When you write a book, whether it’s electronic or in print form, it’s your baby. You dreamt about it. You nurtured it. You brought it to life.

Most authors who use ghostwriters give up a small portion of that parenting aspect because they knowingly used a surrogate. They asked someone to step in and help create and nurture their baby. Those authors may have strong ideas but they are still typically willing to listen to reason.

Those are the “good” ghostwriting clients. (And yes, my friends, there are good ghostwriting and bad ghostwriting clients.)

To the trained ghostwriter eye, the “baddies” can be spotted a mile away. They tell you what an awesomely terrific idea they have. They tell you that they’re scared to even whisper a synopsis of their project to you for fear that you will steal The Greatest Idea Ever. Reluctantly, perhaps they cough up a few pages of half-assed writing before they got too busy, or just got lost in terms of writing. And they tell you that the brilliant idea will bring them the major buckaroos…all the while questioning your fees.

I like to weed the baddies out immediately. I just don’t have the time or inclination to work with jerks, ego-maniacs or clueless people. Simple as that.

I’m a diplomatic person when the need arises. But I won’t BS you. Not in the least.

So when you come to me for my professional opinion, you’re gonna get it. I’m not just a writer. I won’t just write ANYTHING. I want to believe in your work. I want to know you can do well and be proud of your book. Because, hey…it’s an extension of me too. Even if I don’t get to slap my name up on the title page (or anywhere else.)

I had a prospect recently who thought he had a great idea. I pointed out that his idea had been done. Many, many times before. And that while there may be an audience, they would want something NEW. Not some rehashed crap coming from a so-called nobody.

That’s not what he wanted to hear. So he gave me a little attitude. And my “baddie client” warning lights went off.

“This is not a client who will listen to me. This is not a client who will take any advice or criticism gracefully. This is one of those clients who will be in constant battle with me because he is the All-Knowing client.” I told myself.

And I kicked that prospect to the curb.

Because criticism is not about making someone feel bad, tearing them down or ripping them a new one. Nope, it’s about helping someone else, trying to make something better…

And if you can’t take criticism gracefully, then you’re better off with one of those writers who will write anything as long as you hand over the money.