Are you looking at hiring a UK ghostwriter?
Perhaps you are you looking for a UK ghostwriting company that understands the nuances of the English language?
One of the best ways is to find a ghostwriter who is a native English speaker.
Ghostwriting is an industry that often goes unseen, yet it’s a vital part of the literary world.
If you have a compelling story to tell or wisdom to share but lack the time, skill, or desire to write it yourself, hiring a ghostwriter can be a fantastic solution.
If you’re based in the UK or seeking a UK ghostwriter specifically, here’s a guide to streamline your process.
Why Hire A UK Ghostwriting Company?
The only thing that prevents you from writing the book is the lack of time.
But there’s more to it than meets the eye – aside from time constraints.
You’re unsure if you can even write the novel yourself because you haven’t done so in the past.
You also have a day job, which means your commitment to it is questionable.
There are countless people out there with creative minds, but not all of them have the skill to put it into writing.
You’re reading because you feel like you’re one of them.
An incredible story or plot never gets distinction when it remains unwritten and unpublished.
Also, even a compelling and unique story won’t sell if the book is poorly written.
Don’t waste the prospect of writing a bestseller.
You may be less confident with your writing skills, but that’s the reason why ghostwriters exist.
Ghostwriters are professional writers who do the tedious work on your behalf, i.e., writing and editing.
The UK is a hotbed for all types of writers with diverse competition and the high standards of publishers.
It means that your book is more likely to get published anywhere else in the world than here.
But don’t take that as an excuse to stop dreaming.
The silver lining here is that there’s a handful of excellent ghostwriters along the way.
If you’re looking to hire one, this list helps you build a list of worthy prospects.
Ghostwriters are invaluable assets to many authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, providing essential writing services while allowing their clients to focus on other aspects of their businesses or careers.
However, finding and hiring the right ghostwriter can be a daunting task.
In this blog post, we will explore tips and tricks for hiring a ghostwriter to ensure a smooth and successful collaboration.
Determine Your UK Ghostwriting Needs
Before you start your search for a UK ghostwriter, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your project’s requirements. Ask yourself the following questions:
* What type of content do you need (e.g., a book, blog post, or article)?
* What is the target audience?
* What is the desired length of the content?
* What is your budget for the project?
* What is the expected deadline for completion?
By defining your needs upfront, you’ll have a solid foundation to guide your search for the perfect ghostwriter.
What Type of Ghostwriters Are There?
Ghostwriters are versatile, working across a wide range of projects:
Novels and Memoirs: Here, ghostwriters capture the voice and life experiences of the person they are writing for, often requiring empathy, discretion, and confidentiality.
Business Books and Articles: They help professionals share their expertise, insights, and business philosophies, contributing to thought leadership in their industry.
Blog Posts and Web Content: Ghostwriters help maintain an active online presence for individuals and companies, ensuring consistency in quality and voice.
Speeches and Presentations: They craft speeches that convey messages powerfully and persuasively, tailored to the speaker’s style and the audience’s expectations.
Understanding the Role of a UK Ghostwriter
A ghostwriter is a professional writer who is hired to write for someone else under that person’s named authorship.
Ghostwriters take on the heavy lifting of crafting your narrative, organising ideas, and creating engaging content, allowing you to take credit for the final work.
They work on various projects, from novels and memoirs to blog posts and speeches.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A UK Ghostwriter?
Typically it costs around £20,000 to £50,000 or more for experienced ghostwriters with proven track record.
This is especially the case if the book requires significant research or is expected to have high commercial value.
Factors Influencing Ghostwriting Costs
Several key factors impact how much you might pay for a ghostwriting service:
Experience and Reputation: Like in many professions, a ghostwriter’s fees often reflect their experience and success in the field. High-profile ghostwriters with a portfolio of bestsellers command higher fees.
Project Complexity: A book requiring extensive research or technical expertise will generally cost more than one on a subject the ghostwriter is already familiar with.
Length of Work: The longer the manuscript, the higher the cost. Ghostwriters may charge per word, per page, or a flat rate for the entire project.
Market Demand: Ghostwriters in high demand may increase their rates due to their limited availability and the high interest in their services.
Publishing Expectations: If the work is intended for commercial publishing and requires a high standard of polish, the cost may be higher due to the additional rounds of revisions and editing.
Is A Ghostwriter Worth the Investment?
The decision to hire a ghostwriter should be weighed against your project’s goals, budget, and timeline.
For many, the investment is justified by the time saved and the quality of the final product.
A skilled ghostwriter can turn your ideas into a polished, engaging narrative that resonates with your target audience, potentially leading to higher sales, enhanced reputation, or personal satisfaction.
Research and Find Potential UK Ghostwriting Companies
There are several ways to find potential ghostwriters:
* Referrals: Referrals are always the best way to find a ghostwriter. Ask friends, colleagues, or acquaintances for recommendations.
* Freelance platforms: Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Reedsy provide a platform to connect with experienced ghostwriters.
* Writing organizations: Professional writing associations, like the Association of Ghostwriters, can help you find qualified candidates.
* Social media: Search for ghostwriters on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, or join relevant writing groups.
Review The UK Ghostwriters’ Portfolios and Writing Samples
It’s essential to review a ghostwriter’s portfolio and writing samples to ensure their writing style and experience align with your project’s requirements.
Look for examples of work in your genre or industry, and pay close attention to the quality and tone of their writing.
This will give you a better sense of whether they can capture your voice and meet your expectations.
1 – The Ghostwriting Company
To be clear, this company is different from Ghostwriters & Co, the Ghostwriting Company is a team of ghostwriters is in a league of its own – its partnership with England’s top publishing houses gives it the edge over the competition. The client list includes Random House and the Hachette Book Group.
Based in London, the company employs a bunch of “ghosts” with expertise and knowledge in different genres and subjects. So, if you’re looking for versatility, this company fits the bill.
The writers can work on literally anything, from fiction, biographies, memoirs, to self-help books and corporate writing.
2 – Ghostwriter
This writer’s real name is Hannah Reiner. She’s a renowned “ghost” for creative non-fiction. Also based in London, she’d written books that were later adapted to TV shows.
Her portfolio includes history books and a handful of biographies. She stands out when it comes to putting real-life stories into writing, highlighted by a unique tone.
3 – Andrew Crofts
This ghostwriter has over 80 books to his name.
So if you’re looking for someone who writes a biography or memoir, Crofts should be on your list of priorities.
His experience is mostly unsurpassed in the UK, with years of partnership with the biggest publishers, including McGraw Hill, Harper Collins, Penguin, and Little Brown.
4 – Ghostwriter Services UK
Ghostwriter Services UK differs from all the others in this list because they offer to consult and mentor aspiring authors.
The agency is preferred by those who need assistance in writing screenplays, novels, memoirs, and biographies.
Just recently, the firm started accommodating blogs and digital content. It’s a well-established team that caters to different media, i.e., TV, stage, film, and digital.
5 – StoryTerrace
This company offers a unique take on the concept of “ghostwriting,” with a marketing pitch that’s centred on helping people share their stories.
It’s different from other ghostwriting services in this list because it focuses on biographies so, if you’re thinking about writing a book about your life story, StoryTerrace is an excellent place to get excellent ghostwriting services.
6 – Professional Ghost
The ghostwriting agency not only offers writing and editing services, but it also helps authors publish their work—Professional Ghost hands out sessions to aspiring authors who look forward to self-publishing.
The agency helps you find a publisher for a minimal fee.
The founder, Teena Lyons, has a long-standing relationship with known publishing houses in the UK as she uses her agency to cater to your ghostwriting needs of the publishers’ clients.
7 – Alan Howarth
Alan Howarth is a one-man team, but this pro ghostwriter offers a modern take on the concept of ghostwriting.
Instead of focusing on biographies and novels, he handles web content and non-fiction work. He is also an expert in writing proposals and copywriting.
His line of work also includes helping beginners find their way through the process of publishing their books for the first time.
8 – Indie Publishing Group
Although the Indie Publishing Group is based in the UK, it recently expanded its operations in Canada. The firm transcends the boundaries of ghostwriting as it also offers editing and self-publishing services. The group is sought after by aspiring authors who are looking to hire a ghost for a reasonable price. There’s a team that specializes in social media and web content.
9 – Cheryl Rickman
Rickman is one of the few ghostwriters in the UK with over two decades of experience. Her most renowned (credited) work is a Sunday Times bestseller entitled “Tycoon.” Rickman has a distinguishing take on ghostwriting as she is also a bestselling author by day. Her expertise is non-fiction and self-help books.
10 – Shannon Kyle
Another UK ghostwriter with a proven track record, Shannon Kyle is a founding member of the United Ghostwriters consortium. She’s credited for 12 books and is a master of biographies and memoirs.
Of those 12, four have stints on the Sunday Times bestseller list.
As a neophyte in this trade, it’s perfectly normal to be scared of failure.
But there’s no way of telling if you succeed or not in writing your book if you don’t take the first step.
Think of hiring a ghostwriter as a necessary collaboration to get things started.
With a professional “ghost” on board, you’re one step closer to your goal of publishing a bestseller.
Hiring and Working with a UK Ghostwriting Company
This probably doesn’t need to be said.
But always ensure there’s a written contract in place.
It should cover details like payment terms, project deadlines, confidentiality, and the rights to the work.
Communication with your ghostwriter is key/
Establish clear lines of communication from the onset.
Regular check-ins allow you to monitor the progress, provide feedback, and ensure the writing aligns with your vision.
And lastly, feedback and revisions will improve your writing.
Don’t be afraid to give the ghostwriter open and honest with your feedback.
A good ghostwriter will be receptive and willing to make revisions until you’re satisfied with the work.
Check Testimonials and References
Before hiring a ghostwriter, check their testimonials and ask for references from previous clients.
This will give you insight into their work ethic, reliability, and ability to meet deadlines.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to these references and ask about their experiences working with the ghostwriter in question.
Conduct Interviews With Potential UK Ghostwriters
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential ghostwriters, set up interviews to discuss your project and gauge their enthusiasm and understanding of your needs.
During the interview, ask about their writing process, communication style, and experience with similar projects.
This will help you determine if they are the right fit for your project.
Final Thoughts On Hiring a UK Ghostwriter
Hiring a ghostwriter can be a rewarding experience, resulting in high-quality content that accurately reflects your vision and voice.
By following these tips and tricks, you can find the perfect ghostwriter for your project, ensuring a smooth and successful partnership.
Remember that the key to a successful collaboration is clear communication, mutual understanding, and trust.
By carefully researching and vetting potential ghostwriters, conducting thorough interviews, and establishing open lines of communication, you can ensure that your project will be in capable hands.
Ultimately, investing time and effort in finding the right ghostwriter will not only save you time and stress but also yield content that effectively conveys your message and resonates with your target audience.
Originally published on Nov 22nd 2020, updated with new information June 16th 2023
Further Reading
- Best Ghostwriting services
- Books you’ll be surprised were ghostwritten
- The step by step process to write a book
- Hire a blog ghostwriter
- Hire a screenplay ghostwriter
- Hire a fiction ghostwriter
- Hire a report writer
- Hire a best man speechwriter
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
