A Google query for “find a ghostwriter” returns boatloads of results. Sadly, I can’t tell you how many because the world’s most popular search engine recently nixed that functionality. (As a proxy, Bing returns more than 10 million entries.) In this post, I’ll offer some advice about how to choose the right one.

Selection Criteria for Your Future Ghostwriter

Experienced ghosts cost a pretty penny. (Double that for ghostwriters that have penned true bestsellers.) As the old bromide goes: Fast, cheap, and good—pick any two of the three. If you’re only willing to pay the bare minimum, expect commensurate results.

It’s worth your while to do your due diligence, but there’s a catch: Most ghostwriters don’t publicly advertise their clients. And there’s the rub.

If you’re considering a specific ghost (including me), ask for private introductions to previous clients. When speaking with them, abide by what I call The Wow Test. Here’s the money question to ask those folks:

Did the ghostwriter’s work wow you?

If the answer is yes, proceed. If you get an ehhh, then you may want to keep searching for another writing partner.

Ask the ghostwriter’s previous clients what they thought?

Don’t forget the topic of your proposed book. The ghostwriter who excels at prescriptive non-fiction or academic books will probably struggle with memoirs, fiction, and cookbooks. Ideally, overlap between your desired text’s theme and your ghost’s experience should be high. If not, move on.

Finally, remember the ghostwriter’s tone from previous books. Different audiences demand different sentence structures and styles for the books. For instance, academic writing is stilted by design. Snarky sentences in the active voice won’t go over well if the client is a professor up for tenure.

My Own Record on The Wow Test

I’ve passed The Wow Test on all the books I’ve ghostwritten with flying colors. My clients refer me to others thinking about writing books. Maybe it’s because I start small. I like to think that using superior tech doesn’t hurt. A canon of previous work doesn’t hurt.

Of course, the first-time ghost—no matter how promising—will lack such a list. Engage him or her if you like, but understand the risk involved. (If that individual has yet to pen any proper book, I would pass.)

On Books, Success, and Ego

What You Need to Know

There’s no way for you to know beforehand whether your ghostwriter will ultimately wow you. I’ll be the first to admit that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Still, a successful track record and a list of clients who’ll vouch for the ghostwriter certainly reduce the risk involved.