Ghostwriters

Ghostly Scribes: 8 Biography Ghostwriters Revealed

In the shadows of the literary world, biography ghostwriters weave compelling tales of life and legacy, often without the fanfare of byline recognition. These unsung heroes possess a unique blend of empathy, research acuity, and narrative flair, enabling them to craft stories that resonate deeply with readers.

From celebrities to unsung heroes, their pen brings to light the journeys of diverse individuals. In this listicle, we shine a spotlight on the top biography ghostwriters, whose behind-the-scenes artistry has given voice to some of the most captivating life stories ever told.

1. David Ferris

David Ferris is an accomplished ghostwriter and editor, known for his skill in crafting business books and memoirs that elevate authors to leadership status and deliver a return on investment. With over 30 books ghostwritten, his expertise extends to working with a diverse range of clients including entrepreneurs, CEOs, consultants, artists, therapists, and coaches. His background includes a significant tenure at Little, Brown and Company, enhancing his proficiency in both book editing and screenplay writing. David’s multifaceted career also spans documentary film production, providing him a unique perspective in storytelling. Based in Washington, D.C., he enjoys diverse interests like piano, photography, and exploring the city. David’s work not only garners client satisfaction but also contributes to their professional advancement.

2. Molly Jones

Molly Jones is a versatile ghostwriter and educator, specializing in adult memoirs and non-fiction books for young readers. With a Ph.D. in Educational Research and experience as a certified teacher, Molly brings a unique insight into her clients’ needs. She excels in areas like medical and health issues, and her research skills enable her to delve deep into her clients’ life focus and achievements. Molly’s portfolio includes not only ghostwritten books but also magazine and academic journal articles. She is passionate about helping professionals establish themselves as leaders through motivational writing, although she does not write in genres like fantasy, science fiction, or popular romance.

3. Jeremy Blachman

Jeremy Blachman is a New York-based ghostwriter and author, known for his Wall Street Journal bestselling works. His diverse portfolio includes collaborating with business leaders and notable figures across various industries, encompassing memoirs, leadership, business, technology, and law. A Harvard-educated lawyer, Jeremy’s talent extends to fiction, particularly in humor and satire. His own works, including “Anonymous Lawyer: A Novel,” have been critically acclaimed, and he has experience in television scriptwriting. Jeremy’s approach focuses on diving into his clients’ worlds, bringing their stories to life with compelling and engaging narratives.

4. David Congreave

David Congreave, based in Leeds, UK, is a ghostwriter with a strong focus on memoirs and business titles. His distinctive approach involves closely mimicking the voice of his clients, ensuring the authenticity of their stories. David’s portfolio showcases his versatility, including projects like “You Don’t Know Viv: The Vivian Nicholson Story 1936-2015,” “Authority Content: The Simple System for Building Your Brand, Sales, and Credibility,” and “Ultimate Guide to Google AdWords.” Praised for his professionalism and creativity, David blends his solid business background with a talent for crafting compelling narratives, making him a highly recommended choice for aspiring authors.

5. Seth Kaufman

Seth Kaufman is a New York-based ghostwriter and veteran journalist with a rich background in writing for national publications. He began his collaborative book-writing career in 2016, showcasing his prowess in memoirs, current events, humor, and sports. His works include acclaimed sports memoirs, a tech industry giant’s autobiography, and books on current events and politics. Seth’s nonfiction collaborations have achieved significant recognition, with two reaching Amazon’s Top 10 and others featuring prominently on bestseller lists. His approach to ghostwriting emphasizes client collaboration, in-depth research, and maintaining the authentic voice of the author. Seth’s talent for crafting engaging narratives is evident in his ability to turn complex ideas into compelling stories.

6. Andrew Cave

Andrew Cave, based in Oxford, UK, is a highly experienced and award-winning ghostwriter specializing in biographies, business, and leadership books. His 35-year career as a business journalist, including nine years at The Daily Telegraph, gives him a profound insight into crafting compelling stories. Andrew has authored or ghostwritten eight books for prestigious publishers like Penguin Random House and Hachette. His works include “Drive to Succeed: The Making of an Egyptian Titan.” Known for engaging with CEOs and business leaders, Andrew’s approach is empathetic and detail-oriented, focusing on factual storytelling that captures the essence of his clients’ experiences.

7. Ken Scott

Ken Scott, based in Alicante, Spain, is a Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author and seasoned ghostwriter with 16 years of experience. Specializing in a variety of genres, including historical memoirs, biographies, and narratives on sensitive subjects like abuse, human trafficking, and war, Ken has authored 40 published books. His dedication to his craft is evident in his willingness to go the extra mile for his clients, including traveling extensively to work closely with them. His work has received notable recognition, including a Booker Prize Entry and a shortlist for the Hemingway Book Award. Ken’s approach to ghostwriting emphasizes a meticulous and collaborative process.

8. John DeSimone

John DeSimone, based in Claremont, California, is a best-selling memoir ghostwriter, specializing in voice-driven, first-person narratives that evoke immediacy and emotion. With experience working with a range of clients, including the famous and infamous, John excels in delving deep into memories, often clouded by time, to craft inspiring stories. His approach is personal and detailed, focusing on unearthing hidden emotions and motivations. He emphasizes the importance of story arcs and authentic voice in creating commercially successful memoirs. John’s expertise is reflected in his diverse portfolio, showcasing his ability to bring life stories to literary success.


As we conclude our journey through the world of biography ghostwriting, we are reminded of the immense talent and dedication these writers bring to the table, often without the limelight. Their ability to capture and share the essence of a life story not only enriches our understanding of the individuals they write about but also underscores the power of storytelling in connecting us all.