Hiring a Ghostwriter for Your Memoir: 7 Critical Mistakes to Avoid
November 11, 2024
Hiring a ghostwriter to write your memoir is an exploration and expression of your life, your history, your pain and triumphs, and your very identity. When you choose a ghostwriter, you’re making a personal decision about who has the opportunity to tell your story.
However, hiring a ghostwriter can turn into a challenging experience if you don’t enter the process with a clear understanding of what you want and need. Too often, in a rush to find someone to write their book, people skip essential steps. This can lead to disappointment, miscommunication, or a finished product that doesn’t align with the vision they had when the project began.
In this blog, we’ll examine some common mistakes people make when hiring a ghostwriter for their memoir and offer suggestions on how to avoid them. From overlooking the reference-checking process to underestimating the emotional rollercoaster of writing a memoir, we’ll help you steer clear of these pitfalls so that your story receives the professional treatment it deserves.
Mistake 1: Not Checking References
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hiring a ghostwriter for your memoir is failing to thoroughly check the references provided.
While a ghostwriter’s portfolio or the claims on their website may impress you, unless you take the time to call references and verify their work history or ask for feedback from previous clients, you’re taking a significant risk.
References can tell you if the ghostwriter is reliable and professional, how well they communicate, and whether past clients were satisfied with the manuscript they received.
What to Do Instead
Ask for and follow up with multiple references before signing any agreement. Reach out to past clients and ask specific questions about the ghostwriter’s responsiveness, ability to meet deadlines, and overall service. In the case of memoirs, inquire if the client’s voice and emotions came across in the manuscript. Does the writer’s portfolio or sample work reflect experience in writing personal stories?
A red flag is vagueness or refusal to provide references. Always opt for a ghostwriter with a proven track record in the genre you’re seeking, and who can provide verifiable references from previous clients.
Mistake 2: Unclear Expectations
A common mistake is entering the collaboration with unclear expectations. Whether it’s the project’s scope, deadlines, or tone, lack of clarity can lead to frustration for both you and the ghostwriter, and may result in a final product that doesn’t meet your vision.
What to Do Instead
Set clear, detailed expectations from the outset. Start by defining the exact scope of the project: Will the ghostwriter be writing a full-length book or just certain chapters? Clarify the style and tone you want the book to convey—should it be profound and serious or light and humorous? Determine how much creative control you want to have—will you be hands-on, or would you prefer to let the ghostwriter work independently?
Establish a detailed timeline, breaking the project into stages, from the first draft to revisions and the final manuscript. Be clear about how often you expect updates or drafts to review. The more detailed and specific your expectations, the more likely the process will go smoothly and the final product will align with your vision.
Mistake 3: Underestimating Costs
Writing a memoir is an investment. Quality ghostwriting isn’t cheap—it takes time, effort, and expertise. Many would-be authors underestimate the time required for a well-written memoir or expect it to be completed at a lower price than is realistic.
The actual writing process may be time-intensive, but a significant amount of time is spent on research, interviews, reflection, and multiple rounds of revisions. Imposing tight budget or time constraints after the project has started can force the writer to cut corners, leading to a subpar end product.
What to Do Instead
Understand that quality ghostwriting, particularly for something as intimate and intricate as a memoir, comes at a cost.
Have an honest discussion about the ghostwriter’s fees and what is included in that price.
Most ghostwriters will charge based on the length of the project, the amount of research required, and the number of revisions.
Make sure you’re clear on whether the fee is all-inclusive or if additional charges may apply for revisions, interviews, or other services.
Speak with multiple ghostwriters to determine reasonable rates but avoid opting for the cheapest option. Remember, you get what you pay for, and the premium you pay for experience will be reflected in the final quality of your book.
Mistake 4: Not Defining the Writer’s Role
A significant mistake clients often make is not clearly defining the ghostwriter’s role at the beginning of the project. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and even potential legal disputes if expectations aren’t clearly set.
What to Do Instead
Before hiring a ghostwriter, establish a specific scope of work. Will they simply organize your notes into a book, or will they conduct research, fact-checking, interview family members, and assist with finding a publisher or self-publishing platform? Will they be responsible for manuscript formatting, or just the writing?
Also, clarify your own role. Will you be heavily involved in providing feedback and direction, or do you want the ghostwriter to have more creative control? Defining these roles from the start will help avoid confusion later on.
Mistake 5: Rushing the Process
Writing a memoir is not something to rush. Some clients are surprised to learn that the process can take months, but quality writing requires time. Rushing through it often leads to a book that feels rushed, lacks depth, and misses out on emotional resonance.
What to Do Instead
Be prepared to dedicate time to the project.
A well-written memoir takes months to complete, especially when you factor in interviews, research, writing, and multiple rounds of revisions.
Your ghostwriter should provide you with a timeline outlining each stage of the process, but you need to be patient and flexible.
Don’t shortchange the process—good writing takes time, and you want to ensure the final product truly reflects your life and experiences.
Mistake 6: Neglecting to Establish a Strong Connection with Your Ghostwriter
Since a memoir is deeply personal, it’s essential to have a strong rapport and a trusting relationship with your ghostwriter. They’ll be tasked with capturing your voice and emotions on the page.
“A memoir is an emotional journey,” says Amy Suto, a published author and digital nomad. “A skilled ghostwriter not only needs technical expertise but also empathy to guide clients through vulnerable and often painful experiences.”
Establishing that connection early will help ensure the ghostwriter authentically captures the emotional nuances of your story.
What to Do Instead
Treat the process of finding a ghostwriter as you would any creative collaboration. Take time in initial meetings to get to know the ghostwriter as both a person and a professional. See if they’re genuinely excited about your story and willing to dive deep into your life. This communication is crucial for ensuring your story is told in a way that feels true to you.
Ask questions about their writing process, their experience with sensitive material, and how they ensure your voice will come through in the final manuscript. If you feel a strong connection, it will go a long way toward helping the ghostwriter create a memoir that feels uniquely yours.
Mistake 7: Failing to Review the Contract Carefully
One of the most important steps in hiring a ghostwriter is carefully reviewing the contract before signing it. This agreement sets the terms for everything, from payment schedules to copyright ownership. Failing to fully understand the details can lead to disputes down the road.
What to Do
When you receive a contract, review it carefully. Ensure that the fee structure is clear and includes payment schedules.
Also, clarify ownership of the manuscript and any elements within it, such as characters, scenes, or chapters.
Will you retain the rights to the material after the memoir is published, or will the ghostwriter retain ownership?
If you have any concerns about specific clauses, ask the ghostwriter to explain them, or seek advice from a contract or intellectual property lawyer.
A well-drafted contract ensures that both you and the ghostwriter are aligned on expectations from the start.
Ensuring Success When Hiring a Ghostwriter
A ghostwriter can be an invaluable collaborator when writing your memoir, but avoiding common pitfalls is crucial. Check references, set clear expectations, and establish a strong connection with your ghostwriter to ensure that the writing process goes smoothly.
Take your time, choose the right ghostwriter, and invest in a partnership that will help you tell your story authentically. By being cautious and thorough in your approach, you’ll increase your chances of ending up with a memoir that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
