Editing is all about refining a story. What happens when that story isn’t just the writer’s, but also shaped by a client’s vision?
As a seasoned editor, I’ve worked with writers at every stage, from eager newcomers to established pros with dozens of books under their belts. However, working with ghostwriters adds another layer to the process—one that requires balancing creativity and structure with expectations from multiple sides. While the core editing principles remain the same, there are key differences that sets ghostwritten projects apart.
In this article, I will discuss the similarities and differences when working with ghostwriters, and then I will end with what it’s like working with Relay’s ghostwriters.
Similarities
When editing a manuscript, one of the primary goals is to elevate the quality of writing. As an editor, that includes answering the following questions in the affirmative.
- Does the plot make sense?
- Are the characters distinctive from each other, interesting, three-dimensional, likable, and show growth across the book and series?
- Is the pace appropriate for the plot and scene?
- Does tension and suspense build and provide exciting climaxes that keep readers tapping those pages?
- Is the worldbuilding sound?
- Have all the necessary plot holes and story threads been wrapped up either at the end of the book or the series?
- Have any glaring factual, grammar, punctuation, and spelling issues been resolved?
Ultimately, whether you’re working with an author or a ghostwriter, the goal remains the same: to shape the best possible story. An editor’s job is to elevate the manuscript, ensuring that every element—plot, character, pacing, and prose—works together to create a compelling read.
Differences
The client isn’t the ghostwriter nor are they the one who hired you. This means that, as part of the editing process, you’ll need to balance the requirements of the client with what the ghostwriter has produced. And while that balance is often easy to maintain, there are times when it doesn’t happen.
For example, last year, I was working with an experienced ghostwriter who turned in a manuscript that completely changed the protagonist’s personality. The client had envisioned a confident, snarky detective, but the ghostwriter’s version was brooding and melancholic. The issue was twofold. The ghostwriter typically wrote noir-style crime novels and had struggled to adapt. At the same time, the way the series had been laid out by the client, the shift in the protagonist’s personality impacted the long-term goals for the project.
These kinds of mismatches can derail a project if not caught early.
There are different reasons why this could happen but these are the top three I tend to see.
- The ghostwriter wasn’t as comfortable writing the manuscript because it was outside the genre they usually write in and they found it more difficult than anticipated.
- The outline didn’t resonate with them or their vision of the story was too different and the client and the ghostwriter couldn’t reach a consensus.
- The content was triggering or confusing in some way, the ghostwriter was reluctant to bring it up, and attempted to muddle through it with lackluster results.
When this happens, it’s important to speak up immediately to alert both the client and the ghostwriter of any potential problems. Under the best of circumstances, a meeting between all parties to discuss the issues and how best to resolve them takes place.
At the other end, the client and ghostwriter are unable to resolve their issues and a decision is made to part ways. For the most part, no one wants the latter to happen. As a ghostwriter, it can be a blow to the ego, not to mention the loss of income. For the client, there’s time and money lost, which can impact publication schedules and sales. In my example above, the client elected to sever the contract with the ghostwriter and find someone else rather than attempt lengthy rewrites.
Another difference involves making sure the ghostwriter’s voice and tone matches the client’s brand. Generally, this can be monitored and adjusted throughout the writing process if the ghostwriter is submitting content in smaller word counts (milestones). In situations where the ghostwriter is working independently, issues may not be noticed until after the manuscript is completed, which is problematic for everyone.
So what’s it like working with ghostwriters for Relay Publishing?
If you’ve read any of the other articles from Relay Publishing, then you will know that from the initial concept to the development of the outline to the writing of the manuscript, all components of the project lifecycle are a collaborative process. At Relay, they don’t simply hand off an outline and hope for the best. They foster an environment where ghostwriters and editors work closely to craft compelling, on-brand stories.
To ensure a smooth process, Relay carefully pairs ghostwriters with editors who complement their strengths and communication styles. Anyone who has ever worked on a creative team knows that chemistry matters—not just for the quality of the manuscript, but also for the overall experience of the project. A strong working relationship between the editor and ghostwriter leads to a smoother workflow, better storytelling, and a more enjoyable creative process for everyone involved.
Relay also provides comprehensive documentation and examples to guide the ghostwriter and serve as a touchstone for the editor. This ensures consistency and alignment with the brand’s expectations from the start.
Another plus of working with ghostwriters at Relay is that they’re all carefully vetted and trialed to ensure both a good fit for writing quality and collaboration. Before joining a project, ghostwriters go through a rigorous selection process that assesses their ability to meet brand expectations, follow outlines, and write compelling, page-turning stories. Additionally, Relay evaluates their communication style, adaptability, and responsiveness to editorial feedback—all essential factors for a smooth and productive collaboration. By maintaining these high standards, Relay can ensure that every manuscript starts with a solid foundation, giving editors the best possible material to refine and elevate.
Breakdown of the project cycle
Prior to starting the project, the writing team (ghostwriter and editor) will review the outline and create a list of any questions to discuss at the initial outline call. That means making sure the character sheets and chapter breakdowns are clear and nothing stands out as potentially problematic.
Granted, for genres like post apocalyptic and legal thrillers, Relay’s outlines are subjected to extensive review by experts prior to the writing team receiving them, but sometimes things can slip through. Or perhaps there’s concern about the behavior of a particular character—as outlined—or another unanticipated issue. The outline call is an opportunity to discuss potential fixes before the writing begins.
During this initial stage, if you haven’t worked together before, it’s a good time to introduce yourself to the ghostwriter and share some details as well as bring up any preferences you both may have for working together. When discussing the editing process, I will determine what their preference is in terms of how much input they want from me and how.
For example: would they rather I mostly use margin comments to point out issues and give suggestions or are they open to me making more comprehensive suggestions directly in the manuscript using Track Changes.
Incremental milestones or all at once?
Depending on the writing style of the ghostwriter and their experience level, I’m a proponent of editing in increments where the ghostwriter submits content in counts of 20–30k words at a time.
I’ve found that this iterative process helps catch potential issues—such as pacing problems, weak character motivations, or deviations from the outline—before they require major rewrites.
This is particularly useful when working with newer writers and those who may be writing in a genre that’s different from what they’re used to. Setting incremental milestones will also allow the editor to help shape the content and catch any potential problems as the manuscript is written instead of at the end.
There are some ghostwriters who prefer a more solitary process. They want to be provided with the concept and outline and allowed to write without editorial interruption. For the more veteran writers, this may work better for them. However, conflicts can arise when the ghostwriter deviates or misinterprets what’s in the project outline, or perhaps their vision doesn’t match the client’s expectations for that particular pen name (brand).
At Relay Publishing, editors working on manuscripts are developmental editors, meaning our role goes beyond just fixing grammar and sentence structure. We focus on big-picture storytelling. We’re expected to shape each book into a well-written, engaging story that not only aligns with Relay’s brand but also meets (and exceeds) reader expectations. This means analyzing story arcs, character development, pacing, tension, and narrative flow to ensure that every book delivers an immersive reading experience.
Relay’s collaborative approach plays a key role in this process. By working closely with ghostwriters from the early stages, editors can provide feedback in real time, making sure the manuscript stays on-brand, structurally sound, and emotionally compelling. The result? A seamless, page-turning story that resonates with readers and stays true to the vision behind it.
Relay Publishing wants to hear from you!
Do you have a passion for storytelling, an eye for detail, or a knack for bringing books to life? At Relay Publishing, we’re always searching for talented ghostwriters, sharp-eyed editors, and creative designers to help craft the next bestselling book series.
If you’re ready to collaborate with a team that values creativity, quality, and page-turning storytelling, we’d love to hear from you. Come be part of something bigger—where your skills help shape unforgettable stories.
Find out more About Us, and check out our latest recruitment call-outs.
We can’t wait to hear from you!