How Do Ghostwriters Maintain the Author’s Voice and Style?

Dear Stealthy Storyteller,

Ah yes, the art of capturing someone else’s voice—it’s like trying to be a literary chameleon that blends seamlessly with another person’s writing! Although upholding the original author’s voice and style might seem like an impossible task, it’s actually easier than you think. Here are some tips to help you successfully channel an author’s voice and style as a ghostwriter:

Get to know your muse.

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many ghostwriters skip this step! My first tip is to take the time to get to know your author on a personal level. I don’t just mean conducting interviews (although, of course, that’s important too)—make a point to have casual conversations with the author and listen carefully to how they speak and express themselves. Here are some things to pay attention to that will help you pin down the author’s voice:

• Are there any phrases they use often?
• How do they start their sentences and answer questions?
• What are their storytelling patterns (are they focused or prone to tangents)?
• Do they skirt or avoid certain topics?
• What is their sense of humor like?
• What is their overall tone (is it formal, relaxed, passionate)?
• Do they speak with emotion, or are they generally more reserved?
• How does their attitude change with different subjects?

Paying attention to these little details and nuances will help you authentically “wield the author’s pen,” so to speak.

Review their existing writing.

Take advantage of anything your author has already written—and I mean everything. Here are some ideas for gaining more insight into their voice:

• Chapter drafts
• Outline notes
• Emails (not just professional communications, but emails to their mother, best friend, etc.)
• Social media posts
• Yelp reviews of their favorite (or least favorite) establishments
• Text conversations they’re willing to share
• Personal blog posts
• Notes and reminders

Read everything you can get your hands on at least once—the more, the better. These materials will help you ascertain clues about the author’s natural style, preferred word choice, and overall cadence and rhythm.

Create a style guide.

Yes, this might seem a little overzealous, but having a mini-style guide can be a lifesaver! It doesn’t need to be a hundred pages long; just jot down some key traits to help keep your writing on track and consistent. For instance, you might include notes like:

• Use short, punchy sentences
• They have an advanced vocabulary
• Write in a stream-of-consciousness style
• They love using ellipses
• Avoid idioms

Share and adjust.

Finally, this last tip is the key to your ghostly success! After you’ve interacted with the author a good amount, start adopting their voice and see what they think. This can be as simple as using a thinking-out-loud approach to their tone and style during a phone call, or sharing more formally drafted sections with them. Never hesitate to ask the author, “Does this sound like you?”

Remember, ghostwriting is a partnership! Be open to feedback and adjust the content until it truly resonates and feels like them.

Warmly,