Red Flags to Look Out for When Hiring a Ghostwriter

Writing is hard, even if you’re a total rock star in your field, the idea of sitting down and churning out a book, a ton of blog posts, or killer marketing copy might cause a mini panic attack.

That’s exactly where a fantastic ghostwriter comes in. Think of them as writing ninjas, ready to take your message out into the world. But finding the wrong ghostwriter? Oof, that can be a recipe for disaster.

I’m about to dish out a serious cheat sheet, filled with those subtle but scary red flags you need to spot before signing a ghostwriting contract. Think of this as your ghostwriter emergency kit!

Red Flag #1: Unrealistic Promises

A potential ghostwriter tells you they can crank out your whole book in two weeks, guarantee it’ll hit the bestseller lists, or get you on Oprah… all for a suspiciously low price. Alarm bells, right? This is what we call ‘too good to be true’ in the ghostwriting business.

Those big promises rarely lead to quality work. Chances are, what you’ll get is rushed, sloppy content, or worse, stuff ripped off from somewhere else. Trust me, that’s a shortcut to major headaches.

Imagine trusting ghostwriting services to handle your project, only to end up with keyword-stuffed gibberish that will tank your credibility and make your book vanish on Google. It’s an author’s worst nightmare!

Red Flag #2: Missing Portfolio or Poor Samples

A good ghostwriter should wear their past work as a badge of honor. It’s like a chef having photos of their top dishes — you want to see what they can do before you hire them. No samples on their website or profile? That’s a major red flag!

Without examples, it’s a total gamble on whether they can actually write well. Maybe they’ve only ever written about pet food while your project’s on advanced robotics. That’s a mismatch waiting to happen.

Don’t be afraid to ask for samples related to your topic. If confidentiality is an issue, most ghostwriters can offer anonymized pieces to illustrate their skill. If they offer zero examples, politely pass and keep looking.

Red Flag #3: Poor Communication Skills

The magic of ghostwriting happens through a solid back-and-forth between you and the writer. They need to grasp your voice, your goals, and what you want this project to achieve. If your potential ghostwriter takes days to respond or seems disinterested from the start, imagine what the rest of the process will be like.

Ghostwriting is a partnership. Poor communication skills mean misunderstandings, mismatched expectations, and delays that’ll drain your energy and money.

I once worked with an extremely gifted writer who I adored…but tracking them down could take multiple emails and days of lag. This ended up costing me both time and the chance to build momentum. A great writer has to be a great communicator!

Red Flag #4: Inflexible and Controlling Attitude

We all like working with confident people, but when it comes to ghostwriters, there’s a very fine line between confident and domineering. While they’re the writing expert, the project is ultimately about YOUR voice and message.

Some ghostwriters have a habit of making their work seem like the center of the universe. If they push back on your suggestions, refuse edits, or dismiss your needs, you’re not getting an authentic reflection of yourself in the project. It’ll just sound like the writer showing off.

Red Flag #5: Bad Online Reputation

It seems obvious, but it’s shocking how many people skip this step. Before committing to a ghostwriter, do a quick search for their name and website. See if any past client horror stories turn up on review sites, forums, or even in blog comments.

Yes, we should always take online venting with a grain of salt. Occasionally, even good professionals have “difficult” clients. But consistent, repeated complaints about missed deadlines, bad writing, or even dishonesty are major warnings. Don’t ignore them!

While everyone gets some negativity, if there’s a pattern of complaints about the same thing, consider it seriously. You don’t want to become the one writing THAT review later.

What Makes a GOOD Ghostwriter?

We’ve talked red flags, so let’s flip the script. What are the hallmarks of a ghostwriter you can actually trust? Here’s a cheat sheet:

Open Communication: They ask good questions, listen to your answers, and actively check in throughout the project.

Interest in Your Field: Genuine curiosity means they go above and beyond basic research for deeper understanding.

Willingness to Learn and Adapt: They don’t claim to be experts on everything — but they demonstrate the ability to adjust their style and learn as needed.

Realistic Mindset: Quality takes time, and they’re focused on doing good work, not cutting corners or making grand promises they can’t keep.

Real-World Outcome: All these qualities lead to three amazing outcomes: your voice actually gets heard, the whole process runs way smoother, and the final product is something you can genuinely be proud of.

Tip:

Talk about your company or brand voice early on. How formal, relaxed, or friendly is it? A good ghostwriter uses that as a blueprint and asks questions to see how they can blend their talent with your unique style.

Conclusion

A great ghostwriter can be a genuine investment in the success of your project. However, ignoring red flags and choosing the wrong writer can set you back both time and money, leaving you frustrated and disappointed.

Remember, these tips are about empowering you to pick a ghostwriter that’s a true teammate. You deserve the best possible support to take your message out into the world, and being careful to make sure you find a “writing ninja” who matches your vibe and gets your goals is the first step.

Have you worked with a ghostwriter before, good or bad? What’s the top quality you always look for, or something you just won’t compromise on? Share in the comments — let’s build a community resource!