Today we’d like to introduce you to Erick Mertz

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I’ve been a writer from the beginning. When I say “the beginning” I mean, since I was seven or eight years old and nagged my father, an engineer, to bring notebooks home from work to write my stories in.

I always knew that writing and storytelling was something I wanted to do.

After college, I was always on the prowl for a way to break into writing. Being something of an unconventional person, however, I eschewed the “easy” route of getting a Masters Degree. Instead, I started out case managing for adults with developmental disabilities. It was a steady job that fed my need for connection with people, but my eye was always firmly set on a creative career.

My role as a ghostwriter, I think, springs out of a combination of the two. I found my natural storytelling abilities helped me work with people in need and, as a result, I got really comfortable in the position of listening and helping people’s truths come through.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

There are no smooth roads. Anyone who tells you the road was easy must have amnesia.

Challenges have certainly been abundant on the road to a purposed life. I don’t think any life worth living just falls into place. Markets change. Competition is stiff. People’s belief in me wavered.

I met the challenge by remaining focused. I always knew that, if anything, the path to the career I wanted was an endurance race and I was distinguishing myself by sticking in it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I believe my ability to listen closely to clients sets me apart from the others. I first learned strong listening skills in journalism school then plied it professionally as a case manager. Later I honed this skill during abuse investigations and use it today, working as a high level ghostwriter. I hear meaningful elements in people’s stories, whether it’s a theme or an idea, and help them translate those into compelling manuscripts.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?

I think luck has played a tremendous role. I’m often in the right place at the right time, but I also believe that you make your own luck in business. You have to be able to answer lady luck’s call.

Pricing:

• Understand the project before offering an estimate of cost
• No two projects are the same, so make sure you’re looking for nuances
• Emphasize value for everyone
• Repeat clients come from making sure they come away happy the first time
• Top dollar isn’t always the best result

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.erickmertzwriting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erickmertz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erickmertzwriting
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ErickMertz