What exactly is ghostwriting, and how does it work?

When a book is ghostwritten, it means two people collaborate to create it: the author (you) and the ghostwriter (me).

You are the source of the ideas, stories, and expertise. Your name goes on the book. Your voice drives everything.

As a ghostwriter, my job is to:

• Listen deeply
• Help you clarify and develop your ideas
• Ask the questions that unlock deeper themes
• Structure and write the manuscript in a way that’s true to you and compelling to readers

I work from our conversations, any materials you already have, and sometimes interviews or research. We’ll move section by section: I write, you review, I revise. Nothing is finished until it feels exactly right to you.

How long does it take?

Most books take 6–10 months, depending on:

• how clear your vision is
• how much research is involved
• how quickly we move through drafts

If your idea is already well-formed, and you’re available 3-4 hours each week for interviews and feedback, the process can move quickly.

Every project is different, so timelines are finalized after our initial conversation.

How much does it cost?

Every project is different, but most clients work with me in one of two ways:

Full Ghostwriting

A fully hands-on, done-for-you collaboration.
Most full-length projects fall in the $32,000–$70,000 range.

Collaborative / Guided Approach

A more flexible, lower-investment option where we share the writing process.

This might include developing the structure together, shaping key chapters, and working from interviews or drafts you provide.

Most projects in this category fall in the $15,000–$28,000 range.

First Phase / Starter Projects

These typically include:

• Outline / Table of Contents — clarifying the structure, themes, and narrative arc of your book ($550–$1,200)
• Sample Chapter — drafting a polished chapter to establish voice, tone, and direction ($1,500–$3,500)
• Book Proposal — for clients pursuing traditional publishing (includes overview, market positioning, and sample materials) ($4,500–$8,000)
• Book Coaching — ongoing guidance, feedback, and accountability as you write (packages and individual sessions available)

Most projects begin with a conversation. From there, I’ll recommend the clearest next step based on your goals.

Why would I pay you when I can I just write my book for free with AI?

Good question. Sure, you can get ChatGPT to write your book for much cheaper and less time that it would take a ghostwriter.

But if you do that, you miss out on…

…the deeper insight that comes from real conversation
…the emotional and intellectual breakthroughs
…the experience of being truly heard and understood

If your goal is simply to produce content, AI can help.

If your goal is to create something meaningful, aligned, and deeply reflective of who you are — that requires a human collaborator.

Do you work with just anybody?

No. Ghostwriting is like dating. You won’t click with everyone, and you won’t do your best work if you’re tied to the wrong person. If you and I don’t have social chemistry, I’m probably not going to be able to capture your essence and write in your voice—which means there’s another ghostwriter out there who’s better for you.

Our initial call is a chance for both of us to:

• get a feel for the process
• explore your idea
• and decide whether we want to work together

If we’re not the right match, I’ll be happy to recommend other ghostwriters who might be.

Will you write my book for free, and then we can split the royalties once it’s published?

No.

Are you sure? My idea is REALLY good.

I’m sure.

Where has your writing been published?

My short stories and essays have been published in Glimmer Train, Portable Magic: An Anthology, PANK Magazine, Storychord, Used Furniture Review, Write Naked, and other outlets. They have won awards from Glimmer Train‘s Fiction Open (2019) and Short Fiction Open (2015), semifinalist in American Short Fiction‘s Halifax Ranch Fiction Prize (2021), and the Authors First Story Contest (2014).

You can always check out my blog for a small taste of my style, keeping in mind that ghostwritten work is in your voice, not mine.

Can I read other books you’ve ghostwritten?

My past ghostwriting projects are anonymous, in order to honor the authors’ desires. (This is true for most ghostwriters.)

I can provide references and give you more privileged information if we’re close to working together.

Can you help me get an agent?

Book proposals and agent querying are two services that I offer. Please note that there is never a guarantee of signing with a literary agent, nor of landing a book deal.

If you have no idea how any of this works, that’s okay—I’m happy to walk you through the process.

If you don’t want to publish your book, or if you want to self- or hybrid publish, you will not need an agent.

Will you help me get published?

We can discuss the various routes toward getting published (traditional and self-publishing) to decide what’s right for you.

If you choose traditional publishing, which requires an agent, then I can write the book proposal and query agents on your behalf (though again, there is no guarantee that an agent and/or publisher will sign you).

Part of my role is to coach you through the decision-making process and using all my experience, expertise, judgment, and connections to get you published (if that’s what you want).

Want to know more?