Professionals who invest in building their personal brand can see up to a 25% increase in recognition of their competencies, according to a survey by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV). At the same time, on-demand publications — including books developed with ghostwriters — grew by 15% in 2023, with a notable rise in the nonfiction segment, according to data from the Brazilian Book Chamber (CBL). The combination of these factors drives the production of original works as a tool for positioning and generating new business opportunities.
Experts, executives, and entrepreneurs looking to expand their market presence are increasingly turning to book publishing as a way to translate experience into authority. The process is guided 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, writer mentor, and founder of Editora Alma, this model especially caters to professionals who have accumulated knowledge but lack the 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 says.
How the process works
The editorial journey follows a structured timeline with clearly defined stages:
- Briefing and editorial planning (1 to 2 weeks)An initial meeting to define objectives, target audience, key messages, and the book’s value proposition.
- Interviews and content extraction (4 to 8 weeks)The content is collected orally through recorded sessions. “The expert brings their experience, and we bring the technique. This careful listening process ensures the book’s authenticity,” explains Julyanne.
- Narrative structure development (2 to 3 weeks)The team defines the number of chapters, theme order, pacing, and editorial structure.
- Writing and revision (6 to 12 weeks)The work is written under the author’s supervision and undergoes spelling, grammar, and technical review.
- Design, ISBN, and publishing (4 to 6 weeks)The material is sent for layout, cover design, ISBN registration, and physical and/or digital publication.
The total time varies between four and six months, depending on the book’s complexity and the author’s availability.
Investment and return
Investing in a book with a professional ghostwriter ranges between R$18,000 and R$50,000 and can be higher when 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’s a project with a clear beginning, middle, and end that requires planning, dedication, and purpose. The return comes in the form of positioning, authority, and new opportunities,” adds the founder of Editora Alma.
By publishing a book, experts are perceived as references in their fields. “What was once just an idea now has form, depth, and strategy,” concludes Julyanne.
