Five Key Traits of a Successful Ghostwriter

When you begin your search for a ghostwriter, you should look for a few key traits, no matter the topic of your project.

1. Great Writer

Your ghostwriter should have strong writing skills in your particular discipline. For instance, if the writer has experience in celebrity autobiographies and you are working on a business or medical guide, you two may not be a good fit. You should look for a writer with experience in your field and a compelling, strong writing voice that you feel suits the tone of your book.

2. Efficient

Although many ghostwriters often work on a flat-fee basis (meaning you don’t pay them per hour), your ghostwriter should be able to produce quality work quickly. After the initial period of research, setting up a schedule with your ghostwriter can be beneficial so you can see the progress that is being made and stay involved during the drafting stages.

3. Good Listener

Even if your project requires the ghostwriter to do most (or all) of the writing, your input is important. Ghostwriters often work from interviews, audiotapes, and conversations with the author to guide their writing. You will want your ghostwriter to actively engage you with good questions and to listen to and build on your comments and suggestions.

4. Creative

Hundreds of thousands of books are being published every year, and you want your book to stand out in a crowd. Working with a ghostwriter who is creative and has a knack for turning the mundane into the exciting can help your book receive the attention it deserves.

5. Professional

Ghostwriting is a job, not a hobby, and you are the client. Your ghostwriter should be experienced and dedicated to his or her occupation and should maintain a collaborative relationship with you, the author and client.

Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project