How to Find the best Ghostwriter in the US

The first step in finding a ghostwriter is understanding where to look for candidates.

When I question book agents, like Amazon Book Publishers, about the best location to hire ghostwriters, they consistently affirm what I’ve discovered. There is no single source to find experienced ghostwriters.

This article includes a complete list of where to discover them. The list is based on research with book agents and ghostwriting professionals.

The list consists of 3 categories or platforms that can help you find the best ghostwriter for your book project:

Individual Search: Platforms such as LinkedIn and Google allow you to find individuals and their portfolio websites.

Freelance Writer Marketplaces: Sites like Reedsy, Mediabistro, and Fiverr connect professional writers with those looking for ghostwriting services.

Ghostwriter Agencies: These third-party entities connect authors with ghostwriters and take a percentage of the price. 

Below is a brief overview of the three options and how to use them to gain maximum benefits when you are looking for a suitable ghostwriter for your assistance:

1. Individual Search

Searching Google and LinkedIn is one way to compile a list of ghostwriters. Many ghostwriters and authors claim that is how they located each other.

However, both platforms have drawbacks.

Sorting through LinkedIn profiles takes a significant amount of time and work. When you search for “book ghostwriter,” thousands of results surface. Searching through them individually is a highly wasteful operation.

The search filters are also not very useful. You must still visit each writer’s profile, look at their previous work, and follow the steps outlined below to determine whether they are a suitable candidate.

With Google, you must also sort through a large number of search results. The initial pages are populated with freelance markets and ghostwriter agencies, so you must delve deep to find the online profiles of individual ghostwriters. And it’s challenging to identify who is legitimate.

It is a daunting process because it can easily take you into a rabbit hole, mainly with no outcomes. 

2. Freelance Writer Marketplaces

Freelance writer markets are one of the more plentiful sources of ghostwriters for hire. However, you’ll still need to sift through numerous profiles to discover suitable candidates.

Platforms like Reedsy are the most effective options for finding high-quality book ghostwriters. It is because the search filters are far more effective than LinkedIn. So, how do you discover your ghostwriters on these platforms?

You can choose ghostwriting as a service. Then, you can narrow down to nonfiction, your desired language, and genre. For instance, if you are writing a business book, look for a ghostwriter specializing in that field.

These filters might save you time while searching.

From there, you may examine profiles and evaluate freelancers based on their portfolios and reviews. Reviews, like those found on Amazon and other marketplaces, might assist you in determining who is reliable.

3. Ghostwriter Agencies

There are several ghostwriter agencies out there. However, the majority of them are scams.

The issue with these companies is that they get paid as soon as they match you with a writer. They are not paid based on the success of the partnership. So, they’re motivated to establish a relationship as soon as possible, irrespective of how it turns out.

Most of the time, agencies’ incentives do not align with freelance writers or authors. Amazon Book Publishers is one of the platforms that make the proper connection from the outset. A project manager is assigned to keep you updated and facilitated until the completion of your project.

Furthermore, they employ world-class ghostwriters and are committed to keeping authors satisfied.

In essence, if you decide to use a ghostwriting service, go with one that is well-established and has a proven track record. 

More tips for the ghostwriter hiring process:

• Inquire about how they select writers and their strategy for matching writers with authors. A good process indicates a good agency.
• If they don’t ask you a lot of personal questions, it’s a red flag. How will people know your style and your project requirements?
• Inquire whether they give a money-back guarantee. I would reconsider dealing with them if they do not stand behind their work.

Key takeaways

In conclusion, finding the best ghostwriter for your book project requires careful consideration and thorough research. Here are the key points you can learn from the article:

• While there is no single source for discovering experienced ghostwriters, there are several avenues you can explore.
• Individual searches on platforms like Google and LinkedIn can be time-consuming. They may not always yield the desired results, but they can still be valuable in compiling a list of potential candidates. 
• Freelance writer marketplaces offer more efficient search filters and can help you narrow down your options based on specific criteria like genre and language.
• Ghostwriter agencies can also be viable, but it’s crucial to be cautious and discerning, as many may not have your best interests at heart. Look for agencies with a proven track record, transparent processes for selecting writers, and a commitment to client satisfaction.