When I needed help writing my memoir, I realized there were many different reasons why people hire ghostwriter to write story. Some are struggling to decide what’s important to include or find it too difficult emotionally to share things about themselves. I had started my memoir but couldn’t make much headway.
Choosing memoir writing services and hiring a professional ghostwriter was the best decision. A skilled expert can organize your stories into a cohesive, compelling read in just a few months. Together, we managed to turn my life story into a book that captured my voice and message. Even though other hands typed the words, the book felt completely yours — and that’s the true way to share your story.
How Do I Find a Ghostwriter?
Finding the perfect ghostwriter can make your story truly shine in your voice. I once hired a writer after a quick Google search for a reputable ghostwriting agency that specializes in memoirs and biographies. Always do research—some are individual experts, and others are larger groups with best-sellers under their belts. Ask for samples, check references, and understand the difference before signing any contract. When you feel happy, you’ll know you’ve found your perfect match to help write your dream!
Sealing the Deal: Your Writing Contract
When hiring a ghostwriter or writing firm, check their standard contract—it must clearly show expectations, obligations, and each party’s agreement in a reputable, legally binding way; if anything feels unclear, uncomfortable, or confusing in the clauses or terminology, ask a lawyer for clarification, negotiate, or reword before making a serious investment of your time and money.
What’s the Cost of Hiring a Writer for Your Life Story?
The short and simple answer is it really depends. When you find writers, you’ll notice some are inexpensive but probably less experienced, while others have years of experience and even New York Times-bestselling books. The cost of hiring a good writer often comes down to the case of “you get what you pay for.” For a typical memoir, expect to spend thousands of dollars — from $7500 or $10,000 at the low end up to tens of thousands for professional ghostwriters with a serious track record. They can easily command anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000+ per project.
Payment Terms You Should Know
When you contact a writer, always agree on a payment plan early. Good writers accept instalments clearly spelt out like thirds—one third at signing, another after the complete first draft, and the last on the revised final draft. Some even allow quarters or another breakdown that’s mutually agreeable. Be careful if there’s a request for payment in full upfront—this is a red flag. Walk away from such demands because they are often unprofessional, and you might get scammed if you pay.
How to Estimate the Time to Finish Your Memoir
Completing a manuscript often takes six to twelve months, depending on factors like research, interviews, and drafting. Some writers offer an accelerated schedule for a premium if you want a short timeframe. Be ready for unexpected delays, requests for changes, or issues that may arise midway. The start-to-finish time may vary based on how much you can pay and how complete your story idea is. With careful planning, it’s possible to keep the revision process smooth and stay on time.
What Will Ghostwriting Involve?
- Interviews and Research to Understand Your Story
This could be handled remotely via Skype or telephone, or it may involve travel by the writer to meet you and your family. They will conduct detailed interviews and research your background. Expect several hours or even days, depending on the scope and scale of the project.
2. Planning and Outlining Your Book
Once initial interviews are complete, the writer will begin planning and outlining your book. They’ll review early reviews, create a strong plan, and share an outline with you for approval and input before starting the main work.
3 . Ghostwriting the Main Content
This is where the real ghostwriting begins. A bulk of the content and writing will occur based on your earlier interviews and agreed outline.
4. Revisions Based on Feedback and Guidance
You’ll get an opportunity to read and review the first draft, either in stages or once completed. You can provide a detailed list of changes or corrections. The ghostwriter will revise the product until you’re happy.
5 . Editing and Final Touches
In the final step, editing focuses on fixing spelling, grammar, and errors. Known as copyediting, this last stage ensures your writing and revisions are complete, polished, and error-free for the best possible finish.
Who Owns the Rights to the Work?
In a work-for-hire project, the contract you sign with the writer must spell out that the person who commissioned the work holds full rights, including copyright, and can freely use the material any way without extra compensation to the writer. At the same time, this post aims to help you hire the right person to write your life story or memoir, and if you prefer writing your memoir, ghostwriting help is always there.