Writing a book is almost always an overwhelming and demanding process. It requires a massive time investment, absorbs a huge amount of energy, and involves a broader range of skills and talents than many people realize. 

The process is so daunting that many would-be authors throw in the towel before even making it through their table of contents.

But what if you could take some of the pressure off? Unless you’re planning to put your life on hold while you immerse yourself in writing your book all day, every day, you probably want to keep yourself available for your day job, friends, family, and responsibilities.

Or, you might find yourself with a fantastic idea for a book but lack the writing skills to turn your vision into a page-turner.

If any of this sounds like you, repeat after us: “It’s time to find a  ghostwriter for my book!”.

What is a Ghostwriter?

A ghostwriter is a professional writer who writes your book for you. You retain all the credit and royalties and pay the ghostwriter a fee for their work. You may choose to have a ghostwriter take care of the entire writing process, handle only certain sections, or simply edit and polish your own draft.

There’s absolutely no shame in using a ghostwriter! After all, writing is a very specific skill set honed through years of practice. Many best-selling celebrity memoirs are the product of collaborations with ghostwriters, who handle the actual writing while their clients focus on their own careers.

After all, what are the odds that all those star athletes and pop sensations are also eloquent, well-organized writers with hours to spend mulling over the perfect sentence structure?

Though it’s still rare for a credited author to come out and publicly state, “I used a ghostwriter for my book,” the practice is becoming more widely acknowledged. Successful ghostwriters gain notoriety within the publishing industry and can command high fees for their work.

It’s not uncommon for even seasoned authors to use ghostwriters when they lack the time or expertise to write a particular book themselves.

Saving time and compensating for lack of writing skills are the most obvious reasons for choosing to work with a ghostwriter. But there are other advantages to this model that can make an enormous difference to the success of your book.

Do I Need to Have A Clear Plan Before Hiring a Ghostwriter for My Book?

No! The first phase of writing a book, when your head is overflowing with disorganized thoughts and material, is one of the most challenging. If you have a huge stockpile of information or ideas but aren’t sure how to put everything together in a cohesive manner, working with a ghostwriter can provide guidance and structure.

The first step is usually an interview process in which the writer gets to know you and your story. From there, they can help you determine what belongs in the book and what doesn’t, as well as the best way to organize everything. 

As the ghostwriter asks questions and takes notes, he or she will gradually help you build an outline. The ghostwriter can then fill in the details and flesh out the story, turning your ideas into a well-written book.

Do Ghostwriters Perform Research?

Research is one of the most laborious elements of writing a book. If you don't have the time, skills, or resources to do the research needed, an experienced and qualified ghostwriter can help.

Your ghostwriter will be able to find and reach out to experts in your field and gather the information you need to make your book authoritative. For example, if you're writing a book about history, a ghostwriter can help you track down primary sources or find experts to interview.

This process can be especially helpful if you're not sure what direction your book should take. Your ghostwriter will be able to help you focus your ideas and find a unique angle for your book.

Do Ghostwriters Give Advice?

A ghostwriter can provide an objective perspective on your material. It can often be difficult to get enough distance from your own life experiences or areas of expertise to be able to write about them in a compelling way. 

A ghostwriter can help you to frame your story and turn it into an engaging read without adding any personal bias or opinion.

This is especially useful when you want to write a memoir or an autobiography. A ghostwriter can help you to remember key details and to shape your story so that it is structured in a way that will be easy for readers to follow. They can also offer helpful suggestions about which parts of your story to focus on and which parts to leave out.

A ghostwriter’s perspective can also come in handy when you’re writing about an esoteric or highly complex topic for a layman audience. The ghostwriter, being a non-specialist him- or herself, can help you figure out the right level of detail, tone of voice, and vocabulary to make your story engaging.

Can Hiring a Ghostwriter for My Book Help It Get Published?

Since many ghostwriters have experience writing books themselves, they can also offer valuable insights and advice on the publishing process. They can help you navigate the often confusing world of literary agents and publishers. 

For instance, your ghostwriter may be able to identify the agencies and publishing houses that are most likely to be interested in your work.

If you’re planning to self-publish your book, an experienced ghostwriter can give you guidance on how to identify your target audience and devise an effective marketing strategy. Their insights will likely go a long way towards helping you stand out from the crowd.

In Summary

If you’ve decided you need a ghostwriter for your book, you can search online or ask your friends for recommendations. Once you find a few potential candidates, interview them to see if they’re a good fit for your project. Be sure to ask about their experience, what type of books they’ve written, and how much they charge.

Writing a book is at once thrilling, inspiring, and draining–all the more so if you want that book to go the extra mile. Hiring a ghostwriter means your lack of time, writing skills, or publishing industry experience will no longer stand in your way.