What Does a Ghostwriter Do? Demystifying the Process

Thinking about hiring a ghostwriter to bring your nonfiction book to life?

Whether you have a powerful story to share, a big idea that deserves a wider audience, or you’ve already teamed up with a ghostwriter and are gearing up to begin, understanding how the process works is key to a successful collaboration.

So, what does a nonfiction ghostwriter actually do? How do they turn your vision into a compelling, professionally written book?

In this post, we’ll demystify the ghostwriting process, walk you through what to expect at each stage, and share practical tips to help you get the most out of your partnership.

The Ghostwriter’s Role

Your ghostwriter is much more than simply a writer for hire. His or her role is to serve as a trusted collaborator, helping your bring your ideas, stories, and expertise to life in written form.

Common Misconceptions

The role of a ghostwriter—and the process itself—is often misunderstood. Many people assume that hiring a ghostwriter means handing off the entire project and stepping away, but that’s rarely the case.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that the ghostwriter writes everything,” says Jennifer Rizzo, a Colorado-based freelance writer who has ghostwritten numerous nonfiction books. “The truth is that ghostwriting is often highly collaborative.”

Some clients do provide only a basic idea and let the ghostwriter take the lead. But just as often, clients are deeply involved throughout the process—sharing outlines, research, or even rough drafts. It’s a partnership, not a handoff.

Another myth? That ghostwriting is easy—and that any skilled writer can do it.

In reality, ghostwriting demands a specialized set of skills:

• The ability to adapt to different voices and writing styles
• Strong research capabilities
• A talent for tackling complex or sensitive topics with care
• The discipline to produce polished, professional work under tight deadlines

A great ghostwriter is not just a writer—they’re a listener, a collaborator, and a behind-the-scenes strategist.

The Ghostwriting Process

While every ghostwriter has their own style, most follow a structured process to ensure a smooth, successful collaboration. Here’s a general roadmap of how a typical nonfiction ghostwriting project unfolds:

1. Initial Meeting: Defining the Vision

Your first meeting sets the foundation. Your ghostwriter will want to understand the big picture:

This conversation helps the ghostwriter begin with clarity and purpose.

2. Preliminary Plan or Outline

Using what you discussed, the ghostwriter will draft a preliminary outline or plan for the book.
This outline:

• Maps out the proposed structure and content
• Serves as a working guide for the writing phase
• May even become the basis for a book proposal if you’re pitching to publishers

Expect a little back-and-forth here to make sure it reflects your story accurately.

3. Information Gathering

Once the outline is approved, the deep dive begins.

This phase includes:

• Interviews – primarily with you, but possibly also with family, friends, colleagues, or others connected to your story
• Background material – speeches, talks, personal documents, articles, or anything relevant
• Research – especially for historical or technical context

This step is highly collaborative and helps your ghostwriter bring depth, accuracy, and authenticity to your story.

4. Expanded Outline (If Needed)

Based on everything gathered so far, your ghostwriter may revise and expand the outline to incorporate new material.
This ensures the structure still aligns with your evolving vision.

5. Writing the First Draft

With the expanded outline in hand, the writing begins. Many ghostwriters work chapter by chapter, sharing drafts as they go.

“I usually get client approval for each chapter before moving forward,” says Jennifer Rizzo. “It keeps us aligned and helps avoid major revisions later.”

6. Client Feedback and Editing

Once the first draft is complete, it’s your turn. Read it closely and give:

7. Revisions

Based on your input, your ghostwriter will revise the manuscript. This is where the book truly starts to come together—refined, clarified, and polished.

8. Final Draft

After revisions are complete and you’ve approved the changes, your final draft is ready.
Congratulations—you now have a finished manuscript!!  This marks the end of the ghostwriting process. From here, your manuscript will move on to editing and publishing.

Tips for a Successful Partnership

Here are some helpful tips to ensure you and your ghostwriter have a successful partnership:

A Word to the Wise: Potential Pitfalls

The success of a ghostwriting project depends heavily on collaboration and trust.

There are some common, but often unexpected, challenges that can arise. Being aware of these in advance will help you facilitate the process and ensure a productive partnership with your writer:

Underestimating time and effort.

Ghostwriting is a collaborative and iterative process that requires client input.

“Some clients are surprised by how much time they need to dedicate to interviews, reviewing drafts, and providing feedback,” says Rizzo. Being prepared to invest time and effort is essential for a successful outcome.

Hesitancy about sharing openly.

Clients often want their unique voice to shine through, but may struggle to provide enough detail or context for the ghostwriter to achieve this, says Rizzo.

Open communication and willingness to share personal anecdotes, experiences, and emotions are critical for creating an authentic and compelling narrative.

Providing honest feedback.

Giving constructive feedback can be difficult, especially if clients aren’t used to critiquing writing. Being specific about what works and what doesn’t will help the ghostwriter make revisions more effectively.

Remember, it’s a collaborative process—feedback is expected and encouraged. “Ghostwriters are professionals who are used to having their work critiqued,” says Rizzo. “You won’t hurt our feelings!”

Be aware, too, that writing a book can be emotional. For memoirs or personal stories, revisiting certain memories or experiences can stir unexpected emotions. “Clients are sometimes unprepared for how cathartic—or challenging—this aspect of the process can be,” says Rizzo.

Some Surprising Benefits of Working With a Ghostwriter

Working with a ghostwriter is a creative partnership that requires a high level of intellectual involvement and client engagement.

He or she can also provide fresh perspective on your personal story. “A ghostwriter can offer insights or angles you might not have considered, which enriches the depth and complexity of your story or message,” says Rizzo. 

Collaboration and Chemistry: The Keys to Success

Finally, adds Rizzo, chemistry and compatibility between an author and their ghostwriter matter:

Collaborating with a ghostwriter can have benefits far beyond the completion of a book manuscript. With a clear understanding of the process and your respective roles, a commitment to active participation, an open mind, and a respect for your writer’s expertise, you’re well-positioned to produce a book you can be proud of—and one that has every chance of success.