When to Work with a Ghostwriter vs. a Writing Coach

Writing and leadership are intrinsically related.

Whether you’re a CEO, a thought leader, or an industry expert, your ability to articulate your ideas clearly and persuasively make or break your authority, credibility, and reach.

But, as everyone who's ever written knows, writing can be hard, and it often takes time to produce something that makes justice to your intelligence and ideas.

That's why writing coaches and ghostwrites exist—professionals who help aspiring authors and writers, especially leaders, bring their ideas to life.

But how do you know which one is right for you? As a writing coach and ghostwriter myself, I have developed a strong understanding of when a leader should work with a ghostwriter vs. a writing coach.

In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that can help you make this crucial decision.

The Role of a Ghostwriter

A ghostwriter is a professional writer who takes your ideas, experiences, and insights and crafts them into well-written content that reflects your voice and perspective.

The key advantage of working with a ghostwriter is that it saves you time. While your ghostwriter writes your book or content, you can focus on what you do best—leading—while your ghostwriter handles the writing.

When to Choose a Ghostwriter

Work with a ghostwriter when you want to:

1. Save time on your writing project: If your schedule is packed and you can’t dedicate hours to writing, ghostwriting is the ideal solution for you. Your ghostwriter will take your thoughts and turn them into polished content ready for publication.
2. Produce high-quality output: Ghostwriters are seasoned professionals who know how to craft compelling narratives, engaging articles, and persuasive arguments. If you need top-tier content but don’t have the time or skill to produce it yourself, a ghostwriter is your best bet.
3. Be minimally involved in the project: If writing is not something you enjoy or want to improve, a ghostwriter allows you to delegate the task entirely. You provide the ideas and insights (often in the form of an interview or a brief), and they do the rest.

But – yes, there always has to be a but – ghostwriting comes with a few caveats. Ghostwriting solutions are more expensive than writing coaching because they're more intensive for the service provider.

The other caveat is that, while your ghostwriter will capture your voice, the process doesn’t offer much in the way of personal growth or skill development. For some leaders, this is not a big deal. But others want to reap the full spectrum of rewards that come from writing.

The Role of a Writing Coach

A writing coach, on the other hand, is more like a guide. They work with you to improve your writing skills and offer feedback/strategies/ support as you write your own content.

The relationship with your writing coach is collaborative. Your coach helps you find your voice, clarify your ideas, and enhance your communication.

When to Choose a Writing Coach

Work with a writing coach when you want to:

1. Improve your writing skills: If you want to become a better writer and communicator, a writing coach will help you develop these skills. This is a long-term investment in yourself that can pay dividends in all areas of your leadership.
2. Invest time in your education: Writing coaching is a process. It takes time to see results because you’re actively involved in the writing. But – and this is a big but – if you have the time and patience, the benefits are substantial.
3. Enhance your clarity of thought: Writing is a form of thinking. As such, working with a coach helps you organize your thoughts, sharpen your arguments, and clarify your message. This process not only improves your writing but also enhances your ability to think critically and communicate effectively in other areas of your leadership.

Real-Life Example: A Client Who Changed His Mind About Writing Coaching

Last year, I worked with a client who came to me to help him write his first nonfiction book. Initially he thought he wanted writing coaching, but as our discussions progressed, it became clear that he did not have the time and bandwidth to commit to writing the book himself.

The problem was, this client runs a large team of financial professionals and is also the father to five children. While having the book written and published was important to him, his priority was to get the book out, not to learn how to become a great writer.

Because I work both as a writing coach and ghostwriter, I offered this client to switch services and for me to ghostwrite his book. He accepted and, over the next several months, we met on Zoom for about an hour a week and I would interview him about his story and topic.

In the end, we produced a high-quality book, the client was minimally involved, and the book was extremely well-received. In this client's case, working with a ghostwriter was the only solution that made sense given his personal situation.

Ghostwriting vs. Writing Coaching Comparison: Time, Money, and Intangible Benefits

The decision to work with a ghostwriter or a writing coach often comes down to a balance of time, money, and the intangible benefits you seek.

Ghostwriting requires less time from you but involves a higher financial investment. Meanwhile, writing coaching requires a higher time commitment but is generally less expensive.

Also remember that writing coaching offers the intangible benefits of personal growth, improved communication skills, and increased clarity of thought. Ghostwriting, while providing less in the way of personal development, offers the tangible benefit of strong, polished writing that enhances your authority and credibility right away.

Making the Right Choice

For leaders, the ability to communicate effectively is paramount. Whether you choose to work with a ghostwriter or a writing coach, the key is to ensure that your voice is heard, your ideas are shared, and your influence is felt. By making the right choice, you can enhance your leadership and extend your reach, all while staying true to your unique vision and style.

The choice between a ghostwriter and a writing coach ultimately depends on your goals, your available time, and your budget. My company, Trivium Writing, offers both writing coaching and ghostwriting services.

If you still feel unsure which service is best suited for you, book a short introductory conversation, and I will assess your current situation to help you make an informed decision.

>> Click here to book your short introductory call.