Sally Collings – Ghostwriter

Should you approach literary agents, look for a specialist publisher, or pursue hybrid publishing? Is your proposal ready to send—or would you be better off rethinking the book before you spend more time writing it?

I help nonfiction authors answer these questions and work out what to do next.

As a former nonfiction publisher at HarperCollins and editorial director at Amber Books, I’ve made acquisition decisions, commissioned books, and managed publishing lists. As a ghostwriter and publishing consultant, I’ve sat on the author’s side of the table, developing proposals and helping clients pursue representation and publication. I understand both the work that goes into a book and the scrutiny it faces when an editor is deciding whether to publish it.

My consultancy focuses on traditional and hybrid publishing. I work particularly well with authors writing about business and leadership, personal development, spirituality and well-being, and personal experiences that have something to offer a wider readership.

PUBLISHING STRATEGY

A publishing plan should begin with what you want the book to achieve. Reaching a broad readership, supporting a speaking career, changing how people understand an issue, and sharing hard-won experience can each call for different approaches.

I assess your concept, intended readership, competing titles, author platform, and proposal or manuscript. Then I recommend a publishing route and explain what you’ll need to do to pursue it. For some authors, hybrid publishing better suits their timetable, priorities, and desired involvement. If you’re considering that route—or already have an offer—I can review a publisher’s proposal and help you assess whether its services, costs, and commitments suit your goals.

I’ve developed publishing strategies for approximately 22 client books that went on to publication: 10 with traditional publishers, seven with hybrid publishers, and five through self-publishing.

AGENT & PUBLISHER QUERYING

Before you submit a proposal, you need to know whether it makes a convincing case for your book. I’ve been on the receiving end of hundreds of book proposals over the years. I know how editors read them, what questions they need answered, and where an otherwise promising project can lose their interest.

I bring that experience to reviewing your query letter and proposal, judging whether you’re ready to submit, and identifying suitable agents and publishers. My written assessment explains what to strengthen, how to present the project, and how to select appropriate targets. (Rewriting your materials or researching a tailored submission list would be separately agreed work.) You handle submissions and follow-ups, with a clear plan to guide you.

I’ve helped authors query agents for 18 book projects, with at least nine securing representation.

WHAT YOU’LL TAKE AWAY

You’ll leave knowing what I recommend, why, and which steps deserve your attention first. If your proposal needs substantial work or your publishing expectations need adjusting, I’ll explain that plainly.

BOOK & PROPOSAL GHOSTWRITING

For authors seeking more extensive support, I also take on selected book proposal and manuscript ghostwriting projects. My work includes USA Today bestselling and award-winning nonfiction.