A ghostwriter is a professional who writes personal, literary and journalistic works, plus speeches or any other work that will ultimately be attributed to someone else (you, in the case of a memoir). They provide specialist expertise in the field of writing.

This is the big question and the answer is...it depends. The cost of a life story of 50 000 to 60 000 words (about the length of a 250 page book) is around $25,000, but if you'd like a shorter story, the cost can be adjusted accordingly. My no-obligation consultation process will help to define a clear figure for you.

About an hour.  This should be long enough for both you and me to get a good idea of the size of the project, the costs and potential timeline. I am happy to meet you in person if feasible, otherwise we can talk by phone or on Skype.

Yours. This book is your autobiography/memoir, so it will have your name on it. Some people like to acknowledge the fact that they’ve had professional assistance  by including the word ‘with’ and the name of the ghostwriter after it. But it’s entirely up to you.

This is rare, as I take great care to accommodate your wishes, but if it should happen, your contract provides for either party to terminate the agreement upon written instruction. We will both be adequately protected against loss and can leave the relationship on the best possible terms. 

My job is to write your memoir, not to publish it, but I can refer you to reputable experts in the publishing industry who can help you. Whether you just want a few print copies for family and friends, to self-publish your memoir and make it available to the public to buy, or whether you’d like to obtain a publishing contract with a traditional publisher, I can help you with contacts.

If you’ve already written a memoir and are looking for some feedback or advice, I can certainly provide that, at a price commensurate with the size of the book. You’re welcome to contact me and we can discuss it. 

A memoir is about a specific incident/time/experience in your life or deals with a specific theme, whereas an autobiography is an account of your whole life.

In general, no. They are paid up front for their work, in much the same way as a consultant. Payment plans vary. I charge 50% up front, with the remainder paid monthly during the writing and editing phases.

As long as it takes. That's the best answer I can give. Each project will have its own timeline but to give a ball-park figure, each 10,000 words will usually take about 2 months. So a 30-50,000 word book may take 6 months, including research. But it depends on so many factors, such as the quality and volume of your own research, so we'd have to discuss that. 

If I think your project is not something that would translate well to a memoir, I’ll say so. It doesn’t help you or me if I take on something that I don’t think is going to work. My motto is always ‘How can I get the best outcome for my client?’ In some cases, the ‘best’ is not to write a memoir, but to create something else. This will become evident to you during the initial consultation.

Only in the sense that I guarantee to do my very best to write your memoir the way you would like it written. During the initial consultation, we will come to an agreement on the structure and style of the memoir, and after I’ve completed the first draft, you get the opportunity to read it and provide feedback about changes you would like made.

No. Marketing is an area of expertise on its own, but I can refer you to reputable professionals in the field. We can discuss this during your initial consultation.

If you’re still trying to make up your mind whether to have your memoir written or if there are obstacles, you’re still welcome to contact me. I may be able to give you a few suggestions or ideas to help you.