Ghostwriting
How to choose a ghostwriter
How to choose a ghostwriter: check samples, genre experience, contract terms, copyright, NDA and AI use. Eight questions to ask before you hire.
Choose a ghostwriter on three things: samples that match your genre and voice, a contract that gives you full copyright and an NDA, and a good working relationship. Ask the eight questions below before you sign.
Eight questions to ask
- Can I see samples in my genre, or speak to past clients?
- Who exactly will write my book, and can I meet them first?
- Will you sign an NDA before I share details?
- Does the contract assign full copyright to me?
- Do you use AI to draft any of the writing?
- How are payments staged, and what happens if I am unhappy?
- How many revisions are included?
- What happens to the interview recordings?
Red flags
- Very low prices for a full book, which often means AI drafts or offshore rewriting
- Full payment up front, with no stages tied to approved chapters
- No contract, or a contract without a copyright assignment
- Offers to write essays or dissertations, which is illegal in England
- Reviews that cannot be verified
Agency or freelancer?
Freelancers can be excellent and cheaper, but you take on the risk of illness, delays or a poor fit. Agencies cost more but should match you with the right writer, manage the project and replace a writer if it does not work out.
Chemistry matters
You will spend many hours talking to your ghostwriter, often about personal things. Book a call before you commit. If you do not feel comfortable, keep looking.
