostwriter’s North Star If your pen isn’t racing across the page or your fingers aren’t tapping a storm during client meetings. Your notes aren’t just scribbles—they’re the blueprint, the cheat sheet, the magic potion recipe. While memory might be a fickle friend, those notes are your unwavering ally. With every detail jotted down, you’re ensuring your writing doesn’t veer off into the unknown but stays true to the client’s voice. Forget breadcrumbs. These are your neon-lit signposts. Don’t skimp on them. Trust Isn’t Just for Bankers In the world of ghostwriting, trust is the currency—and no, we’re not just talking about those dollar bills. It’s important to remember that your initial meeting with someone is not only for gathering information but also for establishing trust. You are someone trustworthy with confidential information, not just a note-taking robot. You’ve got to show your client that their brainchild is safe in your hands. How? Authentic engagement. Dive into their world with genuine interest. If they sense you’re just going through the motions, your trust stocks will plummet before you’ve even started. Solid Foundations, Smoother Journeys Starting on shaky ground? That’s a recipe for toppling over halfway through. But build a solid rapport from the get-go, and you’re in for a cruise. Think of your relationship as a two-way street. They give you insights, and you give them impeccable writing. They share their passion, and you mirror it in prose. And the result? Not only a product that dazzles but also a partnership that endures. In ghostwriting, you’re not just penning words but fostering alliances. And it all starts with that first handshake—or, these days, perhaps a Zoom wave. Wrapping Up: The Unskippable First Step A stellar initial meeting isn’t an extra credit assignment—it’s the midterm exam. Those beginning moments lay the groundwork for everything to come. When ghostwriting, first impressions set the tone for the entire piece. So, if you’re breezing through that meet-and-greet or treating it like a pesky formality, you’re doing it wrong. Elevate that first client rendezvous to the top of your priority list for all the budding ghostwriters and seasoned pros. Why? Mastering this dance will turn your projects from “meh” to masterpiece. Don’t just aim to meet expectations. Shatter them. Starting strong means finishing stronger, and who doesn’t want an encore? |
Become a Ghostwriter!
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November 2023
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