You have a story to tell or a message to share, but sitting down to write an entire book feels impossible. Maybe you’re too busy. Maybe writing isn’t your strength. Or maybe you just don’t know where to start.
That’s where ghostwriters come in. A good ghostwriter helps you turn your ideas into a polished book without you having to figure out every sentence. But finding the right one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially if you’ve never done it before.
This guide is here to simplify the process. Whether you’re a first-time author, coach, entrepreneur, or creative with a vision, you’ll learn how to find a ghostwriter who gets your voice, understands your message, and makes the process feel easy and collaborative.
Related: Why Busy Executives Need Ghostwriting Services to Publish Their Books
Key Takeaways
- You don’t need to write your book alone — ghostwriters can bring your ideas to life
- A great ghostwriter sounds like you on the page, not like someone else
- The best ghostwriters ask smart questions, listen closely, and guide you through the process
- Look for writers with samples, reviews, and a clear workflow
- You can find great ghostwriters through referrals, niche directories, or specialized agencies
- Avoid anyone who overpromises, has no portfolio, or doesn’t take the time to understand you
Why Hire a Ghostwriter?
Writing a book is a major commitment. It takes time, focus, structure, and skill. Most people struggle to fit it into their already busy lives. A ghostwriter steps in to take the pressure off, helping you create a high-quality book without months of stress or second-guessing.
You might have the expertise, the story, or the message but not the writing experience. That’s okay. Many bestselling authors, public figures, and successful entrepreneurs use ghostwriters. In fact, some of the most well-known books on the market were ghostwritten.
Hiring a ghostwriter doesn’t mean giving up authorship. It means getting professional support to tell your story well. You still own the ideas. You still make the big decisions. The ghostwriter just helps shape it into a clear, engaging manuscript that your audience will connect with.
What Makes a Good Ghostwriter?
Not all ghostwriters are the same. Some are excellent writers but don’t know how to adapt to different voices. Others might have experience in your industry but struggle with storytelling. The best ghostwriters strike a balance; they listen deeply, write clearly, and make your words come alive.
Here’s what to look for in a quality ghostwriter:
- They can adapt to your voice and tone
- They ask thoughtful, strategic questions to understand your story
- They show empathy and curiosity, not just skill
- They have experience writing in your niche or are strong researchers
- They provide writing samples and testimonials from past clients
- They have a clear process from discovery to draft to final manuscript
- They must be sound in Editing and Proofreading and not just content writing
A good ghostwriter won’t try to make your book sound like them. They’ll work to make it sound like you, only clearer, tighter, and more polished. That’s the real value they bring.
Where to Find a Ghostwriter (Without Guesswork)
You don’t need to scroll endlessly through freelancing websites or take a gamble on a stranger. There are better, easier ways to find a ghostwriter who understands your story, your goals, and your voice.
Here are some trusted ways to find a good ghostwriter:
Referrals from people you trust
- Ask friends, mentors, or other authors if they’ve worked with a ghostwriter
- Personal recommendations can help you avoid trial and error
- Don’t just ask for names; ask what the experience was like
Niche agencies that specialise in ghostwriting
- Look for agencies that match you with writers based on your goals and style
- These agencies often vet writers and handle contracts, timelines, and project management
- Examples include Gotham Ghostwriters and Reedsy
AskWords.ng
- If you’re in Nigeria or the wider African literary scene, AskWords.ng is a strong option
- They offer ghostwriting and self-publishing support tailored to first-time authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders
- Their focus is on preserving your voice, guiding you through the process, and helping you create a book that reflects your purpose
Professional directories and writing groups
- Browse directories like the Editorial Freelancers Association or the Association of Ghostwriters
- Join author communities on LinkedIn or Facebook, where ghostwriters share their work and testimonials
What to avoid
- Ghostwriters with no writing samples or client references
- Vague pricing or no clear process
- Anyone who rushes you or tries to sell you before understanding your needs
When you know where to look and what to ask, you can avoid frustration and find someone who is a great fit for your book and your message.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Before you commit to a ghostwriter, treat the conversation like a collaboration, not a transaction. You want someone who gets you, challenges you in a good way, and brings structure to your ideas.
Here are thoughtful questions to ask during your discovery call or first conversation:
- Have you written books in my genre, topic, or industry before?
- Can I see writing samples that show how you adapt to different voices?
- How do you gather my ideas and turn them into a manuscript?
- How involved will I be in the process?
- Do you offer interviews, outlines, and revisions?
- What does your timeline look like from start to finish?
- Do you offer a contract, and what happens if something changes mid-project?
- How do you ensure the final product still sounds like me?
These questions will help you filter out people who might look good on paper but aren’t aligned with your working style or expectations. A good ghostwriter will welcome these questions and have clear, honest answers.
Make It Easier on Yourself
Writing a book shouldn’t be a lonely, overwhelming process. If you have a message worth sharing but don’t have the time or skills to write it yourself, hiring a ghostwriter is one of the smartest moves you can make, book consultancy or book coaching
A good ghostwriter helps you bring your book to life. They help you stay focused, save time, and produce something you’re proud of. And most importantly, they make sure your voice is at the center of it all.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to write your book, this is your sign. Don’t let your ideas stay stuck in your head. Find someone who can help you shape them into something powerful, lasting, and ready to be shared with the world.
Now that Your book is ready
Contact us now to get started.
