What Does a Ghostwriter Do? Demystifying the Process

So you’re thinking about hiring a professional ghostwriter.

You have a nonfiction book idea or a story you want to tell, and you want to partner with an experienced ghostwriter who can craft a well-written narrative.

Or maybe you’ve already hired a ghostwriter for your project and you’re preparing to get started.

But what does a nonfiction ghostwriter actually do? How does the process work?

Before you begin, it’s a good idea to know what to expect. In this post, we’ll discuss the ghostwriter’s role, break down the steps in the process, and offer some tips for a successful 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.

At its core, ghostwriting is about bridging the gap between the client’s vision and the written word.

Common Misconceptions

The ghostwriting role and process are frequently misunderstood, and there are some common misconceptions about working with one.

Jennifer Rizzo, a Colorado-based freelance writer who has ghostwritten numerous books, says one of these misconceptions is that the ghostwriter writes everything. “The truth is that ghostwriting is often highly collaborative,” she says. “While some clients hand over a basic idea and let the ghostwriter take the lead, others are deeply involved throughout the entire process, providing outlines, research, or drafts.”

Another myth is that ghostwriting is easy—that anyone who can write can be a ghostwriter. In fact, according to Rizzo, ghostwriting requires a unique set of skills, including adaptability, research proficiency, and the ability to emulate another person’s voice authentically. Ghostwriters also must frequently learn complex topics quickly, navigate sensitive subjects tactfully, and produce polished work under tight deadlines.

The Ghostwriting Process

While every ghostwriter has his or her own way of working, most follow a similarly structured process to ensure a successful outcome. Here’s a general outline of what to expect:

1. Initial meeting.  In this first meeting, your ghostwriter will get an overview of your project. What is your vision or objective for the book? What are the main ideas or themes? What key events and messages do you want to include? Why do you want to tell this story? Who is your target audience? In essence, this is the “big picture” your writer needs to have before beginning the project.

2. Preliminary plan/outline. Based on the information gathered in your initial meeting, your ghostwriter will develop a preliminary plan or outline for the book incorporating the points you discussed. This may require some editing and reworking to ensure it accurately reflects the structure and content you want for the book. It might also serve as the basis of your book proposal to publishers.

3. Information gathering. Once you’ve approved the preliminary outline, the information gathering process begins. 

• Your ghostwriter will typically conduct a series of interviews with you and others, depending on the type of book it is. Family members, business associates, friends, and anyone with a significant connection to your story can all provide perspective that adds depth, interest, and authenticity.
• He or she will also do extensive research, including requesting background material from you. This should be a joint effort between the two of you. It may involve documents and written materials, prior interviews, talks or speeches, and family or personal resources to lend detail and context to your story. It may also involve new research—historical research, for example.

4. Expanded outline. Based on the research and interviews, your ghostwriter may develop an expanded outline incorporating more content from that phase of the process.

5. First draft. During this phase, Rizzo says she typically works chapter by chapter, making sure her client reviews and approves each one before moving on to the next. This approach helps identify and address any issues early in the process, preventing unnecessary revisions and saving time in the long run.

6. Editing/feedback. It’s your turn to step in and do a thorough reading of your writer’s first draft. Give detailed notes and ask questions about anything you’re not clear on. Now is the time to bring up questions about sequence, structure, and content. It’s important at this stage to resolve any issues before beginning to revise the draft.  This process may take some time and involve some concentrated back and forth between you and the writer.

7. Revision. Once both you and your writer agree on proposed edits, your writer begins revising the draft based on your collaborative editing and feedback.

8. Final draft. Your final draft is complete—congratulations!  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:

Most importantly, enjoy the process!

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 matter. “The relationship between a client and ghostwriter is often a very personal one, especially for projects like memoirs. Finding a ghostwriter you feel comfortable with and trust can make a significant difference in the success of the collaboration.”

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.