Amrit Hallan – Ghostwriter for Books

Blog

  • Why the first draft is sometimes longer (or shorter) than the final draft?

    Why the first draft is sometimes longer (or shorter) than the final draft?

    Someone on X asked, “How do people write a first draft longer than the final draft?”

    It’s a good question. One that every book writer, blogger, and ghostwriting client has thought about at some point.

    The answer? It depends.

    Sometimes the first draft is longer. Sometimes it’s not. And both are okay.

    First drafts are like messy kitchens

    Imagine cooking a big meal. You take out every spice, every pot, and every knife—just in case. The kitchen looks like a war zone. But you’re not worried. You’re experimenting. Figuring things out.

    That’s what a first draft is like.

    You dump your thoughts on paper. You ramble. You repeat yourself. You overwrite. Not because you’re bad at writing. But because you’re still trying to understand what you really want to say.

    A client once told me, “I wrote 30,000 words and still don’t know what my book is about.”

    He wasn’t wrong. That 30k was him talking to himself. Thinking out loud. Once we knew the core idea, we cut 15,000 words without blinking.

    That’s ghostwriting.

    A ghostwriter for writing books isn’t just someone who types fast. It’s someone who knows what to keep and what to delete. Someone who can hear the signal through all the noise.

    Why some drafts balloon like that

    Here’s when a first draft usually ends up longer than the final:

    • You’re still figuring out your main idea

    • You’re emotionally attached to every story you know

    • You write just in case someone might need that example

    • You’re scared to leave gaps, so you overwrite

    When you’re in that place, you end up writing like a hoarder. You don’t want to throw anything out. Everything might be useful.

    But when it’s time to edit, you step back and see the clutter.

    You see that Chapter 6 is just a longer version of Chapter 2.

    You realize the anecdote about your first boss adds nothing.

    You notice you’ve said the same thing three times—in slightly different words.

    So, you trim. You shape. You turn the mess into something sharp.

    That’s the shift:
    The first draft is for you. The final draft is for your reader.

    But what about short first drafts?

    Let’s flip it.

    Sometimes, the first draft is tiny. Just a skeleton.

    You start with a single idea. You write a few bullet points. A sentence or two under each. And you stop.

    You don’t have much yet, but what’s there feels solid.

    That’s how I start with most clients who want book writing services. Especially business coaches or subject-matter experts.

    I don’t ask for 10,000 messy words. I ask for 500 focused ones. A story. A point. A belief. Something we can build on.

    From there, we add.

    We layer in their voice.

    We bring in client stories.

    We include examples, metaphors, and side notes.

    What starts as 500 words turns into 5,000.

    The first draft is short. The final one is layered. Full. Deep.

    Both styles work. Neither is wrong.

    Real examples from real people

    One entrepreneur I worked with sent me his “manuscript.” It was 38 pages. No structure. No chapters. No intro. But it had heart.

    His draft was long, because he didn’t want to leave anything out. He was scared he’d forget the one thing that mattered.

    We cut 12 pages, restructured the rest, and turned it into a tight, 20-chapter book.

    Another client—an executive coach—started with just 200 words. A single LinkedIn post, actually.

    She said, “This feels like the heart of the book.”

    It was.

    We expanded that post into a full outline. Then into chapters. Then into a finished book.

    That’s the beauty of ghostwriting.

    Some people talk for hours. Others give you one sentence. Either way, a good ghostwriter for writing books knows how to listen.

    If you’re writing your first book…

    Don’t worry about the length of your first draft.

    Seriously. Don’t.

    Whether it’s too long or too short—it doesn’t matter.

    What matters is momentum. Clarity comes later.

    If you’re drowning in words, keep writing. Then step back and ask: What am I really trying to say?

    If you’re stuck with too little, say one thing clearly. Then build from there.

    There’s no rulebook. There’s no one-size-fits-all.

    That’s why so many people use book writing services.

    Not because they can’t write.

    But because writing a book is different from having a good idea.

    The first draft is you talking to yourself.
    The final draft is you talking to someone else.

    Big difference.

    So don’t stress if your draft looks messy or too short or too long. It’s not a test. It’s a process.

    And if you ever need help—whether you need structure, clarity, or someone to carry the heavy load—ghostwriting exists for a reason.

    A good book writer doesn’t just write.

    They listen.

    They shape.

    They bring your voice to life.

    Whatever shape your draft is in—there’s a book in there. Somewhere.

    You just have to find it.

  • Do I use ChatGPT and other AI tools when I write?

    Yes. That’s the short answer.

    Now, the long one.

    AI helps me, but it doesn’t do the writing. It’s like a calculator for a mathematician, useful, but not a replacement for skill.

    Since I started using Perplexity, I’ve barely used Google. In the past six months (I’m writing this on February 10, 2025), I can count on one hand the times I’ve searched there. AI gives me quick answers. But does it do the actual writing? No.

    When you hire me to write your book, you’re not looking for AI-generated text. You want a writer. Someone who understands your story, your voice, and your way of thinking. AI can summarize. It can predict. But it doesn’t feel. It doesn’t understand the weight of a moment or the rhythm of a good sentence.

    That’s where I come in.

    I use AI to organize information, format text, and build outlines. It helps me sort research fast. Sometimes, when I’m stuck on a sentence, I test an AI suggestion. But I decide what works and what doesn’t, just like an editor would.

    But the words? The writing itself? That’s all me.

    If you’ve ever seen AI write an article, you know what I mean. It sounds okay, but it’s flat. There’s no life in it. AI text is predictable and forgettable. Even AI detectors can spot it. And anyone who reads a lot — editors, publishers, even casual readers — can tell when something feels off.

    I don’t write like that.

    I write with experience. With instinct. With the understanding that writing isn’t just about putting words together—it’s about emotion, meaning, and the pauses in between.

    So, do I use AI? Yes. But the same way a pilot uses autopilot: to assist, not to fly the plane.

    At the end of the day, the writing is mine. Always. And that’s the difference between AI and a human. You can feel the writer behind the words.

  • Do I use AI tools for writing books for my clients?

    Every client asks this question when they start talking to me: when working on my book, will you make ChatGPT write it?

    The answer is yes and no.

    I remember a discussion with a client getting so heated that I told him, “If writing a book with ChatGPT is so easy, why don’t you do it?”

    He tried for two weeks. Got chastised by his mentor for annoying me. Then called me back to write his book, never raising the issue of ChatGPT again.

    Whenever new technologies come, there are people who make use of them, and there are people who exploit them.

    You can use a computer to write a book or to find a cure for cancer or write a computer program or run your entire business, and you can use the same computer to incessantly watch porn or play video games.

    The same happens with ChatGPT and other AI tools.

    You can make ChatGPT write for you, or you can use it to become a better writer yourself.

    I remember a few months ago I wrote: “Good writers become exceptional with AI, and lazy writers become worse.”

    ChatGPT and Claude are great tools for brainstorming outlines.

    Although all the clients are averse to the idea of me using ChatGPT to write their books, 99% of my clients use it to create the outline of their book that they then share with me.

    So, yes, AI tools are great for creating outlines. They’re great for quickly writing 500-600 words on a given topic.

    If you ask them to find a unique angle to the topic you are writing on, they can do that.

    Whereas in normal word processors you can replace string 1 with string 2, in ChatGPT, you can replace one thought with another, no matter what words you have used.

    If you ask ChatGPT to rewrite a thesis level essay in class VI grade level, it instantly does that.

    I don’t use AI to write. But I definitely use AI to gather material, do research, and organize my thoughts.

    Sometimes, when I’m not sure of the sentence that I have written, I ask ChatGPT to make some suggestions and then if I like one of the suggestions, I either use it as it is, or write my own version.

    Otherwise, I write by myself because one, clients hire me because they like my writing style, and two, left to its own devices, AI can be quite boring.

    Why I don’t use AI to write is because when I’m writing, I’m not just writing, I’m expressing myself.

    As they say, AI can describe a flower, it cannot touch and smell it.

    AI can describe the first drop of rain hitting the ground, but it cannot capture the feeling evoked by petrichor.

    But if AI can totally replicate my style, I have no problem using it to write even complete books.

    Only if I cannot differentiate myself.

  • 7 Book Structures That Convert Readers into Customers and Clients

    As a businessperson why do you want to publish a book?

    You may want to leave your legacy.

    You may want to share the goodness of your knowledge and experience with the world.

    But one of the primary reasons is that you want to increase your business.

    So far, I have worked with 11 clients in the past two years (8 books completed, 3 going on).

    There is just one client who made me write his book because he just wanted to share his journey so far. He wasn’t interested in generating business from the book.

    But all other clients, directly or indirectly, want/wanted their books to generate more business.

    How do you write a book that serves as a tool for business development?

    Listed below are 7 book structures that can help you convert your readers into paying customers and clients:

    1. The Story-Driven Book

    As mentioned in my previous post, this can be your client success story. Case studies of how you have implemented different projects. How you have solved problems and how you overcame challenges.

    Why it works

    Readers easily connect with emotions and success stories. This makes them trust you.

    What you can do

    Mention some moments of vulnerability and unexpected lessons that you learned. This humanizes your experiences. Sharing vulnerability makes your readers feel like you’re one of them. If you could make it, so can they. They want to work with someone they feel connected to.

    2. The How-to Guide

    Practical, step-by-step solutions to pressing problems. You can give actionable frameworks or exercises that people can immediately use.

    Why it works

    People appreciate actionable advice. When they see results, they want to hire someone who produced these results.

    What you can do

    Add case studies or testimonials from people who used your how-to guide and succeeded. This reinforces the credibility of your process. It gives your readers a reason to believe your solutions will work for them too.

    3. The Problem-Solution Book

    Slightly different from the how-to guide. Describe a major problem and then offer your proven solution to solve it. Highlight your approach that was most effective.

    Why it works

    Such a book positions you as someone who deeply understands the reader’s struggles and has the answers they need.

    What you can do

    Include potential pitfalls or mistakes people often make when trying to solve the problem (mentioned in the book) on their own. This makes them understand how important it is to use your expertise. They reach out to you for your guidance.

    4. The Authority Building Book

    Over the years you have built unique insights. You have gathered tools and knowledge that position you as an expert in your niche. Many people must have given you testimonials and praises. It builds your authority that further builds your trust and credibility, making it easier for people to trust you and do business with you.

    Why it works

    Establishing authority builds trust and credibility. It makes your readers want to work with you directly.

    What you can do

    You can share behind-the-scenes stories. You can write about exclusive methods that aren’t widely available on the Internet. Your readers will view you as their go-to source when they get inside knowledge from you

    5. The Inspirational Book

    Share inspiring stories. These mind-shift stories help people achieve their goals. Use uplifting language and focus on transformation.

    Why it works

    Readers who feel motivated and hopeful are more likely to invest in your guidance to achieve results.

    What you can do

    With each chapter you can include reflective questions or action steps. This increases engagement. While reading the book itself, they can start their own transformation.

    6. The Q&A or FAQ Book

    A common question your ideal clients ask about your products or services. What are the common problems they face when doing business with you? Break each answer into short, digestible sections.

    Why it works

    It simplifies complex issues. It shows your readers that you understand their concerns. You address the maximum number of questions they may have. It moves them closer to contacting you.

    What you can do

    Use real-world examples in your answers. This makes your answers relatable and practical. They will also help your readers picture themselves benefiting from your expertise and these further build trust in your approach.

    7. The “Myths and Misconceptions” Book

    Break common myths and misconceptions. If there is lots of misinformation in your field, dispel it. Present your unique approach as the clear alternative.

    Why it works

    Busting myths positions you as a knowledgeable leader with a better solution. It also demonstrates that you’re not afraid of taking a stand because often, going against popular misconceptions takes courage.

    What you can do

    Include an actionable insight with every myth you debunk – shows your expertise and confidence. This educates your readers, and also empowers them to make informed decisions. They see you as a trusted guide in navigating the challenges.

    Not everyone wants to publish a book to grow their business, and that’s fine. But if your goal is to use a book as a tool to attract clients, the structures that I have listed above can help. Share relatable stories. Bust myths. Create step-by-step guides. Write an inspirational book. Provide answers to all frequent questions your prospective customers and clients may have. Engage them with case studies.

    Ready to write a book that drives results? Feel free to reach out for guidance.