• A time-tested process turns your story into a compelling, ready-to-publish manuscript in four phases:

    1. Planning (4 weeks):

      We clarify your goals, define your audience, and outline your story. I deliver a concept memo and a chapter-by-chapter roadmap.

    2. Interviewing (4–5 months):

      In weekly recorded calls, we walk through your life one chapter at a time—uncovering turning points, insights, and key stories.

    3. Drafting (4–5 months):

      I write a full manuscript based on our conversations. You review it, and we revise to strengthen structure, voice, and flow.

    4. Polishing (6 weeks):

      We go line by line to tighten language and refine the voice. The result: a clean, compelling manuscript ready to publish.

  • Relaxed. Conversational. Revelatory. I ask open-ended questions that spark stories, insights, and those half-forgotten moments that turn into great scenes. We record and transcribe everything, so nothing gets lost and you don’t have to take notes.

  • Plan on at least 25 one-hour sessions. Some are big-picture planning. Others dig into turning points, values, or ventures. You’ll also spend some time tracking down old documents, letters, photos, and such.

  • Yes. Coaching is a good option if you enjoy writing but need structure and accountability. As with ghostwriting, we begin with a concept memo and working outline, then move into recorded chapter-by-chapter conversations. You will use those transcripts to help you write. I’ll provide detailed feedback and suggestions on your chapter drafts. If at any point you’d rather hand off the writing, we can shift into ghostwriting mode without missing a beat.

  • Most memoirs and authority-building books land between 40,000 and 60,000 words. That’s roughly 200 to 300 pages. Shorter is fine for promo books. Longer is fine if the story earns it.

  • Typically, 9 to 12 months from kickoff to finished manuscript. That gives the story room to breathe and lets you keep your day job. If you’re on a tight timeline, we can talk—but rushing tends to flatten the story.

  • Typically $65,000 to $90,000 for a publisher-ready manuscript, depending on the project’s complexity and projected length. That covers concept development through final polish. Intensive coaching, which includes full transcripts of recorded interviews, will run roughly half that, based on how much editing and polishing support you desire.

  • You do. 100%. Unless we agree otherwise, your name’s on the cover—and the copyright page.

  • You’ve got three main options:

    • Traditional publishing – Requires an agent and a strong proposal. Long process, big upside.

    • Self-publishing – Full control, higher royalties, more moving parts to manage.

    • Hybrid publishing – A professional team for a fee ($10k–$60k), minus the gatekeepers.

    Each path has trade-offs. I can help you choose what fits your goals.

  • Yes—with a caveat. My job as a ghostwriter ends when I deliver a polished, publisher-ready manuscript. What comes next—shepherding that manuscript through publication—is a separate project, no matter which path you take.

    Traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing: each route has its own twists, timelines, and rabbit holes. If I’ve ghostwritten your book and you’d like me to help navigate that next phase, I’m happy to step in under a separate contract.

  • If you’re aiming for a traditional publishing deal, yes—you’ll probably need a full proposal before a reputable agent or publisher will give you the time of day. That means a sharp concept, a clear sense of audience, a detailed competitive analysis, a chapter-by-chapter outline, and a sample chapter that shows you can deliver the goods.

    This is not a quick side task—it’s its own project. Ideally, it’s done before the manuscript is too far along, since publishers want to shape the book with you. I offer proposal development as a standalone service for clients I’m already ghostwriting for. It typically takes six to ten weeks.

  • Depends on what you mean by “succeed.” If you want to leave a legacy, sharpen your brand, or spark conversation, yes—it will. If you’re chasing bestseller status, that comes down to timing, traction, and how well it’s marketed. But a great book is the one thing you can control. Let’s start there.