Lots of people dream about publishing a book; however, not everyone has the time, writing skills, or experience to create a book from scratch. What those people do have is the next best idea for a brand new book.
Now, how do those people publish books? Well, they hire a ghostwriter online! A ghostwriter can help transform your concepts into a professional, publish-ready book.
But how exactly do you go from hiring a ghostwriter to seeing your book on the shelves or at least on Amazon? In this article, we’ll break down the process step by step.
What is a Ghostwriter and Why Do Authors Hire a Ghostwriter Online?
A ghostwriter is a professional writer who creates content on behalf of someone else. They remain anonymous, meaning your name appears on the final book as the author. People hire ghostwriters for many reasons:
- Lack of time to write a book
- Needing help structuring and organizing ideas
- Wanting a polished, professional manuscript
- Language barriers for non-native English speakers
Ghostwriting is a common practice in publishing. There are many business leaders, famous celebs, and even published authors who get a ghostwriter to turn their idea into a book. Read along to learn how to find a ghost writer for a book:
Step 1: Define Your Book’s Purpose and Audience
Before you hire a ghostwriter, you need clarity about your book’s goal and target readers. Ask yourself these basic questions:
- Do you need a memoir, business guide, or fiction novel?
- What message or story do you want to share with the world?
- Who should benefit from reading your book?
You can’t just Google “I need a ghostwriter for my book” and click the first website you see on the search engine result pages. Having a clear vision of your own book and idea will help you in finding the right ghostwriting services online.
Step 2: Find the Right Ghostwriter Online
Where to Look
There are various ways to find professional ghostwriters; here are some top areas:
- Online ghostwriting agencies, like SpineAuthors
- Freelance platforms, like Upwork, Reedsy, Fiverr Pro
- Referrals from published authors
What to Look For
Make sure to get a ghostwriter who:
- Knows how to write a book of your genre.
- Has a large portfolio
- Will offer writing samples before you hire them
- Can understand the vision of your book
- Can write in your own voice
- Has positive feedback from clients (the more, the better here)
This above tip also works for ghostwriting agencies!
Pro Tip: Always request a sample chapter or short writing test before committing.
Step 3: Outline and Agreement
Once you find your ghostwriter or a ghostwriting agency, the next step is creating a detailed outline of what you need. This will ensure that both parties agree on:
- A clear breakdown of chapters
- Key themes and tone of the entire book
- Research requirements
- The deadline for the project
A written contract is extremely important. Make sure that it should include:
- Payment terms (fixed fee or pay chapter-wise)
- Ownership rights (you retain full copyright)
- A privacy agreement to keep information private
Step 4: Writing and Revisions
Ghostwriting is a joint-effort process. The ghostwriter online will:
- Draft chapters based on interviews, notes, or research
- Share sections for your feedback
- Make revisions until the book checks all your boxes
Communication is key. So make sure you do regular check-ins to avoid any misunderstandings. This will also keep the project on track and ensure that it’s completed on the decided deadline. Remember: If you become lazy as the author, the ghostwriter might slow down too.
Step 5: Editing and Proofreading
Even the best writers need fresh eyes on the draft. After the ghostwriter completes their work:
- Hire a professional editor for structure and clarity
- Use a proofreader to fix grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors
This step ensures your book reads smoothly and meets publishing standards.
Pro tip: A ghostwriting agency, like SpineAuthors, offers a complete ghostwriting, proofreading and editing services, and publishing package. If you choose SpineAuthors, you won’t have to hire an editor, proofreader, or publisher separately!
Step 6: Publishing Your Book
After editing and proofreading, you’re ready to publish. You have two main options:
Traditional Publishing
- Submit your book to literary agents or publishing houses
- Requires patience and determination to get it done timely
- Usually provides wider distribution but less creative control
Self-Publishing
- Upload your book to platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
- Gives you full control and higher royalties
- Requires you to handle marketing or hire professionals
Out of the above two options for online book publishing, choose the one that seems better to you.
Pro tip: A ghostwriting agency, like SpineAuthors, offers you publishing services as well. So while we do the publishing, marketing, and hard work; you can just enjoy the royalties received from publishing your book!
Step 7: Marketing Your Book
Even the best book needs visibility. Consider:
- Social media promotion (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok for authors)
- Book review services and PR campaigns
- Email newsletters to your audience
- Author website for credibility and SEO
A good and effective marketing strategy will help your book get the appreciation and online visibility it needs to generate nonstop royalties!
Benefits of Using SpineAuthors for Publishing
- Saves time and stress
- Brings professional quality to your book
- Helps organize and structure your ideas
- Lets you focus on your business, career, or personal life while your book takes shape
Let SpineAuthors take care of everything for you while you relax and focus on other things!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Never work without signing a contract and always make sure you’ve got a copy of the contract too.
- Always set a deadline for your project because if you don’t then the project will take longer than it should!
- Make sure to use every revision you get to give your feedback about the book and its progress.
- Get editing and proofreading services to make sure your book is error-free!
Are you ready to get a ghostwriter online? Then contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is hiring a ghostwriter legal and ethical?
Yes. Ghostwriting is a legitimate and common practice in publishing. You own the full rights to the book because you paid for the service. It’s ethical as long as both parties agree and the contract is clear.
2. How much does it cost to hire a ghostwriter?
Costs vary based on experience, genre, and length. Professional ghostwriters can charge anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 for a full-length book. High-profile projects may cost more.
3. How long does the ghostwriting process take?
On average, a ghostwritten book takes 3 to 9 months. The timeline depends on the book length, research needs, and how quickly you provide feedback.
4. Do ghostwriters also handle publishing?
Most ghostwriters focus only on writing. However, many agencies offer add-on services such as editing, book formatting services, and publishing assistance.
5. Will anyone know I used a ghostwriter?
No, not unless you choose to disclose it. Professional ghostwriters sign confidentiality agreements, ensuring your name is on the book and their involvement stays private.
Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who doesn’t have any writing skills, then trust us, getting a ghostwriter to help you write, edit, proofread, and publish your book is the shortcut you need! Our ghostwriters at SpineAuthors will handle everything from concept development to draft delivery.
Whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing, having SpineAuthors by your side can make the journey smoother and more successful.