What exactly is ghostwriting, and how does it work?

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

The author is the person with authority over the story, the one whose name will appear on the finished book, whose unique ideas, expertise, and voice are the reason this book exists. That’s you.

As a ghostwriter, my job is to:

• Listen
• Coach you to brainstorm, organize your thoughts, and choose the best strategy
• Ask powerful questions that will open up new and deeper ideas and themes
• Write your book in a way that is the most true to your voice and vision, while also making it marketable to publishers if that is your goal

I will take what you give me (from our conversations, anything you’ve already written, research materials, and sometimes even interviews with other people in your life) and use it to create a cohesive narrative.

We will work one section or chapter at a time, which you will review, and then I’ll revise. Nothing is done until you’re not only satisfied but jazzed about it.

How long does it take?

That depends on the scope of the project, on how much research is required, and above all, how clearly you know what you want. It could be as short as just 6 months, if you’re super clear in your vision and the topic doesn’t require much research.

If you don’t know what you want, then it takes a lot longer to finish a book. We can work together to clarify your vision and develop it into the book you really want. Most likely, this will take 8-10 months.

Because each project is different and highly customized, we’ll start with a conversation. Then, I will write up a proposal with a timeline, price tag, and pay structure.

How much does it cost?

Again, that depends on the scope and nature of your project.

For a full book, my rates generally range from $40,000 to $85,000. If your project is commercial and you’re looking for a traditional publisher, though, we would start by writing a book proposal, which is the first step. We can discuss this in more depth if you’re not sure whether you need a book proposal.

After our initial consultation call, I’ll write up a project proposal tailored to your goals and send it to you for approval.

Do you work with just anybody?

No. Ghostwriting is a bit like dating, or finding a therapist. 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.

The purpose of the initial consultation call is to see whether you and I are a good fit. It’s a time for us both to gauge whether we want to work together, ask lots of questions, and get a feel for what our time together would look like.

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 of course that that’s me writing in my own voice (not yours).

Can I read other books you’ve ghostwritten?

No. 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 private information if we’re close to working together.

After I ghostwrite your book, I will respect your privacy in the exact same manner.

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. That said, I will tap all my connections and do my very best that I can to get you signed and published.

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-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 services are coaching you through the decision-making process and using all my experience, expertise, judgment, and connections to get you signed and published (if that’s what you want).

All these questions can be discussed in more depth and specificity on a phone call.

Want to know more? Schedule a call or contact me via the form below.