Ghostwriting FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered by Deborah Holmen

By Deborah Holmen, M.Ed., NBCT

The words are mine, the story is yours.

Most people have no idea that the book sitting on their nightstand—the one with the celebrity's face on the cover, or the CEO's name embossed in gold—was likely written by someone whose name appears nowhere on the jacket. Ghostwriting is one of publishing's worst-kept secrets and most misunderstood professions. For every memoir that "wrote itself," there's a ghostwriter who spent months conducting interviews, shaping raw stories into narrative arcs, and polishing prose until it shines.

I've spent my career in the shadows, and I prefer it that way. But the questions I field from curious friends, potential clients, and fellow writers tell me there's genuine interest in understanding what ghostwriters actually do. So here's the unvarnished truth about a profession that's been around as long as publishing itself.

What exactly is ghostwriting?

A ghostwriter produces written work that another person takes credit for. Simple as that. The "ghost" part refers to our invisibility—we do the writing, but our names don't appear on the finished product.

The work runs the gamut: memoirs, business books, self-help titles, speeches, articles, blog posts, even love letters (yes, really). The credited author brings the ideas, expertise, and story. The ghostwriter brings the craft to the page in a way that readers will actually want to read.

This isn't a new phenomenon. Alexander Hamilton employed ghostwriters. So did many U.S. presidents. The publishing industry has relied on ghostwriters for over a century—it's baked into how books get made.

Why would someone hire a ghostwriter instead of writing their own book?

Time is the biggest factor. The people with the most compelling stories to tell—executives, entrepreneurs, doctors, athletes, public figures—are usually the people with the least time to write a 70,000-word manuscript. Writing a book takes most authors a year or more of focused work. That's the time a surgeon could spend in the operating room or a founder could spend scaling their company.

Then there's skill. Having lived an extraordinary life doesn't automatically make someone a skilled writer. Knowing how to structure a narrative, create tension, develop themes, and write prose that moves—these are learned crafts. A brilliant oncologist doesn't perform her own dental work. A successful tech founder doesn't design his own house. Hiring expertise isn't a weakness; it's efficiency.

Some clients have started manuscripts but hit a wall. Others tried working with editors who couldn't fix fundamental structural problems. By the time they reach me, they've accepted that their story deserves better than they can deliver on their own.

Is using a ghostwriter ethical?

This question comes up constantly, and it deserves a direct answer: yes.

Ghostwriting operates on a clear transaction. The client provides the raw material—their experiences, ideas, insights, and access to their world. The ghostwriter provides the writing skill to shape that material into a publishable book. Both contributions are essential. Neither could produce the book alone.

The arrangement is contractual and consensual. No one is being deceived. Publishers know. Agents know. The industry knows. When you read "by [Celebrity Name]" on a book cover, you're looking at a convention, not a claim that this person sat alone at a keyboard for eighteen months.

Where ghostwriting crosses ethical lines: academic work, journalism under someone else's byline, or anything that misrepresents original reporting or research. But a memoir, business book, or self-help title with a ghostwriter? That's Tuesday in publishing.

What does ghostwriting cost?

For a full-length book, expect to pay between $50,000 and $150,000 for an experienced professional ghostwriter. Top-tier ghostwriters who work with major celebrities or Fortune 500 executives command $200,000 to $500,000 or more.

These numbers shock people until they understand what's involved. A book project typically requires three to six months of intensive work: dozens of hours of interviews, extensive research, multiple drafts, and rounds of revision. That's not a side hustle—it's full-time employment on a single project.

Cheaper options exist. You'll find ghostwriters advertising services for $10,000 or $20,000. Some deliver decent work. Many don't. The manuscripts that land on my desk for rescue—projects started with budget ghostwriters that went sideways—tell a consistent story. Vetting matters. Samples matter. References matter.

Most ghostwriters structure payments in phases: an upfront payment, installments at major milestones (outline approval, first draft delivery, fifty-percent content completion, final draft), and a final payment upon completion. This protects both parties.

How long does the process take?

A typical nonfiction book takes nine to fourteen months from first interview to polished manuscript. Memoirs often run longer because memory is slippery and stories need time to surface. Business books can move faster if the framework already exists.

The interview phase alone takes six to twelve weeks for most projects. I'm not just collecting facts—I'm learning how my client thinks, speaks, and sees the world. I'm listening for the stories they tell casually that turn out to be the heart of the book. I'm noting the phrases they repeat, the metaphors that come naturally, the rhythm of their speech.

Then comes outlining, which most clients underestimate. A solid outline prevents months of wasted effort. Getting the structure right before writing a single chapter saves everyone time and heartache.

First drafts typically take two to five months to complete. Revisions take another two to three months. This isn't bloat—it's what quality requires.

How do you make the book sound like the client, not the ghostwriter?

Voice capture is the hardest part of the job and the thing that separates adequate ghostwriters from good ones.

Every person has verbal fingerprints. Word choice, sentence rhythm, the way they transition between ideas, their comfort with profanity or lack thereof, their sense of humor, and their tendency toward optimism or skepticism. My job is to disappear so completely into my client's way of communicating that readers never sense a second presence.

I record every interview and transcribe them myself. I'm not just capturing content—I'm steeping in speech patterns. I note when a client says "folks" versus "people," whether they use contractions, and if they favor short punchy sentences or longer flowing ones. I catalog their favorite expressions and the stories they've told me three times without realizing it.

Early in a project, I'll write several drafts and ask clients to flag anything that doesn't sound like them. Most can't articulate why something feels off, but they know it when they see it. Those corrections teach me more than any interview.

Who owns the rights to the finished book?

The client owns everything. That's non-negotiable and established in the contract before work begins.

Ghostwriters operate as work-for-hire. We transfer all intellectual property rights to the client upon completion and payment. The client can publish the book, license it, adapt it, or let it sit in a drawer. We have no claim to royalties, no reversion rights, no say in what happens after delivery.

The contract should also specify confidentiality terms. Most clients don't want their ghostwriting arrangement publicized. Standard agreements include non-disclosure clauses that survive the project indefinitely.

Your words don't have to stay locked in a journal.

Will the ghostwriter keep my secrets?

Professional ghostwriters take confidentiality seriously—our reputations and livelihoods depend on it.

Clients tell me things they've never told anyone. Family secrets. Business failures. Relationship disasters. Moments of cowardice or poor judgment. This vulnerability is necessary; you can't write an honest book while holding back. But it requires absolute trust that nothing leaves the room without permission.

The contract enforces this with legal teeth—a signed NDA (non-disclosure agreement) is standard before any interviews begin. But the real protection is hiring someone with a track record. Ask for references. Talk to former clients. A ghostwriter who gossips won't stay in business long.

I also warn clients to be careful when sharing their manuscripts with friends. Sharing unpublished work can be tempting, especially when seeking feedback or validation, but it is crucial to understand the potential consequences. Key risks include potential negative impacts on publication opportunities and loss of control over how your work is perceived.

Should I acknowledge my ghostwriter?

Your choice is entirely yours, and there are no wrong answers. Current trends in acknowledging ghostwriting have entered mainstream channels.

In recent years, the practice of revealing ghostwriters has gained traction, as more authors and clients navigate the complexities of authorship and collaboration. Some clients opt to include explicit acknowledgments, naming their ghostwriters or indicating their contributions with phrases like "with [Ghostwriter Name]" or "as told to [Ghostwriter Name]." This trend reflects a growing recognition of the collaborative nature of writing, while still allowing the primary author to maintain the spotlight. Others choose to remain silent on the matter, leading to debates about transparency in the literary world.

While some ghostwriters express indifference towards public credit, emphasizing that the quality of work is paramount, there is a consensus on the importance of honesty when asked about collaboration. A straightforward acknowledgment of collaboration can help prevent misunderstandings and highlight the value of collaboration without overshadowing the primary author's voice.

How do I find the right ghostwriter for my project?

Start with genre. A ghostwriter who excels at celebrity memoirs may struggle with business books. Someone brilliant at narrative nonfiction might be wrong for prescriptive self-help. Specialization matters more than general talent.

While it’s important to ask for samples, it's worth noting that many ghostwriters can't disclose the titles they’ve worked on due to confidentiality agreements. Instead, they often provide anonymized excerpts or comparable writing samples that showcase their skills. As you review these samples, pay attention to the prose—does it flow? Does it reflect a variety of distinct voices, or does everything sound the same? A strong ghostwriter's portfolio should demonstrate versatility and an ability to adapt to different styles.

References for ghostwriters can still be valuable while maintaining confidentiality. Clients might be willing to provide feedback about their experience without disclosing specific project details or acknowledging the ghostwriter’s involvement. When seeking references, you can ask for insights into professionalism, communication, and reliability without requesting details about the work itself. Potential clients may also seek general references that attest to the ghostwriter's capabilities and style, ensuring the authorship remains confidential.

Chemistry matters more than credentials. You're going to spend months in close collaboration, sharing personal stories and navigating creative differences. If the first conversation feels strained or the ghostwriter seems dismissive of your vision, trust that instinct.

Finally, discuss the process in detail.

• How do they structure interviews?

• How many drafts do they expect?

• What's their revision policy?

• How do they handle feedback they disagree with?

• Alignment on process prevents most project disasters.

What's the difference between a ghostwriter and an editor?

Different problems, different solutions.

An editor improves an existing manuscript. They might restructure chapters, tighten prose, fix inconsistencies, and strengthen the narrative—but they're working with material you've already written. If you have a draft that needs professional refinement, you need an editor.

A ghostwriter creates the manuscript. If you have ideas but blank pages, stories but no structure, expertise but no writing ability, you need a ghostwriter. We start from zero and build the book.

Some projects need both. I deliver polished manuscripts, but clients often hire separate developmental editors or copy editors before publication. That's not a commentary on my work—it's standard practice. Fresh eyes catch things that familiarity misses.

One final thought:

Ghostwriting works best when clients understand what they're buying. You're not purchasing words by the pound. You're hiring a professional to translate your knowledge, experience, and vision into a book that readers will value. That requires trust, collaboration, and patience.

The best ghostwriting relationships feel like partnerships. My clients aren't handing off their stories and walking away—they're engaged throughout, providing feedback, pushing back when something doesn't ring true, and ultimately shaping a book that's authentically theirs even though they didn't write the sentences.

If you've got a book in you but not the time or skill to write it, a ghostwriter might be exactly what you need. And if you're still on the fence, ask yourself this: Would you rather have a mediocre book with your name on it, or a great book with your name on it? The answer usually clarifies things.