I Want Someone to Write a Book About My Life – A Complete Guide to Memoir Ghostwriting

Introduction: Your Story Deserves to Be Told

Everyone has a story. Not everyone has the time, skill, or confidence to write it themselves. If you have ever thought, “I want someone to write a book about my life,” you are not alone. Thousands of people every year hire professional ghostwriters to transform their memories, experiences, and wisdom into published memoirs.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about hiring a ghostwriter for your life story. From finding the right writer to understanding costs, from protecting your legacy to navigating the publishing process, you will walk away with a complete roadmap for turning your life into a book.

Let’s begin your journey.

Part 1: Why Hire Someone to Write Your Life Story?

1.1 The Time Problem

Writing a full-length memoir typically requires 300 to 500 hours of dedicated work. Most people simply cannot find that time between careers, family obligations, and daily responsibilities.

A professional ghostwriter handles the vast majority of this work, requiring only 30 to 50 hours of your time for interviews and reviews.

1.2 The Skill Gap

Writing a compelling book requires more than good grammar. Professional writers understand:

• Narrative structure and pacing
• Scene setting and sensory details
• Dialogue construction
• Emotional arcs and character development
• Voice consistency throughout chapters

Most people have never written anything longer than an email. Ghostwriters have written dozens of books.

1.3 The Objectivity Advantage

Your life feels ordinary to you because you lived it. A professional ghostwriter brings fresh eyes, identifying which stories are genuinely interesting to readers and which details can be trimmed.

Key insight: What you think is boring may be fascinating to others. What you think is dramatic may need more context. A ghostwriter bridges this gap.

Part 2: Types of Life Story Books

Before you say “I want someone to write a book about my life,” you must decide what kind of book you want.

2.1 Full Memoir

A complete autobiography covering your entire life from childhood to present.

• Length: 60,000 to 100,000 words
• Timeframe: 9 to 18 months
• Best for: People with significant life events, careers, or historical relevance

2.2 Themed Memoir

Focuses on one specific aspect of your life: a career, a relationship, an illness, a business journey, or a personal transformation.

• Length: 40,000 to 60,000 words
• Timeframe: 6 to 12 months
• Best for: Business leaders, survivors, specialists, or anyone with one powerful story

2.3 Family Legacy Book

A book written for family members rather than public sale. Often includes photos, family trees, and stories passed down through generations.

• Length: 20,000 to 40,000 words
• Timeframe: 4 to 8 months
• Best for: Elderly relatives, family historians, or private distribution only

2.4 “As Told To” Format

You speak; the writer transcribes and organizes. This is the most hands-off approach for you.

• Length: Varies by project
• Timeframe: 3 to 6 months
• Best for: Busy executives, elderly clients, or those who dislike writing

2.5 Coffee Table or Illustrated Memoir

Combines your story with photographs, documents, and visual elements.

• Length: 10,000 to 20,000 words plus images
• Timeframe: 6 to 12 months
• Best for: Artists, travelers, chefs, or visually oriented stories

Part 3: How to Find the Right Ghostwriter

If you have decided “I want someone to write a book about my life,” finding the right writer is your most critical decision.

3.1 Where to Search

3.2 What to Look For

Review potential ghostwriters against these criteria:

• Portfolio: Have they written memoirs before? Can you read samples?
• Niche experience: Have they written about topics similar to your life (business, military, medicine, travel, etc.)?
• Communication style: Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
• References: Can they provide testimonials from past clients?
• Contract terms: Clear deliverables, timelines, and payment schedules.
• Confidentiality: Will they sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?

3.3 Red Flags to Avoid

• No published samples or ghostwritten credits
• Requests for full payment upfront (10 to 30 percent deposit is standard)
• Unwilling to sign a confidentiality agreement
• Promises of guaranteed bestseller status
• No clear contract or timeline
• Poor communication during the hiring process

3.4 Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Ask every potential ghostwriter these questions:

1. How many memoirs have you written from start to finish?
2. What is your process for conducting interviews?
3. How do you capture my unique voice?
4. Who owns the copyright? (You should.)
5. What happens if I am unhappy with a chapter?
6. Do you offer fact-checking services?
7. Have you ever worked with someone from my background or industry?
8. Can I speak with two past clients?
9. How do you handle sensitive or painful memories?
10. What happens if the project takes longer than expected?

Part 4: The Ghostwriting Process Step by Step

Once you hire someone to write your life story, here is exactly what to expect.

Phase 1: Discovery and Planning (2 to 4 weeks)

• Initial consultation: You and the ghostwriter discuss your vision, goals, and audience.
• Contract signing: Terms, pricing, timeline, and copyright are finalized.
• Outline creation: Together, you build a chapter-by-chapter roadmap.
• Material gathering: You collect photos, journals, letters, and any existing writing.

Phase 2: Interviewing (4 to 8 weeks)

• Structured interviews: The ghostwriter records 10 to 20 sessions of 1 to 2 hours each.
• Questionnaire: You complete a detailed life history questionnaire before interviews begin.
• Supplementary conversations: Phone calls or emails to clarify details.
• Family and friend interviews: Optional – the writer may interview others who know you.

Phase 3: Drafting (3 to 6 months)

• Chapter by chapter: The ghostwriter delivers chapters as they are completed.
• Voice refinement: Early chapters are reviewed specifically for your authentic voice.
• Regular check-ins: Weekly or biweekly progress calls.
• Revision cycles: You provide feedback; the writer revises.

Phase 4: Review and Polish (1 to 3 months)

• Full manuscript read: You read the entire book from start to finish.
• Fact-checking: All names, dates, and events are verified.
• Legal review: An attorney checks for potential libel or privacy issues.
• Final revisions: One last round of changes based on your feedback.

Phase 5: Publishing Preparation (1 to 2 months)

• Manuscript formatting: Prepared for submission to publishers or self-publishing platforms.
• Query letter creation: If seeking traditional publication.
• Book proposal: Including sample chapters, outline, and marketing plan.

Part 5: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter?

The question “how much to hire someone to write a book about my life” has a wide range of answers.

5.1 Pricing Tiers

5.2 What Influences Cost

• Book length: Longer books require more time and cost more.
• Ghostwriter experience: Proven track records command higher rates.
• Research required: Historical or technical topics need additional work.
• Interview travel: In-person sessions cost more than virtual.
• Rush fees: Faster completion adds 25 to 50 percent.
• Royalty arrangements: Some ghostwriters accept lower upfront fees for a percentage of royalties (rare but possible).

5.3 Typical Payment Structure

• Deposit: 25 to 33 percent upon contract signing
• Milestone payments: Tied to chapter completion (e.g., 25 percent at outline, 25 percent at halfway, 25 percent at full draft)
• Final payment: Upon your approval of final manuscript

5.4 Hidden Costs to Anticipate

• Fact-checking services: $1,000to$5,000
• Legal review: $2,000to$10,000
• Photo permissions: Varies widely
• Indexing: $500to$1,500
• Formatting for print: $500to$2,000
• Cover design: $500to$3,000

Part 6: Protecting Your Story – Legal and Ethical Considerations

When you hire someone to write about your life, you must protect yourself legally.

6.1 Copyright Ownership

The copyright belongs to you, the subject of the memoir. Your contract must state this explicitly. The ghostwriter is a “work for hire” and has no claim to the intellectual property.

Sample contract language:

“All rights, title, and interest in the completed manuscript, including all copyrights, shall belong solely to the Client. The Ghostwriter acknowledges this is a work-for-hire arrangement.”

6.2 Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Your ghostwriter should sign an NDA preventing them from:

• Discussing your personal information with anyone
• Sharing drafts or excerpts without permission
• Using your story in their own portfolio without approval

6.3 Privacy Concerns for Others

You must consider the privacy of people mentioned in your book. Changing names and identifying details is standard practice for non-public figures. An attorney can advise you on:

• Libel and defamation risks
• Invasion of privacy claims
• Public disclosure of private facts
• False light claims

6.4 Right of Approval

Your contract should give you final approval over every word. Nothing is published without your explicit consent.

Part 7: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

Once your ghostwriter delivers the manuscript, you face a major decision: how to publish.

7.1 Traditional Publishing

Process:

1. Agent finds a publishing house
2. Publisher buys rights (advance + royalties)
3. Publisher handles editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing

Pros:

• No upfront costs
• Professional editing and design
• Bookstore placement
• Prestige of a traditional publisher

Cons:

• Very difficult to secure (less than 1 percent of memoirs)
• Takes 18 to 24 months from acceptance to publication
• Lower royalties (10 to 15 percent)
• Less creative control

Advance amounts for memoirs:

• Unknown author: $5,000to$15,000
• Known expert or executive: $20,000to$50,000
• Celebrity or major figure: $100,000to$1,000,000+

7.2 Self-Publishing

Platforms:

• Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)
• IngramSpark
• Apple Books
• Barnes & Noble Press

Pros:

• Complete creative control
• Higher royalties (70 percent on Amazon)
• Faster timeline (2 to 4 months)
• Keep all rights

Cons:

• You pay all costs ($2,000to$10,000 for professional services)
• You handle all marketing
• No bookstore placement without additional effort
• Less prestige

7.3 Hybrid Publishing

Some companies offer a middle ground: you pay for publishing services but receive higher royalties and more control than traditional publishing.

Costs: $5,000to$20,000

Warning: Many hybrid publishers are vanity presses in disguise. Research any company thoroughly.

Part 8: How to Prepare Before Hiring a Ghostwriter

To save time and money, complete these steps before you say “I want someone to write a book about my life.”

8.1 Gather Source Materials

• Old photographs with dates and names
• Journals or diaries
• Letters and postcards
• Newspaper clippings
• Work documents and awards
• Family trees and genealogical records

8.2 Create a Timeline

List major life events in chronological order:

8.3 Identify Your Core Themes

What is your book really about? Possible themes include:

• Overcoming adversity
• Finding love after loss
• Building something from nothing
• Forgiveness and redemption
• A life of service
• Unlikely success

8.4 Define Your Audience

Who are you writing for?

• Your children and grandchildren only (private book)
• Business colleagues and industry peers
• Survivors of similar struggles
• General readers

8.5 Set a Realistic Budget

Be honest about what you can afford. A poorly written cheap book is worse than no book at all. If your budget is limited, consider:

• Shorter book (30,000 words)
• Ghostwriter with less experience
• Self-editing instead of professional editing

Part 9: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Part 10: Real Stories – Examples of Successful Ghostwritten Memoirs

Many famous memoirs were written by ghostwriters. The author’s name appears on the cover, but a professional writer did the actual work.

These examples prove that ghostwritten memoirs can be critically acclaimed, commercially successful, and personally meaningful.

Part 11: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it ethical to hire someone to write my life story?

A: Yes, as long as you are honest about it. Most memoirs are ghostwritten. The story and experiences are yours; the writing is theirs. This is standard practice in publishing.

Q: Will the ghostwriter receive credit on the cover?

A: Typically, no. Most ghostwriters work anonymously, with credit given only in the acknowledgements section if at all. Some writers agree to “with [Ghostwriter Name]” on the cover for additional payment.

Q: How long does it take to write a memoir with a ghostwriter?

A: Six to eighteen months, depending on length, complexity, and your availability for interviews.

Q: Can I hire someone to write my life story for my family only?

A: Absolutely. Many people hire ghostwriters for private family books. These are called “legacy books” and are never sold publicly.

Q: How do I know if my life is interesting enough for a book?

A: Everyone’s life has interesting moments. A good ghostwriter helps you find the universal themes in your specific experiences. You do not need to be famous.

Q: What if I do not remember exact details from decades ago?

A: Memory is imperfect. Your ghostwriter can help you reconstruct events using photographs, documents, and interviews with family members. Your memory as you recall it is your truth.

Q: Can I fire a ghostwriter if I am unhappy?

A: Yes, your contract should include termination clauses. Typically, you pay for work completed up to that point and find a new writer.

Q: Will my book make money?

A: Most memoirs do not become bestsellers. If your goal is profit, you may be disappointed. If your goal is legacy, family history, or personal satisfaction, a ghostwritten memoir is invaluable.

Part 12: Action Plan – Your Next Steps

Ready to move forward? Follow this checklist.

Month 1: Preparation

• Gather all source materials (photos, journals, documents)
• Create a timeline of major life events
• Define your core themes and audience
• Set a realistic budget
• Research ghostwriter options

Month 2: Hiring

• Interview three to five potential ghostwriters
• Check references and read samples
• Sign contract and NDA
• Pay deposit
• Complete life history questionnaire

Months 3 to 6: Interviewing and Drafting

• Complete 10 to 20 recorded interviews
• Review chapter drafts as they arrive
• Provide timely feedback
• Gather any additional photos or documents requested

Months 7 to 9: Revision and Polish

• Read complete manuscript
• Request any changes
• Final legal and fact-checking review
• Approve final draft

Months 10 to 12: Publishing (if desired)

• Decide on traditional vs. self-publishing
• Prepare query letter (traditional) or formatting (self)
• Submit to agents or upload to platforms
• Celebrate your completed book

Conclusion: Your Story Deserves to Be Written

You have lived a life no one else has lived. Your memories, lessons, and voice are unique. Saying “I want someone to write a book about my life” is the first step toward preserving your legacy for future generations.

The process requires time, money, and emotional energy. But the result is something no one can take from you: a permanent record of who you were, what you learned, and how you lived.

Whether you write for your grandchildren or for the world, your story matters. Hire a professional ghostwriter. Trust the process. And watch your life become a book.