If you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or coach looking to publish a book, you’ve likely considered working with a ghostwriter. But what exactly does a ghostwriter do, and how can hiring one elevate your brand? In this exclusive interview on Success, Motivation & Inspiration, Richard Lowe—known as The Writing King—shares his journey from IT executive to professional ghostwriter and explains why publishing a book is one of the most powerful tools for authority and business growth.
Who Is Richard Lowe?
Richard Lowe is a professional ghostwriter with over 11 years of experience. Before becoming The Writing King, he spent 33 years in the IT industry, including 20 years as the Director of Computer Operations at Trader Joe’s. Eventually, he followed his passion for writing and transitioned into ghostwriting full-time.
Today, he has ghostwritten 52 books and authored 63 of his own across various industries, including AI, cybersecurity, leadership, personal development, and business. His expertise in crafting compelling narratives has made him a sought-after ghostwriter for executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who want to establish authority through publishing.
What Is Ghostwriting?
If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a ghostwriter do?”, the answer is simple: A ghostwriter helps turn your ideas, knowledge, and expertise into a professionally written book. Richard Lowe’s ghostwriting process is unique because he focuses on capturing your authentic voice, emotions, and goals. Unlike AI-generated books or low-quality ghostwriting services, Richard crafts books that resonate deeply with their intended audience.
Common Misconceptions About Ghostwriting
- “Ghostwriting is unethical.” In reality, ghostwriting is a common and accepted practice. Celebrities, politicians, and business leaders frequently hire ghostwriters to articulate their ideas.
- “The book won’t sound like me.” Richard’s approach ensures that each book captures the author’s voice, making it feel like they wrote it themselves.
- “Ghostwriting is just about writing.” A great ghostwriter, like Richard, guides the entire process—from idea development to publishing support.
Why Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders Should Publish a Book
If you’re a business owner, coach, or public speaker, publishing a book can be one of the most effective branding tools. But why?
- A book establishes authority. Being the author of a book instantly positions you as an expert in your field.
- It helps secure speaking engagements. Many keynote speakers and TEDx presenters leverage their books to land high-profile speaking opportunities.
- It creates new revenue streams. Beyond book sales, a published book can lead to consulting gigs, online courses, and coaching clients.
Richard explains that many of his clients are executives looking to pivot careers, coaches aiming to differentiate themselves, and entrepreneurs wanting to showcase their expertise.
The Writing King’s Unique Ghostwriting Process
Hiring a ghostwriter is an investment, and working with the right professional makes all the difference. Richard Lowe follows a structured yet flexible approach to ensure each book meets the client’s vision:
- Discovery Call: Understanding the client’s book goals, target audience, and key message.
- In-Depth Interviews: Conducting 4-5 weeks of daily interviews to extract personal insights, expertise, and emotions.
- Drafting & Revisions: Writing and refining 10,000 words per month, ensuring the client’s voice and vision are captured.
- Editing & Publishing Assistance: Helping with professional editing, cover design, and ISBN setup to ensure a seamless publishing process.
- Marketing & Book Launch Strategy: Advising how to market the book effectively through social media, Amazon KDP strategies, and networking.
Avoiding Common Scams in the Ghostwriting & Publishing Industry
With the rise of self-publishing, scam ghostwriting services and predatory hybrid publishers have become a major problem. Richard shares key red flags to watch for when hiring a ghostwriter or publishing service:
- Low-cost ghostwriting services ($1,500 or less) often rely on AI-generated content or poorly written drafts.
- Publishers that require you to use their ISBN—this means they control your book rights and royalties.
- Ghostwriting companies that lock you into unfair contracts—always review contracts carefully or consult a legal expert before signing.
Case Study: How a Book Can Transform a Career
One of Richard’s clients was an entrepreneur seeking venture capital. By publishing a well-written book about his industry expertise, he secured $30 million in venture funding. The book became a key component of his pitch, showcasing his credibility and deep knowledge.
Another high-profile rockstar client hired Richard to ghostwrite a novel as part of his branding strategy. A well-crafted book can enhance personal branding and public perception even for individuals outside the business world.
How Much Does a High-Quality Ghostwriter Cost?
One of aspiring authors’ biggest mistakes is choosing the cheapest option. Richard explains the difference between low-cost ghostwriting services and premium ghostwriting:
- $1,500-$5,000 ghostwriters: Likely AI-generated, low effort, and poorly edited.
- $10,000-$50,000 professional ghostwriters: A customized, well-researched, and polished book that enhances your credibility.
- Celebrity ghostwriters ($100,000+): Used by high-profile figures like politicians and A-list celebrities.
Hiring a ghostwriter isn’t about finding the cheapest option—it’s about ensuring your book is well-written, impactful, and achieves your business goals.
The Role of AI in Writing and Publishing
With AI tools like ChatGPT becoming more common, many wonder if AI can replace ghostwriters. Richard strongly advises against relying on AI-generated books due to the “Uncanny Valley” effect—where the writing feels off, even if it looks grammatically correct.
AI can be a helpful tool, but it cannot capture real emotions, personal insights, and storytelling depth. That’s why successful professionals still choose human ghostwriters over automated writing tools.
Final Advice: Don’t Die With Your Book Still in You
Richard’s final message to aspiring authors is clear:
“Don’t be the person who regrets never writing their book.”
Writing a book is one of the most powerful steps you can take to build your brand, grow your business, or leave a lasting legacy.
Work With The Writing King
Ready to publish your book? Richard Lowe offers a free discovery call to discuss your project and see if ghostwriting is the right fit for you. Follow Richard on social media for writing tips.
Conclusion
If you’ve been searching for “how to hire a ghostwriter,” “best ghostwriter for business books,” or “ghostwriting services for entrepreneurs,” Richard Lowe—The Writing King—is one of the top professionals in the industry. With a proven track record, a personalized writing approach, and an emphasis on high-quality, impactful books, he helps leaders bring their stories to life.
Don’t wait—start your journey to becoming a published author today!