Gathering of the Ghosts 2025

Ghostmasters 101: How to Break into the Business of Ghostwriting

The Art of the Book Proposal: Pursuit of a traditional publishing deal requires a proposal. Ghosts who can master this skill can generate quick advances for their clients — and get an automatic edge in ghostwriting the whole manuscript. Learn what it takes to create proposals that win over publishers, how to price them, and how to master the tricky parts, like marketing plans and competing book analysis. 

Moderator: David Moldawer, Agent, Writers House

Panelists: Howard Yoon, Agent, WME BooksMichael Signorelli, Agent, Aevitas Creative ManagementSerena Jones, Vice President, Executive Editor, Henry Holt & Company

or

Attaining a Sustainable Ghostwriting Practice: How do you turn occasional ghostwriting assignments into a consistent, financially viable business? The key is building an ever-expanding network of relationships—of authors, literary agents, publishers, PR agency executives, and others. It means being proactive with this network rather than reactive. And it means developing what the ad people call a unique selling proposition—something that distinguishes you from other ghostwriters. Discover how other successful writers have made the transition from part-time to full-time ghost and the specific actions that made it possible.  

Moderator: Becka Oliver, Director of Talent, VP, Kevin Anderson & Associates

Panelists: Pauleanna Reid, Founder, The WritersBlokRyan DempseyToni Robino, Founder, Windword Literary Services

Stay Connected

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Words to the Wise, for industry trends and publishing advice.