Should I Go with an Agency or Private Ghostwriter?

When you're looking to hire a professional to help bring your ideas to life, the decision between hiring a ghostwriting firm or a private ghostwriter can be a difficult one. Both options come with their own set of benefits and challenges, and understanding the key differences can help you make an informed choice. Whether you're writing a book, creating content for your business, or drafting a speech, choosing the right type of ghostwriter is critical to achieving your desired result.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of working with ghostwriting firms versus hiring a private ghostwriter, and learn tips on how to choose the best fit for your project.

Ghostwriting Firms: What Are They?

Ghostwriting firms are agencies that employ multiple ghostwriters, editors, and project managers who work together to complete a variety of writing projects. These agencies typically have a team of experts with experience across various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, business writing, technical writing, memoir, and more. When you hire a ghostwriting firm, you’ll likely be paired with a ghostwriter who fits your project’s specific needs. You may not get as much direct interaction with your writer, but the firm will also often handle all aspects of the process, from the initial conceptualization to editing and final revisions.

Private Ghostwriters: What Are They?

A private ghostwriter is an individual writer who works independently, offering a more personalized and custom experience to their clients. When you hire a private ghostwriter, you’re working one-on-one with the person who will be writing your manuscript. This more intimate relationship can create a closer collaboration, with the ghostwriter providing a very tailored experience. 

Ghostwriting Firm vs. Private Writer

In order to make the right decision for your project, here’s a quick guide to help you decide between a ghostwriting firm and a private writer:

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Ghostwriting Firm:

Ghostwriting firms often have access to a larger pool of writers and editors, which means they can handle complex projects with multiple components, such as books with extensive research or business reports that require technical expertise. In addition, project managers often oversee the entire process, ensuring timelines are met and that communication between the writer, client, and editors is clear and consistent. Finally, firms usually employ ghostwriters with diverse variety of skills, so they can match you with a writer who specializes in your genre or subject matter.

On the other hand, working with a firm may mean you don’t have the same level of personal connection with the ghostwriter, which could lead to miscommunication or a lack of emotional resonance in the final product. Cost is oftentimes higher than with a private writer, and you may have less flexibility with deadlines or changes to your work.

Pros of Hiring a Private Ghostwriter:

Working with a private ghostwriter allows for more direct and frequent communication, which can help ensure that your vision is clearly understood and implemented throughout the writing process. A private ghostwriter can offer more tailored services, often taking more time to work closely with you, adapting their style to your preferences, and ensuring the final product feels authentic to your voice. Hiring a private ghostwriter may be more affordable than going through a ghostwriting firm, especially for smaller projects or if you don’t need a large team of people involved.

The cons of a private ghostwriter may include having less support, such as access to professional editors, researchers, or other specialists, which could limit the overall quality of the finished project. Additionally, while some private ghostwriters specialize in a range of topics, others may only be skilled in specific areas. A private ghostwriter may also lack the organizational structure that ghostwriting firms offer, which can be an issue if you’re managing a complex project with tight deadlines.

The Best of Both Worlds

Ultimately, whether you choose a ghostwriting firm or a private ghostwriter depends on your specific needs and the scope of your project. At Making A Way, we offer the care and personal touch of a private writer and the resources of a ghostwriting firm. Contact us to confidently get started on your project today