What to Look for When Hiring a Memoir Ghostwriter

Image by Vinzent Weinbeer from Pixabay

What should I look for in a ghostwriter?

Considering hiring a ghostwriter for your memoir? Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for your perfect match:

Compatibility. Writing a memoir is a long-term project, which means you’ll be spending a lot of time with your ghostwriter. During an initial consultation or discovery call, notice how you feel when talking to your potential ghost. What is their personality like? Do they put you at ease or make you feel nervous? Do they seem to honor and respect your story idea? Could you see yourself working with them for months?

Trust. Along with general compatibility, trustworthiness is perhaps the greatest quality to look for in a ghostwriter. This goes beyond simple honesty. Writing a memoir is an incredibly personal process, and you need to be vulnerable with your ghost so they can write the most compelling story possible. Obviously your relationship will develop over time, but if you’re put off by someone in an initial meeting, they’re probably not the ghost for you.

Writing Skill and Style. Before hiring a ghostwriter, read some of their writing! That could include books for past clients, essays they’ve written, or even blog posts. Ask them about their experience in ghostwriting (how many books and/or how many years in the industry) and if they’ve published any of their own writing. Do you like the way they write? Is it typo-free? Does their personality come through in the writing? Is it enjoyable and easy to read?

Subject Matter. Find a ghost who has experience writing your type of book. Some ghosts write only memoirs, while others will write other types of non-fiction books like personal development, how-to, and business books. If your story has extremely sensitive or graphic elements, make sure to let your potential ghost know, because not all writers will be willing to take on that type of project.

Final Deliverable. What is the end product the ghostwriter is offering? Some ghosts only write manuscripts, then it’s up to you to either DIY the book formatting and publishing, or find another professional to handle that. Other ghosts will help you through the entire process until your book is in your hands.

In the market for a good memoir ghostwriter? Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit!