Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ghostwrite a memoir?
Most memoir projects take 6-12 months from kickoff to published book. The timeline depends on your availability for interviews, the complexity of your story, and how quickly you provide feedback on drafts. Standard memoirs typically fall in the 6-8 month range. Complex memoirs with extensive research take longer.
How much time do I need to commit?
You provide roughly 20% of the effort, primarily through interview sessions (typically 10-20 hours total) and reviewing drafts. The Writing King handles the other 80%: structuring your story, writing the manuscript, and polishing the prose. Most clients fit this around their existing schedule.
Will the book sound like me?
Yes. Capturing your authentic voice is central to the process. Through extensive interviews, The Writing King learns your speech patterns, vocabulary, and personality. Draft reviews ensure the final book reads the way you talk and think. Your name goes on the cover. It needs to sound like you wrote it.
Who owns the rights to the book?
You do. 100%. The Writing King is hired to write your book, not to own it. All rights, royalties, and intellectual property belong to you. This is standard practice in professional ghostwriting and is spelled out in the Statement of Work for every project.
What if I’m not a good storyteller?
That’s exactly why you hire The Writing King. Your job is to have lived an interesting life and be willing to share it. The Writing King’s job is to find the compelling stories within your experiences and present them in a way that engages readers. The interview process draws out stories you might not even realize are remarkable.
How does the interview process work?
Interviews are conducted via video call and recorded (with your permission) for accuracy. Sessions typically run 60-90 minutes and are scheduled at your convenience. The Writing King guides the conversation with questions designed to surface your best stories, key turning points, and the lessons you’ve learned.
What’s included in the investment?
Full-service ghostwriting at $1 per word includes all interviews, complete manuscript writing, structural editing, and revision rounds based on your feedback. Publishing support is available as a separate package. Pricing is locked in your Statement of Work before work begins.
Can you help with publishing?
Yes. Whether you pursue traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, or self-publishing, The Writing King can guide you through the options and help you choose the path that fits your goals. Many clients opt for professional self-publishing, which offers faster timelines, higher royalties, and full creative control.
What makes The Writing King different from other ghostwriters?
Experience and range. With 54+ completed ghostwriting projects and 113+ books authored under his own name, The Writing King brings a proven track record. But more importantly, 33 years of enterprise IT leadership at Trader Joe’s and other companies means understanding the worlds executives and entrepreneurs actually live in. This isn’t someone who’s only ever written. It’s someone who’s led teams, managed crises, and built systems. That perspective shows up in every interview and every page.