(For updates on my memoir ghostwriting, please visit mainlinememoir.com.)
Ghostwriting isn’t about writing. It’s about listening.
I’ve been a ghostwriter for a long time. I love my job. I’ve ghostwritten all kinds of books for all kinds of people. Some have been bestsellers and won awards. Others have had print runs in the single digits with a copy for mom, Uncle Lou, and the grandkids. When done with care, intention, and honesty, the impact of any project can be extraordinary no matter the scale.
A good memoir is about the author. A great one is about what the author’s story tells us about the world.
The process of ghostwriting is never the same twice. Whether it’s a full-length memoir for publication or a short family history for friends and family, every writing project demands its own, specific approach. What stays consistent is the goal of finding the story beneath the story in order to help an author uncover the structures and themes of their life. Together, we create a book about a person that tells a story about the world.
Due to the private nature of ghostwriting, I only share a small number of projects on-line. For writing samples and to discuss your unique vision, please send me an email to schedule a chat.
Memoir Case Studies
“I have tremendous gratitude to Diana, who put her heart into my memoir, guided me with love and patience, helping me sort out my emotions, bring out the innocence of my youth, formulate my thoughts, and capture the real-life moments.”
-Laya M., author
The client had hired a ghostwriter to write her memoir, but the work she got back was not at all what she had envisioned. The pages were dull and they didn’t sound like her voice at all. We used that manuscript as a basis for 40+ hours of in-person interviews. Then, chapter-by-chapter, we revised together, passing documents back and forth by email. Sometimes, we sat together for hours at the computer to find the exact words to convey her thoughts and relay her emotions. We worked collaboratively for three years (yes, really!) to craft a manuscript that got her a major New York agent and we placed a fully-illustrated essay in The Boston Globe Magazine.
“Working with you has been an unmitigated pleasure. You asked the right questions…and then did a beautiful job…It gave me so much to work with…Without you there is no way I could have gotten this book done. I really hope others who want to get their memoirs and thoughts into a book have the gift of using your services.”
-Herzl S., author
The client was a multi-published author and very busy doctor who wanted to write a memoir that highlighted his life’s work as a doctor, activist, father, and grandfather. He wanted to include political, social, religious, and philosophical points of view. We conducted ten hours of telephone interviews and agreed on a preliminary outline. I wrote the first draft of about 25,000 words which he published as a small keep-sake book for his family and friends. He then took that short manuscript and expanded it himself into a full-length book for a more general audience that he published with Balboa Press.
“I got. I read it. I love it… THANK YOU!!!!”
Laura B., author
The client was a philanthropist, artist, and activist who had a charitable organization that helped the elderly and economically disadvantaged through art. She wanted a short book to present to donors and decision-makers that told her life story and described what she and her organization did and why. We spoke six hours by phone and I wrote the memoir/business hybrid, one of my favorite genres.
Thank you…for your incredible work on the Unsung Heroes book (and many many others for our clients)!
Rutger Bruining, CEO and Founder, StoryTerrace.com
The goal of this book was to celebrate the life and work of the “ordinary” people on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19. We did the interviews over Zoom, then wrote a short profile of about 1,500 words for each person featured. It’s a great example of how multiple stories can be woven together to paint a cohesive, evocative, and emotional whole.
More Testimonials…
I love the way you are writing my story…Thank you for your work!
Connie N., author
This made me so happy it brought me to tears. It sounds just like her! It sounds just like her talking to me sitting in her parlor with all of her papers everywhere…wow! I am at my desk at work in tears….thank you so much for this…wow!
Nevel S, granddaughter of author Opal L.
Thanks so much Diana. Your comments and suggestions are great. I had your voice ringing in the back of my head saying, ‘go deeper, be honest’…Thanks again!
Michael P., author
Thank you for your professionalism and passion for Good.
Tom B., author
He is extremely pleased with what you have presented to him to date and is looking forward to continuing the interview process.
Susan W., personal assistant to memoir client LEB
This has been such a hard but fun process. I’m just thrilled with how my life story has turned out.
Nancy E., author
If you need help creating and publishing a print or ebook, I work with a talented team who can handle all those details, including professional covers, typesetting, proofreading, pictures, and publishing. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a traditional publisher or agent, I can give advice and guide you in next steps.