Should You Hire A Local Ghostwriter?
You may be wondering if you should hire a local ghostwriter, someone who lives near you. This is a valid question, and I hear it a lot. I think it’s because whenever you see a ghostwriter in the movies, he is practically living with his client.
However, reality is much different than these fictional portrayals; none of my clients are local. They live all over the world. We correspond via email and talk regularly on the phone. Sometimes we Skype.
Having said that, if it is convenient to meet up with my client in person, I will. It just isn’t necessary for the project’s success. The fact is, when I’ve met my clients, it’s usually been with the book was finished.
Why limit your choices?
There are internet articles that advise you to always hire a local ghostwriter. I’m not sure why people suggest this, but there are people who fervently hold onto that idea. I’ve actually had prospects (potential clients) refuse to talk to me because I wasn’t in their area.
This concept of only hiring someone locally severely limits your choices, which could hinder your project. Truthfully, unless you live in a major city, you probably won’t find a qualified ghostwriter in your area. Most likely your ideal writer for your book lives clear across the country from you.
With nearly two decades of experience under my belt, I can tell you it just isn’t necessary for a ghostwriter to walk where you’ve walked, personally tour the towns or buildings where your story takes place. Locations can always be researched on the internet. Sometimes I find amazingly detailed photographs and videos of an area, which help paint the picture along with the descriptions provided.
Qualities to look for in a ghostwriter
Finding the right ghostwriter might take some time. It’s a very personal choice, one you shouldn’t feel pressured into making. When you do choose a writer, make sure that you really like her because you will be working closely with her for many months.
Since hiring a local ghostwriter isn’t important, I want to spell out attributes that do matter and that are keys for success. Here are some qualities to look for in a ghostwriter:
- Great writing ability. Hire someone who writes in a way you enjoy reading.
- Excellent communication skills. Make sure that you are comfortable talking with her.
- Professional behavior. Some good writers have no idea how to run a business. Make sure she answers your questions and respond to queries quickly.
- Reliability. Select a writer who can meet a deadline and work through difficulties.
- Within your price range. The cost of a ghostwriter will vary from writer to writer. Find one within your budget.
If you absolutely feel you need to meet your ghostwriter in person (and Skype will not do), you can always fly out to her or fly her to you. It will cost extra, but it is a viable option.
Research your ghost
Some people feel they need to meet a person face to face to know whether or not he can be trusted. While I agree that this helps, internet research is much more effective for spotting a con man.
Someone who is trying to rip you off will have no internet presence. He will not have a website or a blog, nor will he have a media page. Testimonials are key to establishing trust in a ghostwriter. After all, what other people have to say about someone is more pertinent than what he has to say about himself, right?
Another trick is to type the ghostwriter’s name into a search engine with the word “scam” or “complaint” and find out if there have been problems with that person. Of course, there might be numerous people by the same name, but if you know where he lives and that he is a ghostwriter, it’s a good bet it’s the same person. I used this technique with a potential publisher before going into business with him. It saved me a heap of trouble!
So, what do you think – do you still feel you need to hire a local ghostwriter?
Additional articles you might find helpful:
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Ghostwriter?
Working with a Ghostwriter – What steps should you take?
There is no “standard” ghostwriting deal
Laura Sherman, a.k.a. “Laura the Friendly Ghostwriter,” is a professional ghostwriter and author. She enjoys writing fiction and nonfiction and is happiest when juggling multiple projects.
Is there any way to acquire a ghost writer’s assistant, who is eager to get their feet wet for a smaller fee?
Belinda, feel free to write to me and we can discuss ideas. I have a few thoughts on this line.
Hi Laura,my name is Hala,I have a story to tell that I want to be published…I don’t know where to start…
Hi, Hala! It was good to talk to you. I hope you pursue your book. Let me know if I can be of further help!
Hi I want to write a book about my life but I’m overwhelmed by it all as its been an unbelievable life and people wouldn’t believe it, can you give me any advice please. S.May.
Hi! I’d be happy to offer you a free 20-minute consultation. Please email me privately your phone number so that we can talk. Thanks!
I have people everday pushing me to write my story about why i am still alive and how I have overcome the most agressive Triple Negative Stage IV breast cancer. Even my oncologist says I should write it. He can’t believe what happened.
I have kept a journal of events the past 4 years and have been giving it a lot of thought. I can talk a mile a minute but writing a book is a lot different. I read a lot of Dr Wayne Dyer and have all Suzanne Sommers books and many others on “How to Heal Cancer. My story is still, I believe, very different and could help so many patients and family members—- and that’s what I want to do—-is help others. Now I get phone calls all the time to talk to a patient and I have given my testimonial many times. I would like to reach a lot of people and aye a book could do that but I think I need help—-my writing confidence is not there.
I will tell you that my favorite books are non-fiction. I have always been drawn to true stories and I love learning.
I have been at deaths door several times but I don’t look like it. There were strong southern women in my life of growin up in a very small town in Georgia. I am 69 years of age and people tell me I look like I am 10 to 18 years younger without a facelift. I exercise regularly (not extreme) and stay positive. But writing a book is totally different and I think I need help. I like what I have read on your site. I research all the time and that’s why I have found a lot of tools I have applied and it worked. I would love your opinion on this subject. My friends call me the Steel Magnolia. Thanks much
Dear Sherra, Thank you for writing! I will write to you privately to discuss the details of your very inspirational story.
I want to have a ghost writer write a book for me, it’s a little nonfiction and a little fiction. It’s a gift for my boyfriend about how we met and it would elude to our future together. Do you know what a ghost writer would charge for something like that, I doubt imagine it being over 50 pages.
Hi! I just wrote you a private email. Thanks for writing!
If I want to use a ghostwriter to help rewrite my book, do you have a link for that topic already or would the same rules apply in regards to cost, and timeline?
Hi! Thanks for your email! I also wrote to you privately, but wanted to reply to your comment here as well. If you’re hiring someone to completely rewrite your book, the price would probably be about the same. However, if you just need an editor, the cost would be substantially less. Hope that helps!
Hi, I want to write someone else’s life story, a life full of struggle and betrayel, could you possibly recommend some books I can read to help me start and give me inspiration? Thank you!
It is always a good idea to read books that are similar in content and style to the books you’d like to write. If you go to the library, you can ask the reference desk to help you locate these books. Good luck!
Laura…… I’m very interested in writing a book I’m 76 years old and never went past eight grade in school I made millions of dollars in operating nightclubs… Then I went into politics and then I went to jail …..For the past 40 years everyone’s been telling me I should write a book just by listening to my interesting stories my name is john Schultz and I live in Atlantic City New Jersey please google me… John
Hi! Well, you certainly sound like you have an intriguing story to tell! I wrote you privately and look forward to learning more. Thanks for reaching out to me!