You’ve Decided to Hire a Ghostwriter! Now What?
January 13, 2025
Congratulations! You’ve decided to share your story, insights, or achievements with the world, and you’ve taken the smart step of hiring a ghostwriter to help bring your vision to life.
Whether you’ve built a successful business, uncovered an incredible family history, lost 100 pounds, started a charitable foundation—or accomplished all four—you have a story worth telling.
Many people dream of writing a book, but not everyone has the time, experience, or desire to sit down and do the writing themselves.
Crafting a cohesive and engaging narrative requires more than just good ideas; it demands structure, style, and consistency. That’s where ghostwriters come in.
This guide will help you understand what ghostwriters do and how you can build a positive, productive relationship with yours to bring your story to life.
What Exactly Is a Ghostwriter?
Professional ghostwriter Laura Sherman describes her role as helping clients bring their stories to life. A ghostwriter handles most of the writing and development while you retain full ownership of the final product.
They apply their years of experience and writing expertise to transform your ideas into a compelling and polished narrative that engages readers.
Ghostwriters are more than just writers—they are collaborators, researchers, and creative partners.
They listen carefully to your story, ask insightful questions, and craft a manuscript that reflects your voice and vision.
Their ability to adapt to different writing styles and tones ensures that the final product feels authentically yours.
What Can a Ghostwriter Help Me With?
Ghostwriters can support a wide range of projects. Barbara Adams and Flori Meeks from The Writers for Hire note that memoirs, autobiographies, brand-building books, and industry influence guides all benefit from professional ghostwriting.
A ghostwriter ensures your book is well-organized, engaging, and professionally polished, casting you in a positive light.
Additionally, ghostwriters can help with:
- Content Structuring: Organizing your ideas into a coherent narrative.
- Research: Gathering supporting data, historical context, or industry insights.
- Editing and Revisions: Refining drafts to meet publishing standards.
- Book Proposals: Crafting proposals to pitch to publishers or agents.
Even skilled writers can benefit from hiring a ghostwriter. Crafting a well-structured, captivating book is time-consuming, particularly if extensive research is required.
Writing a book is vastly different from writing articles, reports, or blog posts. If your schedule is already packed or the success of your book is crucial, a ghostwriter can help you meet your goals.
Best of all, a skilled ghostwriter will capture your voice and tone. Unless you choose to share the secret, readers will never know you had help!
Building a Successful Partnership
Hiring a ghostwriter is a great decision, but fostering a successful working relationship requires preparation on your part.
Professional ghostwriters typically provide references, portfolios, or samples to showcase their expertise.
You can find ghostwriters through online searches, LinkedIn, or word-of-mouth referrals.
Before your first meeting, clarify your project’s timeline, desired genre, and vision for the final product.
Barbara Adams emphasizes the importance of having more than a vague idea: “To find a true partner, you need a sense of the scope of your project.”
She also advises matching the ghostwriter’s expertise with your project’s needs—someone skilled in family memoirs may not be ideal for a technical business guide.
To build a strong partnership:
- Set Clear Goals: Define your book’s purpose, audience, and key messages.
- Be Open to Feedback: Collaboration often leads to stronger content.
- Maintain Open Communication: Regular updates prevent misunderstandings.
- Respect Their Expertise: Trust in their writing process and creativity.
Consider these factors when choosing your ghostwriter:
- Are you comfortable sharing personal details?
- Will they accept feedback and constructive criticism?
- Do you understand their pricing structure?
- Can they assist with publishing if needed?
Remember, ghostwriters have preferences for clients too. Flori Meeks values clients who want to share something meaningful, even with a small audience. Barbara Adams enjoys working with clients who have a clear vision but are open to creativity and collaboration. Being responsive and meeting deadlines also fosters a productive relationship.
Setting Expectations: The Nuts And Bolts
Once you’ve found your ideal ghostwriter, it’s time to formalize the partnership.
While there is no universal industry standard, best practices include:
- Written Agreements: Document the project’s goals, priorities, and timeline. Include the project scope, payment structure, deadlines, and rights ownership.
- Regular Communication: Schedule consistent check-ins to ensure alignment. Weekly or biweekly calls or emails can keep both parties on track.
- Clear Contracts: Include deadlines, payment terms, provided services, confidentiality clauses, and dispute resolution plans. This protects both you and the ghostwriter throughout the process.
Laura Sherman emphasizes the importance of putting everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings and keep the project on track. Transparency in expectations leads to smoother collaboration and a successful outcome.
Ready to Get Started?
You’ve defined your book’s purpose and audience, selected your genre, and found a ghostwriter who understands your vision.
By establishing clear expectations and maintaining open communication, you’re set up for success.
Now, all that’s left is to watch your story come to life and bask in the glowing reviews that are sure to follow!
You’re unstoppable!
