The Truth About Ghostwriting: How to Bring Your Nonfiction Book to Life with Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane {ep. 155}
March 5, 2025
Alexa Bigwarfe interviews ghostwriter Roxanne McCarty-O'Kane about the art of ghostwriting, its benefits, and misconceptions. Roxanne shares her journey from journalism to ghostwriting, explains her process, and discusses why hiring a ghostwriter is a smart choice for entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and experts looking to publish impactful nonfiction books.
If you've ever dreamed of writing a book but felt overwhelmed by the process, you’re not alone. Many aspiring authors struggle to put their ideas into words, whether due to lack of time, writing challenges, or uncertainty about structure and flow. That’s where ghostwriting comes in.
Alexa Bigwarfe and award-winning ghostwriter Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane discuss the ins and outs of ghostwriting, who can benefit from it, and why hiring a ghostwriter isn’t “cheating.” If you're curious about the process or considering ghostwriting for your own book, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.
In this podcast episode, Alexa and Roxanne discuss:
- Roxanne’s journey from journalist to award-winning ghostwriter and mentor.
- How she helps nonfiction authors bring their messages to life with clarity and structure.
- The global reach of ghostwriting and how she works with authors worldwide.
- The differences between ghostwriting and co-writing—and why ghostwriting is not cheating.
- Why nonfiction books (memoirs, business books, self-help) are the most common for ghostwriters.
- The various reasons people hire ghostwriters, from lack of time to language barriers to personal challenges.
- The cost of ghostwriting—what factors influence pricing and why it’s a premium service.
- Her step-by-step ghostwriting process, including strategy sessions, interviews, writing, and revisions.
- The importance of capturing the author’s unique voice and making the book feel authentic.
- Why she doesn’t ghostwrite fiction and the key differences between fiction and nonfiction writing.
- How authors can determine if ghostwriting is right for them and what to expect from the process.
- Roxanne’s Ignite and Write book series and workshops for DIY writers who want guidance.
- Where to find Roxanne’s services, resources, and books at roxannewriter.com or on Amazon.
Since 2007 Roxanne’s unique and multi-award winning method of storytelling has changed the lives of thousands of budding authors, allowing them to bring their messages to life in nonfiction books with structure, connection to the reader and potential profit.
A prolific ghostwriter, author, workshop facilitator, writing mentor and journalist, Roxanne’s presentations are charged with powerful content and tangible tools that remove the mystery from storytelling and ignite a thought-provoking and emotion-evoking theatre within the mind.
Her Ignite & Write series has become a powerful resource for aspiring authors around the world to craft their manuscripts with confidence, clarity and a true sense of purpose and passion.
Learn more here:
www.roxannewriter.com
https://www.facebook.com/roxannewriter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannemccartyokane/