Ben A. Wise

Take your interviews and meetings to organized, detailed content briefs in minutes.

All you need is a transcript and to click a few buttons. 

Who it’s for:
• Ghostwriters 
• Agencies 
• B2B + B2C Companies

Use Cases:
• Thought leadership 
• Subject-matter expertise 
• Product releases

How it works:
• Use any transcription tool to obtain a transcript from your meeting or interview
• Upload or copy & paste your transcript, let storyd.pro do the work to organize your content ideas with direct quotes from your transcript
• Select the content idea, choose your outline, and generate your content brief

Owner

Your business is destined for greatness. Your story is an inseparable part of the journey. We'll help with both.

Storyd is a boutique ghostwriting studio that specializes in helping B2B & leaders scale their companies through LinkedIn content and outreach.

Jonathan Jordan

Unleash your Inner Storyteller | Book Coach & LinkedIn Ghostwriter | Let's empower your Story to transform Ideas into Impact.

Billion dollar founders and rebel CEOs trust me with their nonfiction books for one reason:

Because great storytelling leads to great results.

As a former social worker and multi-business owner, I help CEOs and founders tackle their Page Fright, unleash their Inner Storyteller, and turn stories into ROI. That's why in 2025, I was nominated for the ONLY ghostwriting award in all of publishing. And why my clients have won over 40+ accolades, including the Kirkus Star, the IBPA Silver Medal, Publisher's Weekly A rating, and #1 nonfiction title on Audible.

From Silicon Valley CEOs to serial entrepreneurs, my clients have also won 7-figure customers, launched courses, gained speaking opportunities, and sold thousands of books to bolster their industry authority.

Here’s how I can help you turn your story into status:
1. Follow me to learn effective writing.
2. DM me about a 1:1 coaching session.
3. Go read "Start With Story." Get it from bookshop.org/a/106317/9798991327008 to support your local bookstore.

Book Coach and Editor

Book coaching and editing services.

We met our son 23 hours after finding out he existed.


January 16, 2022:

We'd been in the adoption process for a year.

Home study done.
Health screenings done.
Trainings complete and ongoing.

But in December of 2021, our agency still had ZERO expectant mothers in their program.

"Just keep up your training requirements," they said during our monthly check-in.

After all...

We still had to be selected by a birth mother.
Which usually happens in 2nd trimester.

So coming into 2022, we thought we still had months and months of waiting.

Maybe even another year.

When we headed to bed at 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, January 16th, 2022,
the last thing we expected was a call from our caseworker.

"So, this NEVER happens, but...
...we got a call from a hospital.
They had a walk-in patient in labor.
She gave birth yesterday to a boy."

"Their social worker has already gone over her options.
She's asking about adoption.
We're talking to her again tomorrow.
Can we show her your profile book?"

At 2 p.m. the next day, we were at our favorite coffee shop when she called again:

"She picked you guys.
You'll be able to pick him up tonight.
Congratulations."

I kissed my wife.
Through tears.
"We have another son."

A literal Target run to grab anything we hadn't bought yet.

Calls to my wife's parents to pick up our 8 year-old from gymnastics.

Heads spinning.
Hearts bursting.

At 8 p.m., we met him.
Signed guardianship papers.

At 9 p.m., he was home with us.
And our family finally felt complete.

Happy birthday, MJ.
We weren't there for your birth.
But we got there as fast as we could.

I save CEOs from writing bad books | 2025 Andy Award nominee for ghostwriting l Book coach to billion $ CEOs and founders

Ghostwriting is a total rip-off.

Right off the bat,
we can't guarantee book sales.
[because best writing ≠ bestselling]

Second,
we're so much slower than AI.
[i mean, come on, 6-8 months to write a book???
what is this? 2021?]

Third,
we ask too many questions.
[the actual audacity.]

Maybe that's why books I've ghostwritten:
-Won 37 publishing awards
-Hit #1 on Audible
-Attracted 7-figure clients
-Was praised by Deepak Chopra
-Led to a 35,000-person speaking gig

Like I said...total rip-off.

===
Hi, I'm Jonathan, and I save CEOs from publishing bad books.

12 days into January and the 1st award of the year came through.
The Independent Press Awards recognized my client:

First Place, Entrepreneurship & Small Business

When my clients win, I win.

[plus, it's a balm for ye olde imposter syndrome.]

This unhinged 18-year-old doesn't know that one day he's going to earn 6-figgies/year as a full-time writer:


He thinks he'll be earning millions as a celebrity author.
[no such thing.]

Or maybe as a famous screenwriter.
[even less of a thing.]

He thinks that will happen by age 25. 
30 at the latest.
[he's an idiot.]

Here's what he doesn't know:

-He'll believe bad advice at 21 that writing careers aren't real.
-He'll become a social worker at age 22.
-He'll meet the love of his life at 23.
-He'll buy a fitness franchise at 25.
-He'll sell that biz for too low at 29.
-He'll settle for cheap-ass freelance gigs at 30.
-He'll lose literally all of his money [and almost his life] at 31.
-He'll finally take a chance on himself at 32.
-He'll get hired by millionaires at age 34.
-He'll become a full-time writer at 36.
-He'll have his first six-figure year at 37.
-He'll be nominated for a major ghostwriting award at 39.

And at 40, he's going to help other people avoid the mistakes he made along the way.

I’m giving away my 6-step anti-freelancing roadmap to whoever wants it. Just shoot me a DM or comment.

>>>At what age were you the most unhinged?

80% of nonfiction business authors make these 5 book mistakes:


1: “People will care about my story because I led a big/influential company.”

Wrong.
People only care about your story if you show them how to get what they want.

2: “Chapter titles should tell people what the chapter is about.”

Wrong.
Chapter titles should be hooks.

3: “My failures should be footnotes, my wins should be highlights.”

Wrong.
Reverse that.

4: “I need to make sure the reader knows how smart I am with big-ass words.”

Wrong.
Make the reader feel smart and they'll give you the credit.

5: “My book will be a bestseller if it's really well written.”

Wrong.
Your book will be a bestseller if it's really well marketed.
[though great writing should play a role]

Bonus: “No one can tell that I quietly leveraged AI to write. Because it’s not about the words, it’s about the ideas.”

Wrong.
Yes, we can. And we're laughing at you.

You’re not worried about making these mistakes because you can’t see them.

I help you see them.

>>>what would you title your life story? Wrong answers only.

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The 9 revenue baskets that earned me $140,146 in 2025:

In 2022, I went full-time with 2 pipelines.
In 2023, I started adding new ones.

1. Ghostwriting
-Biggest piece of the pie.

2. Book Coaching
-People assume this is a euphemism for "ghostwriting." Sometimes. But mostly not.

3. Book Doctoring
-Projects that fall into the awkward space between ghostwriting and developmental editing.

4. Developmental Editing
-Took on 7 full edits last year, typically when other clients were working through revisions.

5. 1:1 Consulting/Coaching
-Should probably be doing more of this but then I have less time to write.

6. Book sales
-People keep finding my book on Amazon and Ingram even though I do a lousy job of actively promoting said book.

7.  Proofreading
-I had one proofread that was part of an old contract. Don't ask me to proofread your book. I'll happily refer you to someone else.

8. Substack
-I made a little from my Substack newsletter but eventually decided to make it completely free.

9. Merch sales
-I have an Etsy shop of writing-related mugs. Sometimes people find it.

Revenue baskets I'm building in 2026:
-Digital products
-Video tie-ins with digital products
-Speaking [?]

Took me 3 years of hard work to build these baskets.
But that's how you build sustainability.
That's how you stop trading time for money.
And you don't have to be remotely famous to do it.

>>>What's a basket you added in 2025 or are adding in 2026?

Ran my first 5K in 11 years.
In the Bahamas. On vacation.

Why?

Because you have to put skin in the game.

I've already paid for a 10-miler in April.
In Orlando.

No, I can't run 10 miles yet.
But I will.

>>>What's the "hard thing" you're making yourself do right now?

One stupid writing trick that instantly makes your message land better:


Don't start with "I."

This is the number 1 editing note for my book clients:
"You're starting too many sentences with 'I.'"

9/10 times, the "I" sentence can be reframed.

"I couldn't believe she just said that aloud in a meeting."
→"Shocked expressions lined both sides of the conference room. No one in the room could believe she had just said that aloud."

"I was worried I wouldn't arrive on time."
→"Worry raced through me like the White Rabbit shouting 'I'm late, I'm late, I'm late!'"

"I never start a sentence with 'I.'"
→"Never start a sentence with 'I.'"

When I ghostwrite or edit, every sentence goes through an "I-Test."

If "I" really is the best start, so be it.
At least then it's been put to the test.

>>>Who else needs to get better at this with their comments, though? [hi] 

Alright, time for me to sit back and await the inevitable "Seinfeld" quotes.

5 things I'd do differently if I started freelancing today:
1. Compare myself more.
-Comparing myself to those "ahead" of me has only made me better, not worse.

2. Cut down my offers.
-Too many offers creates confusion, not options.

3. Post on LinkedIn more.
-Spent hours crafting blogs that 3 people read. Meanwhile, even a crappy LinkedIn post can get at least 300 views.

4. Learn marketing.
-If you're not finding marketing angles for clients, you're not serving them the best you could be.

5. Network more.
-I saw other writers as competition instead of as colleagues. And my business suffered for it.

Bonus: Swear off the writing platforms.
-Fiverr and Upwork are cesspools where careers race to the dank and derelict bottom.

I'm launching a resource this month to help freelancers scale way faster than I did.

If you're a freelance writer/editor and want a sneak peek, message me SNEAK.
I'm currently on a boat, but I'll totally catch up with you.

>>>What would you do differently?

In the past 2 weeks, I've reached out to 19 local Rotary Clubs.
Heard back from zero:


Last year, I learned from Donnie Boivin that Rotary Clubs are always looking for free guest speakers.

Since speaking is one of my 2026 goals, I finally acted on his advice.

Sent emails.
Used their contact forms.
Even texted the number for the Rotary Club in the next town over.

Nothing.
Not even crickets.
Not even a polite "hell no."

So a word of advice for those who run professional organizations:

At the very least, say,  "Your topic doesn't align with our members' interests."

This is my ranty way of saying, "If you want a free speaker to teach your group about publishing, here I am."

>>>When's the last time you were ghosted?

Last October, I visited C.S. Lewis's grave.
But his best writing advice is still alive:

1. Turn off the radio.
- Insert "Netflix."

2. Read all the good books you can, and avoid nearly all magazines.
- Insert "social media."

3. Always write (and read) with the ear, not the eye.
- Aye aye, captain.

4. Write about what really interests you.
- Interest trumps expertise. Every time.

5. Take pains to be clear.
- Clear > Clever.

6. When you give up a bit of work, don't throw it away. Put it in a drawer. It may come in useful later.
- Nothing is wasted.

7. Be sure you know the meaning of every word you use.
- Translation: Stop trying to sound smart.

[From "On Writing (And Writers)" p. 3-5]

>>>Which of these stands out to you most?

P.S. I'll be slow with responses today. Headed to the airport to board a boat.

Write like you'll be read 100 years after you're pushing daisies.
[shoulder kitty optional]


When Mark Twain turned in his autobiography to his publisher, he gave strict instructions:

"Don't publish this until I've been dead 100 years."

That's how convinced he was that his writing had long legs.

Most authors get wrapped up in the moment:
-Fiction: "Which genres are hot?"
-Nonfiction: "Which topics are trending?"
-Memoir: "What will get me noticed NOW?"

But there's a contradiction in publishing:

The best way to stay current is to be evergreen.

Find the evergreen messages.
Make them current.

=
Hi, I'm Jonathan and I save CEOs from writing bad books by helping them find evergreen messages.

The bank denied us a $325,000 mortgage.
[but I still got the last laugh.]


May, 2019.
We were tired of renting.
Finally getting back on our feet.

I had a steady 9-to-5 W2 sales job.

And my fledgling writing business made $40K in 2018.

So we filed for a loan on a new build.

The bank said no.

They said the $40K didn’t count.

In essence: "Writing isn't a real income."

There was one option:
"We'll approve if you have a co-signer."

So I had to humble myself and ask my FIL to co-sign our mortgage.

He did [because he's a generous, loving guy].

In 2021, we refinanced so that the house was only in our name.

In 2022, my writing income doubled my old W2 salary.

When you're building a writing biz, this is the kind of obstacle you'll run into.

The world won't get it.
Banks won't get it.
Friends, family, frenemies.

They won't get it.

But you don't need their permission.
You only need YOUR permission.

My new resource teaches you how to build a $100K+ writing biz officially launhes tomorrow.

Ready to build?

MLK Jr.'s best writing advice:
"Write angry."


"If I wish to compose or write or pray or preach well, I must be angry. Then all the blood in my veins is stirred, and my understanding is sharpened."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

If your content isn't landing, here's the problem:

There's not enough emotion.

You're being too precious.
Too gentle.
Too careful.

Your stance isn't strong enough.
And your non-readers know it.

There's a reason MLK, Jr.'s words still land today.

Because there is real, raw, visceral emotion tied to the words.

Find the emotion to land the message.
Write angry.
Write sad.
Write joyful.
Write scared.
Write jealous.
Write hopeful.
Write frustrated.

If you're not making $100K+ as a writer/editor yet:
I've got something for you.


9 years.
That's how long it took between earning $24 for a blog...
[they paid me with a check]
...to crossing the six-figure/year mark.

Let's speed that up.

Currently doing a "soft launch" of my 200-page writing business guide "Word Up."

It teaches you:
-How to stand out
-How to build your portfolio
-How to find your first 5-figure clients
-How to price and pitch with confidence
-How to diversify your writing income streams

ChatGPT told me to price it for $250.
I said "Eff you, Chat."

The first 50 people get it for $17.
https://lnkd.in/gsut3Utk

>>>Need more deets? Drop a question in the comments or DMs.

You're burning out because you think LinkedIn is a Lead Machine.
[some brutal honesty:]


I've posted regularly on LinkedIn since June of 2023.
Not every day.
But at least 300 days a year.

Yet I rarely get DMs from prospects.
[I get pitched to WAY more in my DMs.]

So why do I stay on?

Because it's totally changed my business:
-I've built a solid network of professionals
-I've gained more followers than any other social I've tried
-I've learned from people ahead of me
-I've been blessed to help people behind me
-And I've even had prospects say, "I looked up your LinkedIn profile..."

And if you only listen to gurus who claim that 1 post = 5 warm leads, then yeah, you're gonna burn out.

You need an ROI here that goes deeper than dollars.

Stop seeing LinkedIn as a sales floor.
Start seeing it as a playground.

That one shift changes everything.
[except your underwear. 
Please change that offline.]

Choose your own adventure here.
And if you need content ideas, shoot me a DM.
I've got a resource that can help you generate 100+ post ideas.

>>>What's your deeper ROI on LinkedIn?

=
Hi, I'm Jonathan and I save CEOs from publishing bad books.

How do you know your content is working?
You're accused of having a "weak take."

Recently, I had a post that did alright.
One commenter said it was "a weak take."

This kind of comment used to be my nightmare.
But now I appreciate such disagreement.
[i worry when social media is too chummy.]

So I invited the commenter to share a stronger take.

Nothing.
No DM convo.
No comment back.

Because most critics don't have their own POV to share.
They just know the POV they don't like.

Actual weak takes get no response.
[i know this all too well.]

Got critics?
Good.
You're doing something right.

=
Hi, I'm Jonathan, and I save CEOs from publishing bad books [with weak takes].

Reach out if you're worried your book sucks.

I fell $9,853.27 short of my 2025 revenue goal.
With $25,000 in AR.

One response is:
"Dammit, I missed the goal."

The other is:
"Sweet. At the end of 2024, I had $0 in AR."

In the battle of 
How Far You've Come 
vs. 
How Far You Have To Go

...always place your bets on how far you've come.

===
Hi, I'm Jonathan and I save CEOs from publishing bad books.
Here for you if you're worried that your book sucks.

2013-2018: Freelance gigs for $25-$75
2020: Landed my first $10,000 project.
Here’s what changed:


1. My perspective.
-Stopped thinking like a freelancer.
-Started thinking like an entrepreneur.

2. My portfolio.
-Became my own first client.
-Used before/after pics of my work.

3. My pipelines.
-Stopped depending on gig platforms.
-Connected with real publishers.

Now I’m sharing the 6 steps that helped me ditch lowball, soul-sucking gigs for premium, life-affirming work.

For free.

Comment ROADMAP and I’ll send it your way.

Where's the line between "bold" and "cringe"?
This post will find out by naming the 3 types of clients I want:

1. YouTubers
-I'm already working with one who has an audience of 11 million.
[but not the one pictured here.]

2. Elite athletes
-I've already worked on projects for a former pro golfer, a former NFL player, and a Paralympian.
[not the one pictured here, though I'm cheering for Brenna in the upcoming 2026 Paralympics.]

3. Name brand builders
-I've already worked with CEOs of billion dollar and household name brands.
[not the one pictured, though I drove for Uber for 4 years, so...]

Maybe this post is bold.
Maybe this post is cringe.
Or maybe it's just super-naive.

But hey, if any of them [or their representatives] want to find me to tell me "Yes," "No," or "Who are you?" 

...well, you know where to find me.

>>>On a scale of Yikes to Yeesh, how cringe is this post?

taplio

The Battle

Ben A. Wise

Jonathan Jordan

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The Battle

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