Reviewing Ghostwriter Samples: What to Look For

You’ve found a few promising ghostwriters, and now you’re up against the task of weeding through their writing samples. How do you know what to look for, especially if they haven’t written a book quite like yours? Below are a few obvious and not-so-obvious elements to keep an eye out for when reviewing ghostwriter samples.

Correct Spelling and Grammar

This one is a no-brainer. But also look for certain trends (e.g., serial commas) that you like, as well as competency with your chosen style, whether that’s CMS, AP, or something different.

Word Choice and Phrasing

Keeping in mind that the ghostwriter was likely trying to reproduce the style of the author, look for certain turns of phrase, sentence structures, and other elements that you find appealing. Although most ghostwriters will do their best to mimic the voice of the author, their own personal voices will come through in the writing as well.

Use of Jargon, Stats, and Other Info

Does the writer make even the most technical information clear and interesting for readers of various levels? If so, that’s a good sign. No matter the subject of your book, it should appeal to the broadest possible audience—after all, the whole point of writing a book is that someone else will read it! Good ghostwriters can tackle complex subjects and create text that accurately and clearly represents data and pertinent information.

Familiarity with the Topic

This is especially important if you get a chance to review a sample from a book in your field. You’ll want evidence that the writer is comfortable with the topic and uses the necessary terms properly. Even brief samples can give you an idea of how much a writer knows (or has learned) about a particular subject.

Tone and Talent

Does the sample make you want to read more, despite less than thrilling subject matter? Is the writing presented in a straightforward and interesting manner? I often encourage authors to go with a writer who writes well rather than one who is simply well educated. Part of the ghostwriting process is the mutual exchange of information, and it is very rare that a ghostwriter is an expert or professional in the same field as the author. Ghostwriters are smart people, and even if you choose a writer with little experience in, say, business books, that doesn’t mean he or she won’t turn out a beautifully written book. Go with your gut—if you think a writer is talented and you are willing to give direction, you two can be a good match.

Finally, remember that ghostwriters are only as good as their authors. Even the greatest writer can do only so much with an author who is not fully committed to the project or who supplies only minimal material and direction, and sometimes this shows in the finished product. Feel free to ask writers for details on their projects—in some cases that info will be confidential, but they can always tell you what helps them work best. Use that new knowledge to be the best author you can be and to choose the ghostwriter who is best suited to you.

Contact the Jenkins Group and tell us about your project