Professionals who invest in building their personal brand can experience up to a 25% increase in recognition of their competencies, according to a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV). Simultaneously, on-demand publications—including books developed with ghostwriters—grew by 15% in 2023, with particular emphasis on the non-fiction segment, as per data from the Brazilian Book Chamber (CBL). The combination of these factors drives the production of original works as tools for positioning and generating new business opportunities.
Experts, executives, and entrepreneurs seeking to expand their market presence are increasingly turning to book publishing as a way to translate experience into authority. The process is conducted by professional ghostwriters, who organize the author's ideas, structure the content, and deliver a work aligned with the expert's strategic goals—even if they don't write a single line.
According to Julyanne Guimarães Amadeu, ghostwriter, writing mentor, and founder of Alma Editora, this model especially serves professionals who accumulate knowledge but lack time or familiarity with writing. "Publishing a book isn't just about sharing what you know. It's about leaving your mark, becoming a reference, and opening doors that didn't even exist before," she states.
How the process works
The editorial journey follows a structured schedule, with well-defined stages:
- Briefing and editorial planning (1 to 2 weeks)Initial meeting to define objectives, target audience, key messages, and the work's value proposition.
- Interviews and content extraction (4 to 8 weeks)Content is collected orally through recorded sessions. "The expert brings the experience, and we bring the technique. This process of refined listening is what ensures the book's authenticity," explains Julyanne.
- Narrative structure development (2 to 3 weeks)The team defines the number of chapters, order of topics, pacing, and editorial structure.
- Writing and revision (6 to 12 weeks)The work is written under the author's supervision and undergoes orthographic, grammatical, and technical revisions.
- Design, ISBN, and publication (4 to 6 weeks)The material proceeds to layout, cover design, ISBN registration, and physical and/or digital publication.
The total time ranges between four and six months, depending on the work's complexity and the author's availability.
Investment and return
The investment for a book with a professional ghostwriter ranges between R$ 18,000 and R$ 50,000, and can be higher if the project includes mentoring, promotional videos, or launch campaigns. The publication becomes a strategic asset, used in training, branding initiatives, product launches, and public relations.
"It is a project with a beginning, middle, and end, which requires planning, dedication, and clarity of purpose. The return comes in the form of positioning, authority, and the generation of new opportunities," adds the founder of Alma Editora.
By publishing a book, experts come to be perceived as references in their fields. "What was once just an idea takes on form, depth, and strategy," concludes Julyanne.