How to Find a Ghostwriter for an Autobiography

A ghostwriter is a professional writer who is commissioned to write books, screenplays, songs and other literature without getting credited. Another person gets the official credit for the written work. The credited author provides input on the project, but usually the ghostwriter does most of the actual writing. Celebrities and politicians often work with ghostwriters on speeches, memoirs, autobiographies, songs and screenplays. Finding a ghostwriter to help you with your own autobiography can be daunting. You may have to share intimate details of your life with the ghostwriter, and the process can be intimidating for some.

Instructions

1. Advertise in your local newspaper. Put in an ad that you are looking for an experienced ghostwriter to help you with writing your autobiography. Make sure to include contact and compensation information.

2. Advertise online on websites such as Craigslist or Monster. You will be able to reach a wider audience of writers and ghostwriters if you advertise online, or if advertising in a local newspaper doesn't yield desired results.

3. Ask for samples of the ghostwriter's work. Make sure you read some of what the ghostwriter has previously written to make sure you like his writing style and writing skills.

4. Interview potential ghostwriters. Once you have narrowed your list down to several potential ghostwriters, call them in to be interviewed. Meeting in person is important when recruiting a ghostwriter to write about your life. It's imperative that you get to know the ghostwriters a little bit before you decide which one to hire. Ask them about their previous experiences, schedules and any other information you feel is relevant.

5. Contact the ghostwriters' references. Make sure you ask for references or letters of recommendation from the ghostwriters, and contact those people. You will be able to learn more about the ghostwriters' work ethic by interviewing previous clients. This will help you further narrow down the list to find the perfect ghostwriter for an autobiography.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you negotiate payment before officially hiring the ghostwriter. Draft a contract that states both your and the ghostwriter's duties as employer and employee.

Resources

• Professional Ghostwriters