In ghostwriting, we often think about capturing a single voice—whether it’s a high-profile executive or a passionate entrepreneur. But some of the most compelling books bring together multiple voices. From telling stories of those who can’t share their own experiences to addressing memory loss, the collaborative nature of these narratives can create deeply impactful works.
Let’s explore why writing a book with multiple voices can be so powerful, drawing on examples from my own projects.
The Power of Multiple Voices
1. Giving a Voice to Those Who Can’t Speak for Themselves
Sometimes, we need to tell stories for people who can’t share them on their own. Sophie Delezio was two years old when a tragic accident in her childcare center left her with burns to 85 percent of her body. Two years later, Sophie was hit by a car, and once again was left with near-fatal injuries. Her survival caught the hearts of the public, and I was invited to write a book about her experiences. Sophie’s Journey tells her story through the eyes of hospital staff, emergency workers, and Sophie’s family and supporters. I interviewed more than 80 people to create the fullest possible picture of Sophie’s strong spirit, and the power of community in saving lives.
2. Handling Memory Loss and Dementia
Memory loss and dementia present unique challenges for storytelling. This past year I worked with a remarkable philanthropist on his memoir. The book was intended for his family only, to offer a compass as they made their own ways in life. Partway through the interview process, the philanthropist was given a diagnosis of mild dementia. As his memories faded, I decided to as his family members to contribute their favorite memories, in order to piece together a fuller picture of his life. This collective effort not only captured the essence of the subject’s life but also honored his legacy through the perspectives of those who knew him best.
3. Integrating Member Stories for Richer Content
Books that feature multiple voices can be especially powerful for organizations or families. Because I Said I Would is a social movement with a mission to shift how we view commitment and accountability. Its signature is “promise cards” on which people commit to a promise. More than 13 million promise cards are in circulation. I collaborated with the organization’s founder, Alex Sheen, on a book that brought together dozens of examples of promises made and kept, as well as offering advice on how to get better at honoring our word. Each voice added a unique angle to the narrative, making it more engaging and approachable.
Why You Should Consider Including Multiple Voices in Your Book
1. Adding Depth and Authenticity
Using multiple voices in a book can make it more authentic and engaging. For businesses, this approach provides a fuller picture of their history and values. Including stories from employees, clients, and other stakeholders gives readers a more rounded view of the organization’s journey and impact.
2. Building Emotional Connection
Books with multiple perspectives often connect more deeply with readers. This is especially useful when the goal is to inspire or motivate. For example, in Sophie’s Journey, the different voices of Sophie’s family and medical team created a strong narrative of hope.
3. Highlighting Diverse Contributions
Including multiple voices can show the wide range of contributions within an organization or community. This is valuable for non-profits like “Because I Said I Would,” or any group with a broad base of support. By sharing stories from various contributors, organizations can highlight the collective effort behind their achievements and underscore the importance of each person’s role.
The Collaborative Process
Writing a book with multiple voices involves an amount of coordination and planning. Here are some of the essential steps.
Planning: Be clear about your reason for including contributors. Look at examples of other books that have used different voices to find the right model for your book.
Interviews: Develop a list of discussion points, then talk to each contributor to gather their perspectives and experiences.
Story Integration: Weave these different voices into a single, cohesive narrative.
Professional Editing: Work with a professional editor to polish the manuscript and ensure that all voices are represented accurately.
Creating a book with multiple voices can be incredibly rewarding. It adds depth to the story and can create a stronger emotional connection with readers. Whether you’re telling the story of someone who can’t speak for themselves, dealing with memory loss, or showcasing contributions from group members, this approach allows you to share diverse perspectives. By embracing this collaborative method, you can create a book that resonates on many levels and stands out in a crowded market.
To get a glimpse of the books I’ve had a hand in, visit http://www.sallycollings.com
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