I need a ghostwriter… where do I start?

The realisation that you need a ghostwriter to help your book project can feel like a revelatory moment. That’s because you’ve reached a stage in your book writing process that means you’re serious about making it a success.

And this all might possibly happen before you’ve even picked up a pen (or more likely, started typing…!)

Everyone often goes through the same process before deciding to find a ghostwriter. These steps include:

• Thinking of an idea. Daydreaming about that idea. Wondering if your idea will ever succeed.

• Reading other books that are similar and feeling despondent (perhaps your idea isn’t so unique after all) or inspired (perhaps your idea is even better!)

• Trying to write. Perhaps you start off with masses of enthusiasm but run out of steam. Or you struggle to get going or stick to a writing schedule. Lots of people don’t have the time or skillset to begin at all.

• Hearing from someone or somewhere about ghostwriters and what they can offer.

• Googling ‘ghostwriter’ to see what comes up. And boom! The light at the end of the time glimmers into view.

Very often, by the time an author reaches out to find a ghostwriter their book idea might have been brewing for years before the step of finding a ghostwriter is taken. That’s because life often gets in the way of writing a book. Or, as John Lennon once sung, ‘Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.’

So, a congratulations are in order here. Because if you’ve decided investing in ghostwriting services is the next best step, already your book idea is far more likely to succeed. Why?

A professional ghostwriter writes for a living. We have the drive, motivation, and experience to see a project through to the end (I was going to write ‘bitter end’ here, but it’s almost always a very positive experience!).

One recent client, who had been thinking of writing a book for years, contacted me last summer. He wanted to write a book to encourage other entrepreneurs to fulfil their dreams. So far, so good. But also, his idea was a common theme. There are already lots of books of that genre. So how could we develop his dream further?

So, we met, brainstormed a bit, and decided on a more unique theme with an emotional connection to the topic. Then I got to work plotting out a chapter outline, so we all knew we understood the themes and direction of the book.

Months later, with an edited 50k manuscript in hand, the author said he was grateful for the encouragement. He added that my ideas and enthusiasm helped bolster his own belief in the project.

That’s when I realised my job isn’t simply to write the book. It’s to cheerlead the author along the way too.

One reason why this can be an easy task is because I always pick projects that interest me. Also, I am a fresh pair of eyes. I haven’t been thinking about this book for years previously. Every book is all new and exciting. Plus watching an idea turn into words on my computer screen and then into pages of a book is immensely satisfying.

So where do you find a decent ghostwriter? Google will throw up plenty of options. Some will be agencies; some writers will be sole traders. Some ghosts will be better than others. I set up The Ghostwriters Agency with Teena Lyons to address one big issue: How to find a bestselling professional ghostwriter quickly and easily. Many professional ghostwriters get booked up for work, sometimes months or even years in advance. Our professional network is wide and so the chances of finding a ghostwriter available to start work asap is pretty much guaranteed. Plus, all our ghostwriters have already written a bestseller, so already you’re choosing someone with a proven track record.

Once our ghostwriters have pitched for role, we suggest our clients shortlist three of them and arrange a Zoom call. Now is the time to ask any burning questions. What experience do they have? What similar books have they written? Can they meet in person (if this is your preference)? What vision do they see for your book? If a client is struggling to decide between ghosts, I always say: Go with your gut instinct. Who did you like the most? Who can you see yourself spending time with?

An idea for a book is born from a gut instinct, a daydream, or moment of inspiration. A ghostwriter chosen from this same instinct can make it a reality.