What to Expect When Hiring a Ghostwriter: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Hiring a ghostwriter can feel like a leap—especially if you’ve never worked with one before. Maybe you’re not sure what the process looks like. Maybe it feels too personal, too expensive, or too mysterious.

The truth is, ghostwriting is simply a collaborative way to get your ideas onto the page with the support of a skilled writing partner. Whether you’re a therapist, coach, doula, or financial professional, working with a ghostwriter can help you create a book, blog series, or signature content without doing all the heavy lifting yourself.

Let’s walk through what to expect—so you can feel confident in deciding if it’s the right next step.

Why People Hire Ghostwriters

Most people don’t hire a ghostwriter because they can’t write. They hire one because:

  • They don’t have time to write consistently,

  • They feel overwhelmed by where to start,

  • They want to make sure their content is professional and polished, or

  • They have a story or method to share—but they don’t feel confident putting it into words.

A ghostwriter helps you say what you want to say—only better.

The Ghostwriting Process: Step by Step

1. Discovery Call

Every project starts with a conversation (or an email). You and your ghostwriter talk about your goals, audience, and vision. This is where you ask questions, share your ideas, and see if there’s a fit.

2. Planning & Structure

Once you agree to move forward, your ghostwriter creates an outline or project plan. For a book, that might be a chapter breakdown. For a blog series, it could be a content calendar. You’ll review and approve this before the writing begins.

3. Interviews & Voice Capture

To make sure your content sounds like you, the ghostwriter will likely interview you or review any existing materials you’ve written. This could also include YouTube videos or podcast episodes. Reviewing your materials helps the ghostwriter capture your tone, values, and stories accurately.

4. Drafting

Your ghostwriter writes the first draft based on your input and approved structure. You’ll receive it for review and give feedback—this is a collaborative stage, but you don’t need to “fix” anything yourself.

5. Revisions

Based on your feedback, the ghostwriter revises the content until it feels right. Good ghostwriting doesn’t feel “written for you”—it feels like you on your best writing day.

6. Final Delivery

You receive a polished, ready-to-use version of your content—be it a full manuscript, blog series, or thought leadership article. You can publish the finished product under your name and use it to grow your platform or practice.

What Makes a Good Ghostwriting Relationship

Here are a few things I aim for when I’m working with clients:

  • Clear communication: You both know what to expect and when.

  • Mutual respect: You’re the expert in your story or field. The ghostwriter is there to help you share it with impact.

  • Honesty and trust: Especially when the writing touches on vulnerable topics.

  • Collaborative spirit: You stay involved without having to manage every sentence.

What Ghostwriting Isn’t

And here are a few things my ghostwriting practice doesn’t include:

  • ❌ It’s not plagiarism—it’s a transparent, ethical service.

  • ❌ It’s not “cheating”—you’re still the author. The ghostwriter just helps you express your message clearly.

  • ❌ It’s not one-size-fits-all—each project is tailored to the voice, goals, and audience of the author.

How to Know If You’re Ready to Hire a Ghostwriter

You might be ready to work with a ghostwriter if:

  • You have a strong message but no time to write,

  • You want to publish high-quality content that reflects your expertise,

  • You’re open to a collaborative process, or

  • You’re ready to invest in your story, your brand, or your impact.

Final Thoughts

Ghostwriting isn’t just for celebrities and CEOs. It’s for anyone who wants to create meaningful content—but doesn’t want to do it alone. Whether you’re building a business, leaving a legacy, or writing to connect, the right ghostwriter can make the process smooth, empowering, and even enjoyable.

Curious if ghostwriting is right for you?
Start by reading How to Know If You’re Ready to Hire a Ghostwriter or contact me here to set up a free discovery call.