Ghostwriting

apply.

I take on a small number of ghostwriting projects each year so that every book gets the time it deserves. Right now there’s one spot left for 2026. If you want it, tell me about your book. I read every application myself and reply within two business days.

who this is for.

  • A story worth a bookYou’ve lived something, built something, or learned something a reader needs, and you can tell it in your own words. Not sure it’s ready? Don’t worry. That’s what our call will help us figure out.
  • Time to talkInterviews are the first step, not just in getting your story but also in letting me understand your voice. Plan on regular recorded conversations, in person or online, while we’re drafting.
  • A real timelineFrom concept through interviews to a solid draft takes about three months, longer if the book is more involved. Roughly a month of that is interviews and two months is writing. Before the final, I’ll recommend an editor. If you have a hard date, a launch, an event, a season, say so and we’ll plan around it.
  • A budget from $15,000That’s the floor for a full-length book. The fee depends on length, research, and travel, and we agree on scope and a payment schedule before a word is written.
David is a great, great ghostwriter, and he was so easy to work with. And he got me down, exactly who I was. He felt my heartbeat. And he wrote the book the way I would want it to have been written. So, thank you, David.
Javier Mendez · author of In Your Corner, on the Teaching Socials podcast
David was the perfect editor for my novel. I spent time searching for someone that I knew would do more than just proofread. David took my project to the next level. He came alongside me and took the time to understand my vision. David challenged me to give depth to my characters. He helped me push through when I felt stuck or was experiencing writer’s block. He encouraged me and provided me with the necessary framework to write the novel I’ve always dreamt of. I’d work with him time and time over again.
Molly Morgen · author of The Beautiful Ordinary
David is an excellent coach. He was easy to talk to and made his process very clear and straightforward. While working together, I felt supported and like I was working with a friend. He’s so collaborative and great at adjusting to his writers’ different working styles. I would not have gotten my book finished and published if not for his help!
Lennon K. Riley · author of Resurrecting the Keeper
David proved to be an incredibly important part of the creation of my book. My content was clear, but David really elevated the readability and conciseness of the words on the page. As a writer, I have found it incredibly important to have a critical but constructive voice to challenge me as I have gone from the initial draft to the final copy. David is very much this person and, with years of experience, is able to take something ordinary and make it incredibly special. If anyone is looking for a talented writer who can think outside of the box, David is the person I would recommend time and time again. As I continue to write, I will certainly be using David’s services in the future.
Ben Hodgson · author of Absent, Present, and Everything Unpleasant

the application.

Six questions to get us started. Short answers are completely fine — the call will help us fill in the gaps.

  1. Your name, and the best email to reach you.
  2. The elevator pitch for your book. One quick paragraph to tell me what it’s about, why a reader needs to hear it, and what they’ll walk away with.
  3. Who it’s for, and what you want it to do for you. The reader you picture, and the goal behind the book: whether clients, further reach, a story you just want to get out, a speaking career, or simply something to share with family and friends.
  4. Where you are. An idea, a pile of notes, a rough outline, a partial draft, or a finished manuscript that needs a rewrite.
  5. Why now. What changed, or what’s coming, that makes this the year.
  6. Timeline and budget. When you’d like to start, when you’d like a finished manuscript, and the range you’re working with.
Send your application Prefer to talk first? Book a free consult

The button opens a new email to davidriddwriting@gmail.com with the six prompts filled in. If it doesn’t open on your device, write to that address with the six answers. No account, no form, and nothing stored anywhere but your inbox and mine.

what happens next.

  1. Apply

    Send the six answers. Within two business days you’ll hear back from me, either way.

  2. Talk

    A free 30-minute call about the book, the reader, and what the work would involve.

  3. Proposal

    Scope, timeline, fee, and payment schedule in writing, with an NDA if you want one.

  4. Start

    We book the first interview, and the book is underway.

Editing or coaching instead?

Every book starts with a conversation.

Developmental editing and novel coaching don’t need an application. Book a free consult and we’ll take it from there.

Book a free consult See all services