How to Hire a Ghostwriter for Your Book
By Jim Morris ยท Updated
Hire for three things: a writer who can sound like you, a process you trust, and a contract that leaves you owning the book. Everything else is detail. When hiring for book writing and publishing, look beyond the draft.
Here's how to check each one before you sign.
Book writing and publishing starts with what you want the book to do
Grow a business, share a story with your family, back up your speaking, leave something behind. The goal shapes the length, tone, and budget, and a good writer will ask about it on the first call.
What should you look for in a ghostwriter?
- Samples in a genre close to yours
- A clear interview process, not just "send me your notes"
- Honesty about timeline and cost, even when it's not what you hoped
- Someone you'd actually enjoy talking to for a few months
How will they capture your voice?
Ask to hear the process. The usual answer is recorded interviews, then chapter drafts written from your own words. Ask how many interviews, and how you give feedback. If the answer is vague, the book probably will be too.
Ownership, royalties, and confidentiality
Get it in writing: you own the manuscript, the rights, and the royalties, unless you've knowingly agreed otherwise. Ask whether the writer wants credit, and whether they'll sign an NDA if the material is sensitive.
At Human Touch Publishing, the author keeps ownership and all royalties, and Human Touch Publishing is the publisher of record.
Timeline and pricing
A full book usually takes a few months. Ours average about four. Ask for a fixed price and what it includes: editing rounds, cover, formatting, publishing. See our guide on ghostwriter costs for typical ranges.
What happens after the draft?
A lot of writers stop at the manuscript, which leaves you finding an editor, a designer, and a way to publish. Decide up front whether you want one team for all of it.
Straight answers
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
A freelancer can be great for writing alone. A team makes more sense if you also want editing, design, and publishing handled.
Can I stay involved?
You should. You'll review every chapter and nothing gets published without your approval.
About Human Touch Publishing
When you hire us, you work with real writers who interview you and write in your voice, never a template. Human Touch Publishing is a book writing and publishing company in Nashville, and we work with experts all over the country. Real writers and editors help you take your book from idea through writing, editing, design, publishing and launch, and you keep all your rights and royalties. If you want to talk through your book, book a call with Jim.