10 Questions You Must Ask Before Hiring a Ghostwriter

Hiring a ghostwriter is not just about finding someone who can write well—it’s about finding the right voice for your story, brand, or message. A ghostwriter becomes your voice on paper (or screen), representing your personality, values, and ideas to the world. Whether you’re writing a book, blog, business materials, or personal letters, choosing the wrong ghostwriter can lead to frustration, wasted money, and a product that doesn’t reflect who you are.

The key? Be strategic and intentional. Writers, like all creatives, see the world through their unique lens, and their writing style and perspective will shine through. To ensure that the final product resonates with your audience while staying true to your vision, you need to ask the right questions.

Here are 10 essential questions you must ask when interviewing ghostwriting candidates.

1. What Are Your Core Values?

Core values guide every decision we make. They influence how we see the world, how we communicate, and how we write. Walt Disney, for example, is built on imagination and wholesomeness, while the U.S. Air Force emphasizes integrity, service, and excellence.

When you hire a ghostwriter, you want someone who not only understands but shares your values. Why? Because writing is deeply personal. A ghostwriter who aligns with your values will naturally produce work that feels authentic to you.

Here are examples of values we live by:

• Integrity – We hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards in everything we do, inspiring others to do the same.

• Brilliance – We aim to create an environment where brilliance is the natural result of collaboration.

• Joy – We believe in having fun and enjoying the process of bringing a client’s voice to life.

• Synergy – We combine the best of the client, the writer, and the project manager to achieve common goals.

• Creativity – We embrace thinking outside the box, sparking innovative ideas, and challenging the ordinary.

When interviewing ghostwriters, ask about their values. Do they resonate with yours? If yes, working together will be much easier and more rewarding.

2. What’s Your Preferred Writing Style?

Each ghostwriter has a unique style—some excel at writing heartfelt, emotional pieces, while others specialize in academic, factual, or technical content.

Before hiring, identify the tone and style you need. Do you want something personable and warm? Inspirational and motivational? Fun and humorous? Or do you need a voice that’s professional and authoritative?

Always ask for writing samples. A good ghostwriter should be versatile, but if their natural style doesn’t match your project, you’ll struggle to get the results you want.

3. What Type of Expertise Do You Have?

Ghostwriting is a broad field. Just because a writer can craft excellent articles doesn’t mean they can write a compelling memoir, screenplay, or sales copy.

When interviewing, be specific about the type of writing you need—books, blog posts, speeches, marketing materials, business plans, or fiction—and ask for relevant samples. The more aligned their experience is with your project, the better your results will be.

4. How Much Will It Cost?

Ghostwriting prices vary depending on the project scope, experience level of the writer, and turnaround time. Writers may charge per word, per page, or per hour.

Be cautious with hourly rates—they can escalate quickly. It’s often safer to agree on a flat fee or per-word rate, with a clear understanding of the total cost. Set a budget ceiling and communicate it upfront.

Also, ask whether revisions are included in the cost or billed separately. Clarity about money prevents unpleasant surprises later.

5. What Deliverables Can I Expect?

Ghostwriting often involves more than just writing. A professional ghostwriter may handle research, create outlines, draft multiple versions, and even collaborate with proofreaders or editors.

Discuss expectations early. Will they provide:

• A detailed outline before writing?

• Several drafts for your review?

• Final proofreading or editing services?

If additional revisions are needed, agree on the cost and scope before signing the contract. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for helps avoid misunderstandings.

6. What’s the Timeline?

Deadlines matter, especially for time-sensitive projects like book launches or marketing campaigns.

Establish a realistic timeline for drafts, revisions, and final delivery. Include milestone dates for reviews and feedback. Your contract should outline what happens if deadlines aren’t met. Reliable ghostwriters respect timelines and communicate proactively about delays.

7. Do You Offer Additional Writing Services?

Your project may extend beyond the initial manuscript. For example, if you’re publishing a book, you might also need marketing copy, query letters, or a book proposal.

Ask if the ghostwriter can handle these additional elements. Keeping all your content in one consistent voice is far better than hiring multiple writers, which can create inconsistency.

For larger projects like screenplays or books, it’s also helpful to ask whether they have industry connections—such as publishers, agents, or editors—that could benefit your project.

8. Who Owns the Copyright?

This is non-negotiable. Make sure your contract clearly states that all rights to the work transfer to you upon final payment.

Without this clause, the writer could legally claim ownership of the content, leading to serious complications down the road. Protect yourself by confirming that you’ll own 100% of the content once the project is complete.

9. Can You Provide References?

A reputable ghostwriter will have satisfied clients who are happy to vouch for them. Ask for references and speak with former clients.

When talking to references, ask:

• What are this ghostwriter’s greatest strengths?

• Were there any challenges?

• Would they hire this person again?

This insight helps you understand what it’s like to work with the writer and whether they’re a good fit for your personality and project.

10. Are You Ready to Collaborate?

Ghostwriting is a partnership. Even though the writer does the heavy lifting, you need to provide input, ideas, and feedback. A good ghostwriter will ask thoughtful questions, listen carefully, and adapt their style to your voice.

Before making your decision, ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable with this person? Do I trust them to represent my voice?

Hiring a ghostwriter is an investment—both financially and emotionally. You’re trusting someone to capture your ideas and turn them into something extraordinary. By asking these 10 questions, you’ll gain clarity about who’s the right fit for your vision.

Take your time during the selection process. Review samples, check references, and ensure your values and goals align. The right ghostwriter won’t just write for you—they’ll bring your ideas to life in a way that feels authentic, powerful, and compelling.