About Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting is hiring a writer to help you write something on your behalf: a book, a screenplay, lyrics to a song, a report, a speech, anything. The most commonly ghostwritten projects are books, both fiction and nonfiction, but there is no limit to what they can do. And of course, the ghostwriter’s name usually doesn’t appear on the book cover as the author or co-author.

How does the ghostwriting process work?

Most times, the process is pretty simple. The ghostwriter meets with the subject, gathers information, whether through further interviews or via email communication, and then uses the information gathered to write the book. The ghostwriter can then add, edit, and generally improve the way the material is presented. When you hire a ghostwriter, it is their job to not only sound like you, but to sound like the best you that you can be: more eloquent, and more concise.

Finding a good ghostwriter

Because ghostwriters can come from many walks of life, you can find good ones in more than one place. First, if you are writing a book that requires a specific skill set or knowledge base, you should look for a ghostwriter who has that same knowledge set. For instance, if you want to write a book on exercise, it helps if the person you hire has a background in that field or at least has written about that subject before. Next, because you will likely be working closely with the ghostwriter, you will want to interview them before you hire them—over the phone is fine, in person is ideal—and make sure that they are someone you can talk to, someone you like. It’s a temporary marriage to be sure, but it helps when the ghostwriter is someone you like talking to. And last, but not least, be prepared to pay, but find one that you can afford. Good ghostwriters are not cheap (for more information, please see my section titled How much does a ghostwriter cost?), and though you don’t have to pay top dollar to have your book written for you, you likely won’t find a good ghostwriter for cheap. It’s just not going to happen. The old saying that you get what you pay for holds true for ghostwriters as it does for any kind of service.

Not sure if you need a ghostwriter or just someone to talk to?

That’s okay, just contact me to learn more.