How to write a best-selling business book.
WANT YOUR BUSINESS BOOK WRITTEN BUT DON'T HAVE TIME?
Hire a ghost-writer to do it for you.
Bernadette Schwerdt has written three best-selling business books and is the 'go-to' ghost-writer for successful business owners who want to write their business biography, memoir or motivational book.
Here’s what Bernadette has written,
ghost-written or book coached:
Testimonial from Radek Sali,
former CEO Swisse Vitamins
A huge congratulations to Radek Sali on winning the top prize at the Australian Business Book Awards in the ‘Entrepreneurship and Small Business’ category. It was an absolute pleasure to be his co-author on this project and to see his amazing story come to life.
She is extraordinary!
I hired Bernadette as my ghostwriter - co-writer on this project in the end - because she’s just so diligent and extraordinary in what she does. She was the ultimate team partner in making this project come to life, that I’d struggled with for a number of years. I wish the publisher, who initially signed me up, had connected us from the start because it would have been a dream process - like it was for the 12 months we worked together.
Testimonial from Gabby Leibovich,
Founder Catch.com
Still #1 after three months!
Firstly, we would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Bernadette Schwerdt, our ghost-writer, for all her help in making this book possible. Thank you for sitting with us for hundreds of hours, for helping us sift through the 200,000+ words we’ve written over the years, and for guiding us through the writing and publishing process that enabled us to find our voice, shape the narrative, and craft the stories that make up this book.
Testimonial from Kobi Simmat,
'How to build a business others want to buy'
Congratulations to Kobi Simmat on being a finalist at the Australian Business Book Awards in the ‘Entrepreneurship and Small Business’ category AND in the ‘General Business’ category. I had the privilege of being Kobi’s ghost-writer on this project. It was a privilege to work with him over many months to help him document his remarkable business journey.
I wish I'd done it earlier!
If you're thinking about working with Bernadette, I'd absolutely say it's a no brainer. I can't recommend her enough. Do it and do it now.
Testimonial from Amy Miocevich,
Author of 'The Very Good Marketing Guide'.
I am immensely grateful for her expertise and commitment.
Working with Bernadette was an absolute game-changer for me. I couldn't have navigated the process alone—it felt like a daunting task to bring my ideas to life in the form of a book.; she helped bridge the gap between my ideas and transforming them into a tangible manuscript. Committing to that process was truly transformative—and it's been an incredible journey.
Testimonial from Stephen Hunt,
Owner of Hunt Hospitality.
This book would not be the success it is without you.
Thank you, Bernadette Schwerdt, for the time, effort and support you have put into helping bring my business story to life. Over countless conversations, hundreds of emails, and thousands of words, you have helped me distil a rollicking and rowdy life into a book that I hope will be of value to many others. From when we first met, I knew you were the right person to help me tell my story, and my trust and instinct has been rewarded. Thank you for guiding me through this journey and for providing me with an outstanding learning experience.
Testimonial from Mark Wales,
SAS Soldier, Contestant on Survivor, Author of 'Survivor, Life in the SAS'.
She's the best!
Bernadette is a publishing, writing, and storytelling insider who helped me write my debut book, a memoir published by Pan Macmillan. I approached her years back about the writing process and asked for her advice. Using examples from writing two of her own best selling business books, she gave me tips on not just building a book, but the encouragement to pursue what she knew would be a life-changing endeavour.
Testimonial from Steve Tighe,
Futurist & Author of 'Rethinking Strategy'.
Her advice was instrumental.
Bernadette's advice was instrumental in guiding me to successfully complete my first business book. She is very giving with her time and open to sharing her experiences. She has a genuine desire to see others succeed. She's very giving.
Testimonial from Donna Cameron,
Author of 'Colour, the secret to creating a sustainable wardrobe'.
She gave me the confidence to publish my book.
Bernadette is a wealth of information regarding writing and publishing. Through strategic questioning, she helped me clarify the purpose, structure and ‘hook’ of the book which gave me the direction I needed to get started and saved me so much time. She helped me realise my vision was realistic (not crazy!) and gave me the confidence and impetus for me to publish my book. I highly recommend her!
Testimonial from Aviv Palti,
Author of 'Empowered, a new generation of leaders'.
I appreciate Bernadette's input, encourage & guidance
Bernadette was a great support in helping me find my authentic voice to write ‘Empowered, a new generation of leaders’.
She was straightforward with advice in navigating the world of publishing and opened numerous doors with her incredible connections. Her professional ‘honest friend’ feedback was profound in formulating the early chapters and style of the book.
I very much appreciate Bernadette’s input, encouragement and guidance and would highly recommend her to any aspiring authors
WORK WITH ME
Want to write your business book, but don't know how to get started or don't have the time? Hire a ghost-writer, book coach and best-selling author to do it for you.
Multiple 5-star book reviews:
“Fantastic read - If you are an entrepreneur, READ THIS BOOK".
“100% Mandatory for any budding Australian Entrepreneur".
“I couldn’t put it down and read right through to 2:30am to finish”.
“Hands down the best business book I’ve read”.
DO YOU HAVE A BOOK INSIDE YOU, JUST WAITING TO BE WRITTEN?
Most leaders do. They’ve worked their way to the top of the ladder, have seen and done things along the way that they’d like to share with others and would like to write a book that will help them get their message to the world and smooth the way for others.
You can work with me in three ways:
- Ghost writing
- 1:1 Book coaching
- Small group coaching
Book a Discovery Call to find out how I can help you get your book written.
Why you should work with a ghost-writer
Writing a book takes countless hours - I know, I've written 3 best-selling business books now.
My latest book, Catch of the Decade (ghost-written for Gabby & Hezi Leibovich) went straight to #1 on Booktopia's Best-seller list for Business books 3 days after launch.
How to Build an Online Business and Secrets of Online Entrepreneurs ranked in the Top 100 Business Books of 2016 and 2017.
With major contacts in the publishing industry, I will not only bring your story to life, but guide you through the entire process from conception to publishing.
Download the flier
The benefits of choosing me as your
ghost-writer
Deep business knowledge and experience
With a Business Degree (in Marketing),
I have built successful businesses, have wide knowledge of the entrepreneurial sector and startup mindset, deep relationships with Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs, and I'm able to understand communicate complex business topics simply and quickly.
Mentoring and support
I will write your book proposal, help you submit it to the publishers, advocate for you at publisher meetings, help you assess best suppliers to work with eg publicists etc, guide you through the entire process – from concept to completion, (including the important post-publishing/ promotional stage) and ‘hold your hand’ throughout the journey.
Introductions to valuable contacts
I am able to introduce you to publishers, book publicists, speaker bureaus, editors of large business publications, TV producers, speaking opportunities etc.
Experienced marketer and advertising copywriter
I am able to write the book through a marketing ‘lens’ so that the book delivers specific business outcomes, and am able to write copy that is fast-paced, punchy and grabs attention.
Get instant access to
Top 10 tips for writing a best-selling business book.
A ghost-writer essentially becomes you - your voice, your story, your words. So it's vital you choose a ghost-writer you connect with.
Top 10 tips for...
Writing a
best-selling business book.
Check out a sample of my writing from my best selling books
Book reviews
"A must for anyone contemplating an online business. The entrepreneurs Bernadette has interviewed offer a wealth of information that you'd normally pay a lot of money to receive."
Ed, Melbourne
"Delighted to have been able to provide a little input in this book. Well done Bernadette Schwerdt, an easy and informative read!"
Jane Huxley, Pandora Radio
"I seriously LOVE this book!"
Booktopia review
"I loved the tips, the well thought out flow of 'how to' and how inspired I felt after reading it!"
Booktopia review
"Bernadette has researched the online market thoroughly and has interviewed some of the key players in this field and shared their knowledge. I have gotten some great new ideas and also confirmed that some of the things our company do is on the right path"
Susie from Gold Coast, QLD
"I seriously LOVE this book. So much insight into how to run a business online and hearing it from the best of the best. The best book I have bought for my business."
Dee from Cairns
"I seriously LOVE this book!"
Booktopia review
"Fantastically helpful for start up entrepreneurs and ones who've been at it for a while too!
Not your usual, run of the mill, same old formulas for success rehashed, book. This is an interesting insight into some of the best modern day business minds. Funny, interesting and a pleasure to read. Easy to understand and not full of technical mumbo jumbo.
Loved it!!"
SK from Melbourne
"I read this book on my recent holiday so I could see how these Entrepreneurs turned their ideas into a reality. I always have ideas but the little voices tell 'they're stupid'! This book showed me that the best Entrepreneurs all had doubts, but pushed through them to create multi-million dollar businesses. It's never too late to start. A great read, with humour and very insightful stories."
Mon from Melbourne, AU
"Delighted to have been able to provide a little input in this book. Well done Bernadette Schwerdt, an easy and informative read!"
Jane Huxley, Pandora Radio
"First and foremost, Bernadette Schwerdt is a story-teller. She's a great writer. Most business books are the literally equivalent of porridge. They're healthy for you but drudgery to read. That's not the case with Online Secrets. It's packed wisdom, anecdotes and distills the insights of market leaders into one resource. But, better than that, it's a real page turner. I consumed this book like it was a fine meal. (And I plan to give away a few copies to aspiring online entrepreneurs too. It's that good.)"
James Tuckerman, Anthill Online
"Bernadette's business experience shows in her writing style and how she's presented the info, including the topics she has chosen. It is refreshing to read a business book that gets to the point and is very real world focused. Well worth getting."
David Lennon, Business Coach
"It's eloquent, sharp and funny. This author is infectiously passionate about her subject and has a keen sense of curiosity. It's well-structured and packed with anecdotes, real life examples and experience from those 'making it happen' online. If only all business books were this engaging to read."
Emmaj, Wellington NZ
"As the host of Fairfax TV's Business Talk Show, Bernadette Schwerdt has been in a unique position to capture the best practices from some of the most successful Australian entrepreneurs. She conveyed them in a very approachable how-to guide. I would highly recommend this book as a must read for any aspiring entrepreneur across the globe. If you have an idea, want to start a technology company, read Bernadette's book first. It will save you lots of time and frustrations and help you learn from the best."
Maciej Kranz, San Jose, California, US
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it's a great journey into the minds of some of our country's great self-made business people and how they've succeeded in a massively changing marketplace. A lot of books provide inspiration on starting an online business: this is one of the first books I've read that both inspires AND educates."
The Hawk, Melbourne
"I loved the tips, the well thought out flow of 'how to' and how inspired I felt after reading it!"
She wrote the book she wanted to read, NSW
"Inspiring read with easy, practical ideas. Even made me LOL! It gets you off your chair thinking about ideas to start your own online business. Anyone can do it!"
Helen, Melbourne
The next steps
If you're ready to get started, book a complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call to see how a ghost-writer can help you write your business book.
Email me at info@copyschool.com or phone 0419 891 932.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once we get started, I will submit the chapters to you for review before starting the next chapter. That gives us time to assess it, for you to ensure you’re happy with the writing style/tone and gives us time to change the direction if we need to. I recommend you think of the book in terms of sections or chapters.
My take is that you want to get this done as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
The best route would be to get a contract with a commercial publisher like Wiley or similar. I can introduce you to the commissioning editor there as I have worked with her on my last 3 books.
Having a ghost-writer attached to the project won’t seal the deal but it will make it more attractive to them as they know me, know the quality of my work and know they’ll receive a finished manuscript that is pretty much ready to go.
To secure a Wiley contract, you will need a book proposal. If you engage me as your ghost-writer, I can write that for you, help you negotiate the deal, attend all meetings with you and guide you throughout.
If you go down the self-publishing path, the printing company will take care of that printing/production/distribution process for you as well. I can refer you to a few good self-publishers if Wiley don’t work out.
Irrespective of who publishes the book, I will shepherd you throughout the entire process, so you know exactly what’s happening at all times. Even after the book is published, I will assist you with any promotional help that I can. My goal is to help you create a book you are proud of so that you can happily promote it to the world.
When we get started, expect to meet (either online or via Zoom) at least 8 times during the first 2 months so I can learn more about you. Please allow approximately 5 months for the writing process.
For example:
- Allow 2 months for the briefing process.
- Allow 2 months for the writing process.
- Allow 1 month for the editing process.
* Allow 4 – 5 months for the production process which is taken care of by your publisher.
For all intents and purposes, the book is by you, with your name as the sole author on the cover.
I am able to write quickly and to a specific brief, able to change style/tone for the job at hand, adept at creating a specific ‘voice’ for the author that showcases the author’s true nature.
Once we've had a Discovery Call, you will receive a proposal with an outline of the costs involved in your ghost-writing project. Email me at info@copyschool.com or call 0419891932
© 2024, Bernadette Schwerdt