Tim Vandehey, Ghostwriter

“You know, I’ve always wanted to write a book.”

I hear that so often that it's become an inside joke between me and my wife. But it's true: people dream for years about writing a book. Some are top-flight professionals or entrepreneurs looking to brand themselves as experts in their fields. Some are speakers or coaches looking to increase their visibility and credibility. Some just have a life story that they’re dying to share. But most will never write their books because they lack the skill, knowledge and time. 

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That’s where I step in. As a ghostwriter, I learn about your ideas, story, vision and goals. I help you develop your book’s concept and structure. Then, using extensive interviews with you, your past writings and my own research, I write the book you’ve always wanted in a voice that reflects your vision, not mine. It’s my job to disappear so that you can shine. 

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One important thing to note: I'm not here to take dictation, but to make your ideas better so your final result is stellar. That means I might challenge your core concept, suggest key ideas that provoke and challenge, or take you somewhere that you're not entirely comfortable with. That's my job. 

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The Process

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1. We talk. We get to know each other. I learn your story, goals, ideas and voice. 

2. If we click, we sign a contract and get started. 

3. We brainstorm about your book's structure, concept, content and audience. I suggest lots of ideas and give you a rough initial outline. 

4. We refine and revise that outline until we have a blueprint for interviews. 

5. We talk through your entire book over several days of in-person recorded interviews. 

6. We very possibly kill a few bottles of beer or wine in the process. 

7. I use the transcribed interviews to produce a first draft, adding research, interviews, stories, and some of my own ideas.

8. We revise, polish and voila—a finished manuscript ready for publication. 

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That process has helped me land books with major commercial and academic imprints like Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, Random House, Wiley & Sons, Hay House, and MIT Press. It really works and makes the process easy and enjoyable for even the busiest aspiring author. 

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Who should hire a ghostwriter?

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• Corporate executives, entrepreneurs and businesspeople who want to tell the story of their company’s success or their own.

• Healthcare professionals, attorneys, financial advisors and other professionals who want to elevate their status and/or establish a branded product or system they can turn into income.

• Speakers, coaches and consultants who want to increase their bookings, turn their ideas into seminars and boost their fees.

• Celebrities and athletes who want to leverage their visibility. 

• People with fascinating personal stories who want to become speakers, coaches, or media personalities.

• Anyone who thinks their story can make a positive difference.