Working with Me: FAQs

I’m interested in hiring you. Where can I see examples of your work and client testimonials?

Right over here.

I don’t have a literary agent yet. Do I need one, and if so, can you help me find one?

If you’re hoping to get a book deal with a traditional publisher (such as Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, etc.), having an agent is extremely helpful.

Although it’s possible to get a book deal without an agent, it can be tricky because many publishers don’t accept pitches directly from authors. They require an agent reaching out on your behalf.

If we’re working together, and you don’t yet have an agent representing you, I can make personal introductions to agents in my network who may be interested in your project. (No guarantees that one of these agents will offer representation, but I’m happy to make the introduction.)

I can also help you identify other agents who would be a good fit and help you craft a pitch email (called a “query letter” in the publishing world) to reach out.

Can you help me get a book deal with a publisher? If so, what’s the process to make this happen?

Yes.

While I can’t guarantee that you will get a book deal (there are no 100% guarantees in publishing), the majority of my clients do. (In cases where a traditional book deal doesn’t work out, hybrid publishing can be a good alternative.)

In the past, my clients have gotten offers from publishers including Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Bloomsbury, Wiley, Sounds True, Audible Originals, and beyond.

To get a publishing deal (aka “book deal”) for a nonfiction book, the process looks like this:

First, you create a proposal describing what your book is about, why you’re the right person to write it, and why you believe this book will be a success.
You’ll also put together a sample of the book you intend to write, usually one to three chapters.
Next, your literary agent pitches your proposal and sample chapters to publishers who may be interested.
Once a publisher makes you an offer, your agent negotiates to get you the best possible deal.
When the book deal is finalized and signed, you’re given a deadline to deliver your manuscript.
At that point, you write the rest of the manuscript and send it to your publisher.
Your publisher provides additional editing, proofreading, interior layout, cover design, publishing, and distribution.

I help clients through the entire process: getting an agent, writing the proposal and sample chapters, pitching, writing the manuscript, all the steps—all the way to holding the beautiful book in your hands.

Can you help me write a strong book proposal that leads to a publishing deal?

Yes.

If you haven’t written anything yet, we can start from scratch.

If you have started writing your proposal but it’s not finished, or could be better, we can build on your existing draft and make it stronger.

Once I get a publishing deal, what kind of advance can I anticipate?

Most publishers offer an advance (money paid to you upfront, prior to the book’s publication) plus royalties (a percentage of book sales once it is published).

In the past, my clients have secured advances ranging from $10,000 to $350,000.

The amount of your advance depends on many factors, including the publisher, your book topic, your platform, and more.

What about hybrid publishing? Do you recommend this option for some clients?

Yes.

Depending on your goals, timeline, and other factors, hybrid publishing can be an excellent path for your book.

I recommend Page Two for hybrid publishing. They do excellent work—equal to, if not better than, many traditional publishers. Other hybrid publishers include Amplify and Scribe.

If you’re not sure what hybrid publishing is, or if it’s the right path for you, consider working with me.

I’m happy to share more about the differences between traditional vs. hybrid publishing and help you determine which option makes the most sense for you.

When I hire you, are you doing all the writing for me—like a ghostwriter? Or am I the person writing, and then you polish and edit my rough drafts? How does it work?

This depends on the client and what kind of support you want.

Some clients hire me as a ghostwriter.

With ghostwriting, the process looks like this:

I interview you and prompt you with questions to pull out material for the book.
I record our conversations and get them transcribed.
Then I pull from these transcriptions (and other source material, such as your TED talk, podcast episodes, articles, etc.) to craft a book manuscript in your voice.
It’s all you—your ideas, your stories, your message—I simply weave it together into a book.
Throughout the writing process, I get your feedback on every chapter to fine-tune the wording so it sounds exactly like you.

Hiring me as a ghostwriter is a good option for clients who love to speak aloud but don’t necessarily love to write—or who simply don’t have the time or bandwidth to write a manuscript all on their own.

Other clients don’t want a ghostwriter. They’re looking for a writing partner, which is different.

This role is a combination of creative partner + book coach + editor. You’re doing a lot of the writing yourself—and I help make your writing stronger.

When I’m your writing partner, the process goes like this:

I help you plan out what you’re going to cover in each chapter.
I give you writing assignments to complete (“Here’s your assignment for chapter three…”).
You complete each assignment and send your rough draft to me.
I edit and polish your drafts to make them stronger.
Sometimes I add more material to expand on what you’ve written: more stories, more research, whatever is needed to make the book the strongest it can be.
And, I help you make all the big and little decisions that go into creating a great book: which stories to tell, how to strike the right tone, and which cover design is best. I’m by your side through it all.

Every project is unique, and the type of support I provide depends on the client’s needs.

If you have questions about the differences—ghostwriter vs. writing partner—reach out, and we can set up a time to talk about these options.

Do you work on nonfiction books only? What if I want to write a novel, a children’s book, or something else?

When working with clients, I specialize in nonfiction.

This includes books on psychology, business, finance, leadership, wellness, parenting, relationships, self-help and personal development, and other nonfiction topics, as well as memoirs.

While I love fiction and children’s books, these aren’t my areas of expertise.

I’d be happy to refer you to a colleague who has more knowledge in these genres.

Are you available to begin working on my project immediately?

Maybe! Sometimes, I’m booked up six months in advance or more. Other times, I have openings right away.

Email me (alexandra@alexandrafranzen.com), and I can let you know my availability.

What’s your typical pricing range?

Projects range from $3,000 to $5,000 (consulting), all the way to $55,000 to $75,000 (full-length manuscript).

Pricing depends on the scope of the project. More details here.

After hearing more about what you need, I can put together a proposal and quote for you to consider.

For larger projects, most clients pay in monthly installments rather than all at once.

Could we do a small “test project” before committing to something bigger?

Definitely, I always recommend this with new clients.

After learning more about your goals, I’ll propose a test project that I recommend we do.

This will help us to confirm that we have excellent creative chemistry and can produce something great together.

I have another question…

Email me: alexandra@alexandrafranzen.com

Thank you!