How did you get started as a ghostwriter?

I had actually never heard of anyone but politicians and celebrities using ghostwriters until I got my first professional writing job after college. I was hired as an editorial assistant for an editorial and publishing services company that worked almost exclusively with national speakers. I was the ghostwriter’s ghost, and wrote over 200 articles and marketing pieces and worked on ten books in my two years there. This was also the first time I was introduced to the idea of writing and publishing to satisfy a larger mission. There we were primarily writing and publishing books on behalf of speakers and experts who didn’t have the time and skills to do it on their own.

When my son was born in 2005, I left my full-time job and freelanced for city newspapers, business journals, web sites, and regional and nationals magazines. Then I started my own editorial consulting and ghostwriting business, The Writer's Sherpa, in 2007. Since then I've ghosted memoir, self-help, and business books.

Who kind of projects do you work on?

I work with clients from a variety of backgrounds and fields, but almost all my clients are writing because they feel they have an important message they want to share in a way that helps other people. Oftentimes, they also want to establish expertise and pursue speaking and consulting opportunities. Many of my clients also want to write books, articles, and reports to market and grow their business.

I love fiction, but prefer to work on nonfiction projects, including narrative, memoir, business, and self-help. If you are interested in finding a writer who will share risk, credit, and profits, I am not the right person for your project.

How are you different from other ghostwriters and editorial consultants?

My services are unique because I work exclusively with aspiring nonfiction authors. Because of this, my clients get writing and publishing information targeted specifically towards communicating their experience and expertise in a way that helps others, builds a readership, generates new opportunities, and establishes authority in their industry or field. As a result, those who work with me get their message out in a meaningful, powerful way.

How does ghostwriting work?

Ghostwriting involves taking your ideas and turning them into words. I'll use whatever you have (rough ideas, notes, outlines, tape recordings, or any combination thereof), organize the material, and write your manuscript on your behalf. This process usually involves interviews to develop your ideas, and lots of communication and revision as the project progresses.

If you ghostwrite my book, will it “sound” like me?

Yes. Experienced, talented ghostwriters can easily adopt their client’s voice and style in writing—this is one of the most important parts of the job. We’ll work together to write a book that sounds just like you. I’ve ghosted materials for numerous clients, and everyone was satisfied with the results.

How long does ghostwriting take?

This depends on the project, how much research it requires, and how responsive you are to interview and feedback requests. The average project takes about six to eight months to complete, but my schedule fills up quickly. Upon starting your project, I will create a timeline and schedule the work.

How much does ghostwriting cost?

Your ghostwriting investment will depend on how long your book is and how much research the project requires. Ghostwriting an entire book requires several months of full-time work. Projects may also require transcription services, which is included in my fees. Most projects start in the low five-figure range.

Isn’t hiring a ghostwriter cheating?

No way. If you don’t work in the publishing industry, you’d be surprised how many books are written by someone other than the author whose name appears on the cover. And with the self-publishing industry booming, it’s becoming more and more common for people to hire a professional to write their book.

Is ghostwriting confidential?

Absolutely. No one has to know about the work I do on your book unless you decide to tell.

Can I contact your past clients to ask about their experiences?

Yes! Send me an e-mail and I’ll give you a few names. You can also see what my clients have to say on my testimonials page.

I’m ready to get started, but I have a few questions. Can I call you?

Absolutely. Please send me an e-mail at info@writerssherpa.com to arrange a get-acquainted phone call.