Here are the top 10 Scottish Ghostwriters to help you write your book.
Perhaps you’ve tasted a semblance of success on your first foray into publishing and want to build on your momentum, or you’re a busy professional wanting to jumpstart your author career without sacrificing other pursuits.
Either way, a ghostwriter provides the ideal combination of convenience and security.
What is A Scottish Ghostwriter?
When you hear the term Scottish ghostwriter, you might picture a mysterious writer cloaked in tartan, penning stories in the misty Highlands. While the reality isn’t quite so dramatic, there’s an undeniable allure to the idea. A Scottish ghostwriter is a professional writer based in or inspired by Scotland, (duh!!) who helps bring someone else’s story to life without claiming public credit. They are the silent architect behind books, speeches, blogs, and even screenplays, seamlessly channeling the voice, tone, and vision of their client.
These “ghosts” take your ideas and transform them into polished, professional written works. They help you create a compelling story, develop complex characters, or even just give your writing the added polish for it to stand out. There’s no question the competition in the publishing market is getting more and more intense. That being said, having a ghostwriter by your side corresponds to a higher likelihood of success.
As such, here are the top 10 Scottish ghostwriters to consider for your next writing project:
1 – Douglas Wight
This Edinburgh-based ghostwriter is as versatile as they come. His best attribute is his ability to write in male and female voices. Hence, there’s no limit as to what Wight can write for you. He has ghostwritten at least 12 nonfiction titles, with subjects ranging from autobiographies, true crime, and memoirs to history.
Wight’s services include not just ghostwriting but also editing and even finding a publisher. He is also open to writing short-form content.
2 – Shari Low
Shari Low is a quintessential example of someone who discovered their true calling later in life but still achieved remarkable success. Hailing from Glasgow, Low initially embarked on a career as a hotel manager. It was after years in the hospitality industry that she unearthed her passion for writing, transforming her future entirely.
Despite starting her writing journey in the latter part of her career, she has penned 19 novels and successfully transitioned between author and ghostwriter. Her expertise spans a wide range of genres, including memoirs, historical fiction, crime, and women’s fiction, which attests to her versatility and understanding of storytelling.
3 – Stuart MacBride
Stuart MacBride is a Scottish crime-fiction writer best known for his Logan McRae series. However, he has also shown a remarkable talent for ghostwriting, having written the memoirs of famous personalities. Stuart lives a simple family life in Scotland, but his craft has taken him all over the world.
With his wealth of experience and knowledge in crime writing, Stuart is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of suspense and intrigue to their work. His writing style is also adaptable, making him an ideal candidate for different genres and voices.
4 – Sara Sheridan
Sara Sheridan is an established guru in historical fiction. But she offers more than just her expertise in this genre—she’s also a proficient ghostwriter, having helped authors realize their writing dreams. Sheridan has ghostwritten fiction and nonfiction works, with a particular interest in biographies and memoirs. According to Sara, good writing isn’t bound by genre, which is a testament to her openness to working on an extensive array of projects.
Sara Sheridan’s achievements extend beyond her expertise in historical fiction and ghostwriting. With over 20 books to her name, she has established herself as a prolific author dedicated to creating authentic, engaging stories. Her extensive bibliography reflects her broad literary capability and keen interest in both fiction and nonfiction. Beyond her writing career, Sara is a dedicated mentor who plays a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of emerging writers, sharing her wealth of experience and insight to guide them in their respective journeys.
5 – Jenny Brown
The well-accomplished Jenny Brown heads this literary agency. If you’re in search of a Scottish ghostwriter, partnering with the Jenny Brown Associates literary agency is a highly sensible choice. With a roster of over 50 talented writers, the agency covers an extensive range of genres, seeing to it that you find the perfect match for your project.
Their highly established system streamlines the process of connecting authors with ghostwriters, making it seamless and efficient to bring your book to life. Whether you’re delving into fiction, nonfiction, crime, or romance, Jenny Brown Associates provides the expertise and support needed to achieve your writing goals.
6 – Veronica Clark
Veronica Clark boasts an impressive resume as a ghostwriter, having earned the prestigious titles of Sunday Times and Irish Times bestselling author. Her background as a journalist contributes to her writing abilities, particularly in genres that benefit from a sharp, analytical edge.
Over the past decade, she has successfully established herself as a versatile ghostwriter, adept at delving into a myriad of subjects and genres. Whether her clients request engaging narrative nonfiction or thrilling crime stories, Veronica is well-equipped to cater to diverse writing needs. She effortlessly adapts her writing style to fit varied themes and genres, making her a smart choice for those seeking a seasoned, flexible ghostwriter.
7 – Sandra Ireland
Sandra Ireland is another accomplished Scottish author and ghostwriter with a diverse portfolio that spans both fiction and nonfiction. Her writing style is characterized by vivid, evocative descriptions that transport the reader to the heart of her stories. She has also established herself as a skilled editor, lending her expertise to help authors bring their work to its full potential.
Ireland’s versatility extends beyond her writing capabilities. She’s open to projects in multiple languages and currently offers creative writing courses to anyone interested in honing their writing skills.
8 – James Oswald
James Oswald is a prolific Scottish author who has made quite a name for himself in the crime fiction genre. His bestselling Inspector McLean series has garnered widespread acclaim, and his writing style is characterized by its gripping plot twists and masterful suspense-building techniques.
Oswald has also lent his ghostwriting talents to various projects, including biographies and memoirs. With over ten years of experience as a writer and ghostwriter, James brings both skill and passion to every project he takes on. His enthusiasm for helping other authors realize their writing dreams is evident in his dedication to delivering high-quality work.
9 – Val McDermid
Val McDermid is one of Scotland’s most renowned authors. She is best known for her gripping crime novels, some of which have been translated into over 30 languages. With decades of experience in the literary world, McDermid has also proven herself to be a skilled ghostwriter, having collaborated with various celebrities and public figures on their autobiographies and memoirs.
Her writing style is epitomized by her attention to detail and incredible storytelling. To say that she’s a highly sought-after ghostwriter for both fiction and nonfiction works is rather an understatement. A couple of her books were adapted into successful TV series, highlighting her appeal to a wide audience.
10 – Ian Rankin
Last but certainly not least, we have Ian Rankin, another highly esteemed Scottish crime fiction writer. With a handful of awards and accolades under his belt, including the Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Award, it’s safe to say that Rankin is one of the leading figures in the genre.
Rankin is into ghostwriting for other authors. He helps identify and support emerging talent. His dedication to uplifting aspiring writers showcases his passion for storytelling. The only downside is that Ian Rankin’s schedule is usually packed, so getting him to ghostwrite your book may be a bit of a challenge. However, for those fortunate enough to work with him, the experience is bound to be transformative and rewarding.
To say that Scotland has a wealth of talented ghostwriters would be an understatement. These ten prospects are just a small sample of the many talented Scottish authors and literary professionals, most of which are enthusiastic enough to work with you.
Joel Mark Harris graduated from the Langara School of Journalism in 2007. Joel is an award-winning journalist, novelist, screenwriter and producer.
He has ghostwritten numerous books in all types of genres including true life crime, business, memoir, and self help. With over 1,000 blog posts to his name, he has helped hundreds of business owners scale their business and increase their visibility. You can email him at info@ghostwritersandco.com