Family History Guide

Project Overview I am seeking an experienced non-fiction ghostwriter to collaborate on a 20,000-word "how-to" guide for adults interested in documenting their family history. The goal of this book is to demystify the process, showing readers that genealogy is accessible, manageable, and—most importantly—fun. The manuscript must avoid academic dryness and instead maintain a friendly, conversational, and light-hearted tone. Incorporating wit and humor is highly encouraged to keep the reader engaged and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed by the research process. Scope of Work The writer will be responsible for drafting the manuscript based on a provided detailed outline and source material. • Word Count: Approximately 20,000 words. • Timeline: 3–4 months from start to finish. • Structure: The book is organized into 6 core sections: 1. The "Why": Understanding the purpose of capturing family history. 2. Getting Started: Practical tips for gathering documents, organizing findings, and recording facts simply. 3. The Human Element: Best practices for interviewing family members. 4. Beyond the Attic: How to expand research using census, military, and other public records. 5. The Final Product: Formalizing findings into a permanent, shareable record. 6. Appendix: (Note: I will be providing all content for the forms, charts, and checklists contained in the appendix; the writer’s responsibility is limited to the narrative text.) Required Skills & Qualifications • Proven experience in instructional or "how-to" non-fiction writing. • Ability to distill complex research processes into clear, simple, and actionable steps. • Strong command of a conversational, witty, and engaging narrative voice. • Experience in book-length projects (please provide relevant portfolio samples or book titles). • Ability to work collaboratively and adhere to an agreed-upon project timeline. Deliverables • Full manuscript (approx. 20,000 words) formatted in MS Word. • Collaboration on chapter-by-chapter drafts to ensure the tone remains consistent. To Apply Please include the following in your proposal: 1. A brief introduction highlighting your experience with instructional or non-fiction books. 2. A link to your portfolio or specific examples of your writing style. 3. Confirmation that you can meet the 3–4 month project timeline. 4. Your preferred process for maintaining a consistent "voice" throughout the manuscript.