Getting Better All the Time; But How Much Time Will It Take?

By Bob Deakin

Although I have written and edited short projects for clients anonymously, I don’t call myself a ghostwriter. I’ve written two books, so I’m okay with ‘author.’

I’m currently writing a book for a client in the “as told to” format, and it has been rewarding, with challenges. In this case, the subject doesn’t remember all the details of his history, specifically timelines and exact names of businesses he once owned.

Through internet searches, Facebook chats, and foraging through city records, I’ve been able to tie the details together and even gather a few photos. The client was pleasantly surprised with the chapters I’ve sent, even emotional.

My challenge is time.

How Much Time Will It Take?

This is not a high-budget project, but the client is honest and aware of the time I’m putting in. He was expecting a superficial recounting of his life story, but organically I came to take extra steps. 

That’s on me. As a former journalist, that’s what you do.

The book will be an alluring tale of faith, more so than he expected, but at an expense of time and effort beyond what I expected. 

I never stop learning, and this time that lesson is time management. There was no way to tell what was coming with this story when I started, as I didn’t know the extent of his history. Neither did he.

Whatever the outcome regarding sales or earnings, I’m the better writer for it, and can’t wait to do it again.

You never know the stories within the story until you write it. I’m getting better all the time; but how much time will it take?

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