So, you’ve lived a life worth writing about, but don’t know where to begin? That’s where ghostwriting comes in. Collaborating with a professional ghostwriter can help turn your memories into a compelling memoir, without the stress of staring at a blank page.
But before you hire a ghostwriter, you need to find the right person. And that means knowing what to look for—and what to avoid.
You can begin your search by asking for referrals, browsing literary platforms, or contacting a ghostwriting company. Once you have a few potential names, evaluate them carefully.
Here are key red flags to watch out for:
- They’ve never ghostwritten before: Not every writer can adapt to another person’s voice. If they haven’t worked behind the scenes to bring someone else’s story to life, they might not be the right fit.
- They seem more confused about the process than you are: A professional ghostwriter should walk you through the steps with confidence, not leave you more uncertain.
- They lack knowledge of your niche: While they don’t need to be experts in your field, they must be curious and research-driven. A ghostwriter who can’t go beyond surface-level detail will produce a forgettable book.
- They overpromise results: Be wary of phrases like “This book will go viral” or “I’ll make it a bestseller.” Quality storytelling, not marketing fluff, is the real mark of a good ghostwriter.
The takeaway? Look for someone who is transparent, adaptable, and genuinely interested in your story. The right ghostwriter won’t just write your memoir, they’ll help you own it.
Once you’ve found your ghostwriter, here’s what the ghostwriting process typically looks like:
- Initial Meeting: You’ll have a phone or video call to discuss your story, expectations, and see if there’s creative chemistry.
- Proposal & Agreement: Based on the meeting, the ghostwriter sends a tailored proposal. Once you sign off, the project is officially underway.
- Preliminary Outline: After one to three recorded interviews, transcribed for accuracy, the ghostwriter crafts an initial outline which you refine together.
- In-Person Interviews: Over a few days, your ghostwriter interviews you in detail. These transcripts (sometimes hundreds of pages) form the foundation of your book.
- Expanded Outline: From these conversations, a longer, more detailed outline (15–50 pages) is created, which guides the writing process.
- Drafting: Your ghostwriter now dives into the writing phase. This can take anywhere from three months to a year.
- Client Revisions: You decide how hands-on you want to be—some clients rewrite sections, others only suggest minor tweaks.
- Editing & Publishing: Once the final manuscript is approved, it moves into professional editing and publication.
To help your ghostwriter, gather materials like diaries, blog posts, photographs, or newspaper clippings. Also, list key incidents you’d like to include in your memoir.
Memoirs are built on memory, detail, and trust, and hiring the right ghostwriter brings all three to life. Ready to write yours? Get started here
