BOOK GHOSTWRITER The ghostwriter is at the very top of the editorial ladder. The ghostwriter can undertake writing of any scope – from concept generation and research, through sitting at the desk and writing the entire book, to handing the client a polished, ready-to-publish manuscript. An experienced writer, the ghostwriter has the ability to write in the client's voice. The nature of the ghostwriter is to be invisible – though they may be credited for writing the book, the ghostwriter is happy to go unacknowledged.

Ghostwriting is a growing service area. Many clients want to 'write' a book, but lack the time, ability and/or interest to sit at a computer for weeks and type. But isn't ghostwriting cheating? people ask me. My answer: Not at all; the ghostwriter is perfectly accepted in the publishing industry. If you want a book, but you don't want to write it, a ghostwriter offers the solution: your book, your way.

THE BOOK SPECIALIST GHOSTWRITERS I undertake all ghostwriting projects for The Book Specialist myself.

My ghostwriting service is for private clients, organisations and publishers. As ghostwriter, I write all manner of material, from an entire book (print or ebook) to a few chapters, an introduction or an accompanying article. A ghostwriter also rewrites books when the required level of development surpasses development editing.

While a ghostwriter can take on a wide range of writing, we ghosts are selective. Each year I ghostwrite two to four books only. I assess each ghostwriting request carefully, and I only take on ghostwriting where I am satisfied that the author and I will work well together, that the book created will be of suitable quality and that it will be marketable.

Unless the book is to focus on highly technical material, a ghostwriter can write within pretty much most genres: fiction, autobiography/biography, mind, body and spirit, psychology, health, business, education, family and so on. The process for writing a book is the same whatever the content.

WORKING WITH A GHOSTWRITER The ghostwriter works closely with the client in developing the book. As ghostwriter, I meticulously establish with the client the central theme, the market, the content, the structure and the tone of the book before starting work.

Depending on the situation, I may meet with the client once or several times, or it is possible to ghostwrite via email and telephone. I may research aspects of the book, or the client may supply all of the required background materials.

The best ghostwriting arises from a good synergy between ghostwriter and client: so I listen carefully to the client's brief; and the client, in turn, trusts me when it comes to the best way to write. Of course, during the draft stage the client is free to request revisions according to preference – after all, the ghostwriter's remit is to produce the book that the client (not the ghostwriter) wants.

Most ghostwriting is undertaken in confidence; thus usually the ghostwriter does not publicise their part in creating the book. Occasionally, a client may be happy to be open about the ghostwriter–'author' relationship, and in such cases the book is published as a co-authored ('by Joe Bloggs with Charlie Wilson', or 'by Joe Bloggs and Charlie Wilson').

TERMS FOR BOOK GHOSTWRITING I charge a flat fee for writing the book, inclusive of all research, writing and rewriting, and then waive any right to future royalties achieved by the book. The copyright is retained by the client (not the ghostwriter).

Turnaround varies depending on the nature of the project and my availability, but is usually between four and nine months.

My ghostwriting service costs from £100 to £300 per 1,000 words. To find out more, or request a quote, please contact me.