Working with a ghostwriter is a big commitment by both parties, often lasting years. It can be a daunting decision, especially when you don’t know what to expect, and when you are about to be led through the confessional process that comes with writing. Mark Turley at The London Ghostwriting Company demystifies the process, explaining how things are likely to unfold, step-by-step.
Step 1. Why are we doing this?
Like the majority of creative or business pursuits, ghostwriting starts with something simple – conversation. In the modern digital age, this generally involves a video call or two, but if the will is there and distance is not an issue, some people prefer the immediacy of face-to-face meetings.
At this stage, the ‘big picture,’ comes before detail. Discussion of the material is tangential. It is far more important that the writer develops an understanding of what underpins the project.
What is this all about? What is driving the client? What are their motivators?
Some people simply want to share their experiences. Others are looking to build a brand, capture some unique family history, demonstrate insight, establish credibility, or even exorcise trauma. Many have come up with an intriguing story but feel unable to tell it without help.
Once established, this clear purpose provides a starting point for the project, and – even if the goals evolve over time – it will inform all the creative decisions that follow. It will ultimately give the sense of direction that will serve as the work’s backbone and give the finished work its narrative drive, perhaps the most important foundational element.
It is only when the purpose of the project is established that it can move to the next phase, and the serious work can begin.
Step 2. Review existing material
Once rapport has been established and, as a result, the project’s purpose defined, work begins in earnest. There may be documents or photographs to review, perhaps plans or chapters already drafted by the client. Or, there may not be.
Some projects commence with meticulously organised folders, spreadsheets and reams of exhaustive research, while others begin with only a few scattered ideas or memories, a bundle of scenes, a few bits of dialogue. Either of these beginnings, or something in between, can work just as well.
One of the most important parts of the ghostwriter’s job is to seek out patterns in whatever materialises, to start from where things are, to bring structure to chaos. This then leads to the next stage: sittings.
Step 3. Sittings
For most ghostwriting collaborations, interviews or ‘sittings’, are the beating heart of the process. Often structured chronologically, this series of open-ended conversations enables the client to talk through the story from their point of view, from beginning to end. As they do so, the writer will prod them with carefully judged questions, listening out for certain elements, always with the end-product in mind.
Which themes are brought out by the client’s reflections? What are the key scenes? How interesting is the characterisation? Does any of this require more thought or detail?
It used to be said that around twelve to fourteen hours of recorded material were required for most book-length works. But in practice, any such estimates are meaningless. Some projects may wrap in four or five hours. Others may need thirty or more. Regardless, it is vital that the schedule for this phase of the work is valued by both parties. A good chunk of what is said during this phase will find its way onto the page.
Step 4. Planning
Once the sittings are complete, planning and outlining can commence. By this point the ghostwriter will have a feel for the material and the best way to realise it structurally, creating a framework on which elements, scenes or story beats can be hung.
Once finished, the outline will then be reviewed by client and ghostwriter together, sometimes going through several iterations until both are satisfied. This process of refinement continues until everyone involved feels aligned.
Step 5. Drafting
With the plans agreed, drafting commences. For a typical book project this lengthy stage begins with a blank document and ends months later with anywhere between 60,000 and 120,000 words typed depending on what the project is.
It is perhaps unnecessary to point out that this is the most important stage. What has gone before means little if what is put on the page is inadequate. Some projects may need to be delivered in the ‘voice’ of the client, others may be more flexible, stylistically. Regardless, the draft is typically delivered to the client in sections. In this way, work can be reviewed at a manageable pace.
Very often, at this stage, a kind of magic happens. Plans and discussions are one thing, but books only truly come to life when they are written. It can be an exhilarating experience for clients when they finally begin to see their ideas professionally rendered.
Step 6. Editing
Once the draft is finished, it will need to go through editing. This may involve three distinct phases.
The first of these is one of refinement, in which the client can play a large part. It is probable that tweaks to tone or content may be needed to bring the work to its fullest potential.
Secondly, a final polish can help to catch any small amendments which may have been missed in the first edit, before the very last stage in the process of proofreading. This final check is a functional one, aiming to catch any errors in grammar, punctuation and formatting before the project is signed off.
Step 7. And now?
Once finalised, the finished product is ready for the next part of its journey, whether that’s submission, publishing or uploading. Both author and ghostwriter will get a kick from seeing their work set free in the world, enjoying its impact, wondering how far it may go.
In summary, a successful ghostwriting collaboration relies on communication and shared creative purpose. It is productive but also incredibly empowering, because a good ghostwriter never replaces or alters their client’s purpose. They amplify it.
Author, editor, and lead writer at The London Ghostwriting Company, Mark Turley is one of the most seasoned ghostwriters in the business. He has eight published books, two of which were nominated for the major William Hill Sports Book of the Year award. He was a winner of The Guardian Sports Book of the Year 2015. Mark is known for his ability to guide projects strategically from initial meeting and through interviews, producing top quality ahead of editorials. Working across genres, including autobiography, memoir, and fiction, Mark excels in identifying the core themes and structure of a project, ensuring it is rendered with clarity, depth, and narrative power. Due to his extensive experience working with people from all walks of life, Mark provides a unique journey for clients, guiding projects toward becoming all they can.
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