What to Look for in an Executive Ghostwriter
There are a lot of writers out there—and now there’s AI too. But when you have something important to share and want to build your professional reputation in the process, you don’t want to rely on just anyone or hope you can craft the right prompt. So, what should you look for when choosing an executive ghostwriter to support you?
One ghostwriting skill you won’t need to screen for
For the vast majority of ghostwriting, there’s one thing you don’t need: a subject matter expert. In fact, bringing on a strong generalist can help you shape your knowledge into something accessible for a non-expert audience. When you’re seeking to educate people or broaden your influence beyond the most initiated circle, that outside perspective is a very good thing.
What your ghostwriter should be great at
There are a range of professional capabilities you definitely should be screening for when hiring a ghostwriter to support you. The best ghostwriters aren’t simply swift with a pen—they’ve mastered several other functions of the craft. Be on the lookout for someone who is:
An effective interviewer. You want a ghostwriter who’s picking up what you’re putting down—and when they aren’t, they ask good clarifying questions. Because the better the questions, the better and more dimensional the work will be.
A solid researcher. You want someone who will be a quick study on your field, understanding enough to reflect your thinking accurately on a given topic. Great ghostwriters will also do the legwork to understand your target audience: their needs, concerns, and aspirations—all of it. Because successful writing is about finding the perfect intersection of what you want to say and what your audience wants to hear.
A thoughtful sounding board. Someone who can also flip into coach mode—helping you push your thinking even further. With bonus points for a partner who can identify strategic opportunities that come from ideas you present, keeping your objectives and business at the forefront.
A strong, versatile writer. Yes, we’ve finally gotten to the writing part. You’ll want to choose someone who can follow your train of thought, simplify complex ideas, and eliminate—or translate—any highly technical or insider language. You also want someone who can capture your voice and not only write in theirs.
A talented, digitally savvy editor. Partnering with someone who can help you decide what not to say—or communicate it in fewer, clearer words—can be as helpful as someone who can hold the pen. They can also help to craft your content so it is search-ready and resonant for social.
A skilled project manager. It’s table stakes that you should work with a professional who can write to a schedule and meet (or exceed) your deadlines. You don’t want someone writing to the eleventh hour; you need someone who works ahead whenever possible, giving you time to offer feedback and comments without being under an extreme time crunch.
And last—but definitely not least—find someone you like. The best executive ghostwriting collaborations happen when you’re comfortable thinking out loud and being yourself.
What working with a strong ghostwriter typically looks like
The best executive ghostwriting falls into a simple rhythm:
A short interview (30–60 minutes) to capture your raw thinking
A draft you can react to (not a blank-page request)
One clean revision loop to sharpen, simplify, and finalize
A repeatable cadence so your work ships consistently without becoming a second job
If you want to turn your expertise into compelling content without having the task consume your calendar, WhiteLabel can help. Reach out, and we’ll talk through what you want to say and map the cleanest path to getting your thought leadership out into the world.
