Write Real People

Having ghostwritten a number of books, this is my insider’s guide to set your writer up for success. 

Character Info Matters More Than Plot

A weak character kills even the best storyline.

Your ghostwriter needs to be able to step inside your imagination and make your characters feel as real to them as they do to you.

Build Characters Beyond the Surface

Go deeper than looks:

• Physical description is just the starting point
• Focus on formative experiences, especially childhood
• Include cultural background that shapes worldview

Example: A character from rural South Africa vs. NYC will have completely different assumptions about personal space and community obligations.

Get Their Voice Right

For dialogue:

• Formal or casual speech?
• Verbose or economical with words?
• Regional expressions or verbal tics?

For internal monologue:

• Analytical thinker or emotional reactor?
• Self-critical or optimistic?

Define What Drives Them

• What do they want most?
• What are they afraid of?
• How do they change throughout the story?
• What beliefs get challenged?

The best characters fight internal battles while dealing with external challenges.

Map Their Relationships

Character dynamics to explain:

• How they act with different personality types
• History with key supporting characters
• What’s the subtext in their conversations?

Remember: Characters don’t exist in isolation.

Show Them in Action

Your ghostwriter needs to know:

• How they handle crisis (panic or laser focus?)
• Natural leader or follower?
• Skills and limitations
• Specific fears or strengths

Communication is Important

Schedule regular check-ins:

• Discuss how characters are emerging on the page
• Be specific about feedback and the changes you expect
• Stay open to feedback from the writer that could improve the book

Good feedback: “She’s too aggressive in this scene. The real Alice would withdraw when confronted.”

Bad feedback: “This doesn’t feel right.”

The Payoff

When you do preparation work:

• Your ghostwriter writes with confidence
• Character voice stays consistent from draft one
• You spend less time on revisions
• Your story comes to life authentically

Want more writing and ghostwriting tips? Visit http://www.writerealpeople.com

About The Author

Erika Taylor

Read my interview on Writerful books: https://writerfulbooks.com/erika-taylor-fantasy-author-ghostwriter/