10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Ghostwriter

Before you hire a ghostwriter, ask ten questions covering their experience, genre fit, process, timeline, revisions, rights transfer, confidentiality, pricing, references and communication. Clear, specific answers reveal a professional you can trust with your book.

The 10 Questions

What is your experience in my genre?

Look for relevant credits and books like yours.

Can I see samples and a portfolio?

Professionals keep samples even when working under confidentiality.

What is your writing process?

A clear method from interviews to drafts signals reliability.

What is the timeline?

Confirm the schedule from start to finished manuscript.

How many revision rounds are included?

Know exactly how much refinement the fee covers.

How does rights transfer work?

Confirm that all rights and copyright pass to you.

Will you keep the work confidential?

A confidentiality clause should protect the arrangement.

How do you price and schedule payment?

Look for clear, milestone-based pricing in writing.

Can you share references?

Past clients confirm how the writer works in practice.

How will we communicate?

Agree how often you will connect and through which channel.

How to Read the Answers

The answers reveal as much as the words. A professional responds with specifics, welcomes your questions and puts key terms in writing. Vague replies, missing samples or reluctance to discuss rights are signals to keep looking. Compare two or three writers on the same questions to see the differences clearly.

Turning Answers Into a Decision

Score each candidate on experience, process, transparency and fit with your book. The writer who answers openly, shows strong relevant work and offers a clear contract earns your trust. That combination matters more than the lowest quote, since a book carries your name and reputation.

With your questions ready, walk through the whole hiring process step by step in our complete 2026 guide to hiring a ghostwriter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I ask a ghostwriter before hiring?

Ask about experience, samples, process, timeline, revisions, rights transfer, confidentiality, pricing, references and communication.

How do I know a ghostwriter is legitimate?

A legitimate ghostwriter shares a portfolio and references, explains their process, and puts rights, confidentiality and pricing in a clear contract.

Ready to Ask Us These Questions?

The Novella Publishers ghostwriting team answers every one in plain terms, in writing, before you commit. Start the conversation.

For the full hiring guide, read how to hire a ghostwriter.