On the internet, you can find a whole bunch of people offering anything to everything. Be it useful products, interactive gizmos to well needed services. But not everyone on the internet is to be trusted. While there are people and businesses that really do want to help you with what you need. There are an equal or more number of scammers wanting to take your money without offering you anything of value. This is especially true when it comes to writing. Ghostwriters have flooded the internet offering to write anything from stories, to the perfect eulogy.
Whether you’re a CEO with a business memoir, an aspiring novelist with no time to write, or someone sitting on a life story that deserves to be told, a ghostwriter can turn your ideas into a compelling manuscript. But here’s the tricky bit: how do you know if a ghostwriter is any good?
To answer that, you need to know how to evaluate ghostwriter portfolio, not just skim through it and hope for the best. A portfolio is more than a gallery of past work. It’s a window into their range, their voice, their understanding of genre, and whether they’re a good match for you.
Let’s walk through how to dissect a ghostwriter’s portfolio and what to ask during your first few conversations. Whether you’re hiring through an agency or going the freelance route, you want to know exactly who you’re entrusting with your story.
Understand the Scope of Their Portfolio
A ghostwriter’s portfolio should include samples or descriptions of projects across various genres, or at least the one you’re working on. If you’re commissioning business book ghostwriting, you’ll want to see evidence of clear, persuasive, insight-driven writing. For memoirs, you’re looking for voice, vulnerability, and narrative arc.
In some cases, NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) mean ghostwriters can’t name clients. That’s normal. But even redacted or anonymous excerpts should still be available. If someone refuses to share any work, proceed with caution.
More importantly, make sure the portfolio aligns with your project category. If you’re writing fiction, does their past work show skill with dialogue, character development, and tension? If it’s nonfiction, do they demonstrate clarity, authority, and flow?
This is where distinguishing between fiction and nonfiction ghostwriting becomes crucial. Don’t assume that just because they can write one, they can seamlessly do the other.
Evaluate Writing Style and Adaptability
Great ghostwriters are chameleons. The work in their portfolio should show variation in tone, structure, and pacing, because it’s not their voice that matters. It’s yours.
As you evaluate ghostwriter portfolio materials, ask yourself:
- Does each sample feel like a different person wrote it?
- Can they switch between corporate, conversational, emotional, or journalistic tones?
- Do they match the expected voice of the genre?
Remember, ghostwriting isn’t about showcasing the writer’s ego. It’s about stepping into your shoes and telling your story as though you’d written it yourself. If all samples sound like the same voice, you might end up with a book that sounds like… someone else.
Ask the Right Questions in the Interview
Reviewing a portfolio is only half the process. The real insight comes when you speak directly to the ghostwriter. Treat this like a creative partnership interview.
Here are some must-ask questions:
- “Can you describe your ghostwriting timeline from idea to final draft?”
- “How do you manage ghostwriting revisions, are they included in the fee?”
- “Do you have experience with memoir ghostwriting collaboration?”
- “What’s your approach to maintaining the client’s voice?”
- “Can I speak to a previous client or read a testimonial?”
- “How do you handle creative control ghostwriting disagreements?”
- “What’s your process for ghostwriter feedback and checkpoints?”
- “How do you ensure cultural sensitivity in ghostwriting if the subject matter involves race, gender, or identity?”
These questions aren’t about grilling your ghost. They’re about setting expectations and ensuring you’re aligned on process, tone, and professionalism.
Know the Difference: Freelance vs Agency Ghostwriters
Now let’s talk about structure. Choosing between freelance vs agency ghostwriters will influence your entire experience.
A freelancer may be more flexible, direct, and potentially affordable, but they may also have limited availability, fewer resources, and variable project management skills.
An agency, on the other hand, offers:
- Project managers to guide the process
- A selection of writers matched to your genre
- Built-in editorial teams for ghostwriting and editing
- Structured workflows and contracts
One of the key ghostwriting agency benefits is that you’re not dependent on one person. If schedules shift or revisions are needed later, there’s a team to support the process.
Look for a Clear Proposal
Before committing, you should receive a detailed ghostwriting proposal outlining:
- Project timeline
- Payment terms
- Number of revisions included
- Interview/research process
- Milestones and delivery dates
- Legal terms, including confidentiality
If a writer (or agency) can’t provide this, it may be a red flag. Transparency upfront avoids confusion later, and gives you confidence that they’re used to working professionally.
Don’t Forget the Intangibles
Sure, the writing has to be good. But ghostwriting is also about trust, chemistry, and collaboration. You’re sharing your ideas, your voice, maybe even your life story. You need to feel comfortable.
So when you evaluate a ghostwriter’s portfolio material, also pay attention to how the writer:
- Responds to your emails
- Handles feedback
- Explains their process
- Treats your story with care
It’s a relationship. And like any relationship, communication and respect matter as much as skill.
When to Hire a Ghostwriter
You might be wondering, when to hire a ghostwriter at all?
Here are a few signs:
- You have the idea, but no time to write it
- You want to publish faster and need professional polish
- You’re writing in a second language and want native fluency
- You’ve started but can’t seem to finish
- You want your book to support a business, brand, or career goal
In any of these cases, working with a ghostwriter (especially one sourced from a trusted ghostwriting services provider) can save time, stress, and painful rewrites.
Final Note
Learning how to evaluate a ghostwriter’s portfolio isn’t just about choosing the “best” writer. It’s about finding the right one. The one who understands your goals, honours your voice, and delivers a finished manuscript you’re proud to put your name on.
Whether you’re working on a novel, a memoir, or a thought-leadership book, take the time to review portfolios thoughtfully, ask smart questions, and trust your instincts. This is your story, after all, and it deserves to be told well.
If you’re ready to start your journey with a vetted professional, explore our expert ghostwriting services today. Let’s bring your ideas to life together.