Niche Writers Versus Generalist Writers: Which Is Best for My Project?

This is a question you will want to answer early in your search for a ghostwriter. I’ve put together a brief quiz (below) to help you determine whether a niche writer or a generalist writer will be best for you and your book.

1.     What is the topic of your book?

a.     It is a very focused topic in an academic field.

b.     It is a business book.

c.     It is a memoir/biography.

2.      What kind of materials will you be incorporating into your book?

a.     heavy research and statistics and perhaps material from scholarly articles

b.     some research and statistics but also practical advice and information

c.     personal documents, memories, and experiences

3.     Who is your intended audience?

a.     other professionals in my field

b.     working professionals looking to better an aspect of their lives, careers, or businesses

c.     anyone who wants to hear the story, though I do have a certain group of readers in mind

4.     Will the average reader (with a college education) understand the bulk of your book?

a.     It seems unlikely; much of the book is targeted toward a select group in my field.

b.     Yes, though I intend for my book to be educational.

c.     Yes, I think many people will enjoy learning from and about my life (or the life of the person I am writing about).

5.     What is the level of complexity of your book in terms of jargon and concepts?

a.     High: knowledge of specific language, terms, and theories is necessary to understand my work.

b.     Medium: my book builds upon previous works and theories, but I will take great care to explain unfamiliar terms or concepts.

c.     Low: I want my text to be easily readable, and the beauty of the prose is important to me.

Mostly As: It sounds like you are working on a complex, scholarly book, and I’d suggest working with a niche writer. You’ll want a writer who is familiar with your topic or field so that you two can do your subject justice. Be sure to provide as much information in as straightforward a manner as you can, especially when you’re getting started on the project. This will help your ghostwriter learn and allow you two to put your information into a strong text.

Mostly Bs: You could work with either a niche writer or a generalist writer. Your book seems flexible in terms of complexity, and even a writer outside of your field would be able to put together a well-written book that would appeal to readers. Of course, a niche writer may be able to improve further with his or her background knowledge on the topic. The more challenging or specific your topic, the more strongly you should consider finding a niche writer.

Mostly Cs: A generalist writer would be a great fit. Ghostwriters, by profession, have to have strong writing skills and the ability to turn out strong prose and compelling narratives. If you want to find a niche writer, you may do so—there are some writers who specialize in memoirs, biographies, and the like. As long as you find someone whose writing you like and whose working style meshes with yours, you should be good to go.


Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project