Be Mindful of Fishy Ghostwriting Companies Behind Bluster

If you're struggling to decide whether to hire a ghostwriting company, it's important to take a moment to consider the consequences. The internet is full of awesome myths: "We wrote 5,000+ books," "We have hundreds of 5-star reviews," and "We work with celebrity authors." But, if you take a closer look, almost all of these "companies" collapse like a sandcastle in high tide. Ask for proof of those reviews, writing sample, and ask for credentials of writers; and listen to the crickets. 

Table of Contents

1. Red Flags for Phony Ghostwriting Companies

2. How Real Ghostwriting is Different 

3. How to Protect Yourself From Such Scams

4. Expert Insights: "What They Say"

5. Situation: “Too Good to Be True” Offer

6. Key Takeaways

7. FAQs

   
   

Red Flags for Phony Ghostwriting Companies

Here are the things to look for that save you from wasting your story (and money):

• AI content that they call "custom writing" – Many of these companies leverage AI technology to pump out templated books that are flat, boring, and emotionless.

• FAKE Personas and Stock Photos – Those smiling "authors" (the people in the photos) and "editors" are likely just stock photos.

• Flaky Communication – They become impossible to contact after they receive your payment. 

• Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing – A real ghostwriter will not write a book for $300 and it takes more than just a few hours.

How Real Ghostwriting is Different 

Authentic ghostwriting requires time, partnership, and mutual trust. 

Authentic ghostwriters: 

• Take the time to listen to YOU and your narrative.

• Ask appropriate and clarifying questions. 

• Provide writing samples with originality based on past work (absolutely no AI spinning or plagiarism). 

• Collaborate with you to build your story, and not for you. 

Authentic collaboration is human—it is what it is. 

How to Protect Yourself From Such Scams

• Assess the company on LinkedIn. 

• Request sample pages or a short paid trial chapter. 

• Ask to see a clear timeline and milestone structure for your book project. 

• Understand the refund policy in depth or note if there isn't one.

• You should not sign with a company that does not have a culture of allowing you to work with the writer.

Expert Insights: What They Say 

"Good ghostwriting is a partnership and not a transaction. Anyone hiding their writers, pushing you to pay them before you've even discussed what you want or pushing to 'reserve' your money is in the business of lying—not writing." - Editorial Director, Rolling Authors 

Situation: "Too Good to Be True" Offer 

Client: an up-and-coming entrepreneur looking to release her first memoir.

Offer: A "premium ghostwriting package" for $800 for a 40,000-word manuscript to be completed in a two-week time period.

She joined the site.

The manuscript the client received was filled with errors, with mechanical dialogue and all the repetitive patterns that are associated with AI writing. The 'editor' who was assigned to look at the manuscript, disappeared as soon as she sent payment.

Six months later, she came to Rolling Authors, where our writers worked very thoughtfully to form her manuscript from scratch. Real people, with feelings, and a story she could finally call her own.

Key Takeaways

• Real ghostwriting is a trade, not a gig.

• Demand real human connection and patience with the creative work.

• A legitimate ghostwriter listens, collaborates and tinkers—not copy and pastes.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if they are going to use a machine to write my manuscript?

A: Ask for a sample chapter and run it through an AI detection service. A real writer will also provide verifiable references or samples of existing work.

Q: Why do these scammy companies stay on the internet?

A: They exploit the authors’ excitement and how naïve they are, providing speed, low cost, and bogus assurances. 

Q: Are all ghostwriting companies scams? 

A: No. There are trustworthy companies. Rolling Authors is an honest company with writers who are humans (not artificial intelligence) with whom you can reach out and validate.

Your story is far too important to be dictated by a bot. 

At Rolling Authors, we will provide you with the service of a human ghostwriter. A knowledgeable writer who hears your story, understands your thoughts, and sets out to create that vision one word at a time. 

Don't take chances with your dreams on copy-paste companies.

Talk to us today and begin the journey of your book with authors that you can trust. 

Written by Rolling Authors—professional ghostwriting and editing support to leaders, entrepreneurs, and storytellers to manifest their visions into powerful books.