Every ghostwriting collaboration is as unique as your story, and I structure my process around your needs, availability and goals. That said, there is a baseline structure I use across all projects, which is as follows:
– We chat. Like a first date, we are assessing fit. We ask each other questions and get to know one another. We also discuss your “Why”, your goals, your publishing options, pricing, timelines, etc. It’s as much an opportunity for you to interview me as it is for me to better understand your hopes and dreams. By the end of the call, I want you to have a strong sense of whether we are a good match and you want to proceed. If you say “yes”…
– I interview you (and perhaps people involved in your story). This phase of the process spans several months and involves about a dozen sessions. I like to do these interviews in person when possible because they are in-depth conversations in which I dive into the details of your life. But if circumstances demand virtual, good ol’ Zoom calls work as well.
– I create a book outline and a proposal if necessary*. I review the notes from our conversations, gather other written or recorded content related to your story, and craft a comprehensive book outline for your review. If a proposal is needed, I will create it once the outline is approved.
– I write your book. This will be a collaborative process. Based on our agreed-upon arrangement, I will write a chapter at a time for your review or longer segments before sharing. Once you review each submission and add your comments, I’ll revise it. Back and forth, we go, until all chapters are complete. From there, lots of behind-the-scenes work happens, until – Voila! Your book gets published! You are a published author, and I remain a ghost (spooky, right?) 😉
(Please note that the timeline and process all depend on the publishing route you select.)
* Proposals are only required if you will be submitting your manuscript to an agent or traditional publishing house.
Every new contact receives a free 30-minute 1:1 consultation about their ghostwriting project or manuscript.
As your memoir ghostwriter, I become your collaborative writing partner in bringing your life story to the page. Through in-depth interviews and conversations, I’ll gather your memories, stories, and insights, then craft them into a compelling narrative in a voice that feels authentically yours. I handle the heavy lifting of structure, pacing, and prose while ensuring your unique perspective, voice and personality shine through every page.
Most memoir projects take between six months and a year, depending on the book’s length and complexity. The general timeline includes time for interviews, research, writing, and revisions. I work to honor both the depth your story deserves and any timeline considerations you might have, whether that’s a milestone birthday, anniversary, or family reunion.
Please note that the overall timeline also depends on your publishing path: self-publishing is the fastest, hybrid publishing is a little longer, and traditional publishing is the longest, often extending the timeline by a year.
The cost varies based on the project’s scope, length, and timeline. If you are looking for a book proposal, I charge between $7,500 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the project.
To write your full memoir manuscript, my rates range from $40,000 for shorter books to $120,000, for longer, more involved projects. During our initial conversation, I’ll provide a detailed proposal tailored to your specific needs. I typically work on a milestone-based payment schedule, so the investment is spread throughout our collaboration rather than being required all upfront.
Your involvement is essential but manageable. You’ll need to commit to regular interview sessions (usually 1-2 hours weekly or biweekly during the early stages) and to reviewing drafted chapters to ensure accuracy and tone. However, I handle all the writing, research, and structural work (unless you wish to be more involved in the writing process). The way I like to explain it is that you will do most of the talking and I’ll do most of the writing.
No. The writing of your memoir is entirely human—mine and yours together. Your story deserves the nuance, emotion, and artistry that only a human writer can provide, and I take that responsibility seriously.
That said, I do use AI-powered tools to support our process in limited, transparent ways. I use transcription services with AI capabilities to convert our recorded interviews into text and generate initial summaries, saving us time and allowing us to focus on the storytelling itself. I also use editing tools like Grammarly to catch typos and polish grammar during revisions.
But here’s what AI never touches: the actual writing of your book. Every sentence, every turn of phrase, every structural decision is crafted by me, informed by your voice and our conversations. AI can’t capture the weight of a silence during our interview, the way your face lights up when you remember someone you loved, or the specific cadence of how you tell a story. Those human details are what transform a collection of facts into a memoir worth reading.
Your story is too important to trust to an algorithm. You’re hiring me for my experience, my craft, and my ability to honor your life with the care and attention it deserves.
This is something we discuss during our initial interview process. The answer will depend on the publishing route you choose, your prior publishing experience and your current author platform. Based on these factors, I’ll provide guidance on your publishing options and can connect you with editors, publishers, or designers if needed.
That said, my ghostwriting agreement generally covers only the writing and completion of the memoir manuscript. Once the final manuscript is in your hands, the book is entirely yours. You retain all rights and can choose to pursue traditional publishing, self-publishing, or simply share it privately with family and friends.