In the realm of literature, the unsung heroes often go unnoticed, working behind the scenes to breathe life into the stories that captivate us. Ghostwriters are these literary chameleons, able to adopt the voice of those whose stories need to be told, yet lack the time or writing prowess to do so themselves. This is especially true in the world of nonfiction, where life stories, business wisdom, and expert insights are woven into books that enlighten, educate, and inspire.

In this post, we’re shining a spotlight on the top 8 nonfiction ghostwriters in the United States, each an artist in their craft, adeptly translating the essence of people and their experiences into compelling narratives. These are the individuals who take a step back so their author clients can take center stage, their words reaching millions, changing minds and lives. Read on to discover the invisible hands that have penned some of the most influential nonfiction works in recent years.

1. Rich Mintzer

Rich Mintzer, a seasoned ghostwriter with over 30 years of experience, is known for bringing your ideas to life through his words, crafting each book in your unique voice. With an impressive repertoire of over 80 published nonfiction books, his work spans across diverse topics like business, finance, Broadway theater, ADHD, adoption, golf, leadership, and even humor. Mintzer’s books have been published by major houses including Penguin, Crown, St. Martin’s Press, and Wiley. He offers book ghostwriting, book proposals, and short-form content services in English, focusing primarily on business & management, entertainment, finance & accounting, and self-help & self-improvement genres. One of the Top 40 Ghostwriter Blogs by FeedSpot, Mintzer runs his own ghostwriting service since 2011, providing personalized attention while helping clients organize, write, and edit their books. He firmly believes in an individualized approach, eschewing templates and formulas to authentically convey each client’s unique story​.

2. Doug Wagner

Doug Wagner is a seasoned ghostwriter and book doctor who values each author’s unique voice. With a respect for the individuality of every project, he serves as a guide, leading authors to their own voices and assisting in translating complex information for a broader audience. His expertise spans across various genres, including biographies, health and wellbeing, and true crime. Doug has worked with major publishing houses such as Rodale, Wiley, and Hachette. His impressive award list includes being a semifinalist in the Big Moose Prize competition and a first-round winner in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award competition. With over 30 years of experience, Doug has the tools and the acumen to help authors create a meaningful contribution to the world.

3. Sharon Heller

Meet Sharon Heller, a ghostwriter with a PhD in psychology, specializing in self-help, mental health, and memoirs. A well-published author with works featured in prominent publications like Time magazine and Psychology Today, Sharon has a knack for organizing books for smooth flow and captivating storytelling. Recently pivoting towards memoirs for their inherent engagement, she has ghostwritten over 100 books since 2013. Clients praise her professionalism, quality of work, and responsiveness, commending her ability to work at their pace and bring their visions to life. For a ghostwriter who makes the process enjoyable, Sharon Heller comes highly recommended.

4. Mollie Bryan

Mollie Bryan is a versatile ghostwriter with extensive experience and a range of prestigious publishing credits including Kensington Books, Random House, and Ten Speed Press. She excels at crafting engaging short-form content, full-length books, and everything in between. Highly collaborative, she is known for embracing the creative process and maintaining respect for the client’s voice. Testimonials highlight her precise work, her superb research skills, and her ability to let the author’s voice shine through. Mollie offers ghostwriting services across various genres, including biographies, memoirs, cooking, DIY, and crafts, as well as mystery, romance, and women’s fiction. Her work has been recognized with several awards including the Agatha Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award, and the APEX Award for Newsletter Writing​.

5. Scott Doyle

Scott Doyle is a gifted ghostwriter specializing in fiction, self-help, wellness, and business leadership. With a deep understanding of diverse topics, he has been a key contributor to Forbes articles, blogs, and books. His strength lies in capturing the essence of a project and authentically reflecting the client’s unique voice and vision. Scott has an impressive portfolio including collaborations with Knowledge@Wharton and authoring “The Millennial Advantage” and “Breathe Believe Balance”. Praised for his passion, sincerity, and personal investment in each project, Scott comes highly recommended by his clients. Trust him to weave your narrative and shape your book into a compelling read​.

6. Stephen Caldwell

Stephen Caldwell is an accomplished ghostwriter, with a portfolio of work published by industry giants such as McGraw-Hill and Crown Business. His expertise extends to around 20 book projects, primarily focusing on the business and leadership genre. He has successfully collaborated with bestselling authors like Steve Farber, John Maxwell, and Mark Sanborn. Caldwell has a knack for transforming complex ideas into compelling narratives, with services that include book ghostwriting, book proposals, and short-form content. His works span diverse nonfiction categories like biographies, Christian nonfiction, economics, and more. You can rely on Caldwell’s extensive experience and passion for helping others communicate their messages effectively.

7. Mike Towle

Meet Mike Towle, a seasoned ghostwriter, content editor, journalist, and publishing consultant with over 25 years of industry experience​​. Mike has not only worked on both sides of the book publishing street but also has his fingerprints all over national best sellers such as Hogan by Curt Sampson, America’s Dumbest Criminals by Daniel Butler and Alan Ray, Byron Nelson’s Little Black Book, and Out of the Rough by Laura Baugh with Steve Eubanks​. His broad expertise extends to biographies, sports, health & fitness, Christian topics, and current events​.

Recognized with multiple Tennessee Press Association awards and Army-wide Keith L. Ware and Fourth Estate awards for his writing, Mike is a master storyteller, interviewer, and discoverer of salient points that make a book narrative sing​​. His professional journey includes serving as the President and Publisher of Towlehouse Publishing, producing over 30 titles and grossing $1.6M in revenues, and holding executive roles at The Tennessean and Rutledge Hill Press​.

Mike is a reliable choice for anyone looking to bring their book ideas to life, thanks to his unique ability to draw insights out of author’s memories and his extensive experience in creating compelling, marketable books​.

8. James Buchanan

James Buchanan is a seasoned ghostwriter specializing in creative nonfiction, memoir, fiction, nonfiction, and thought leadership books​. With over eighteen years of professional experience, his work spans various genres including Biographies & Memoirs, Business & Management, Life Sciences, Sex & Relationships, and Literary Fiction​. His books have won multiple awards, secured agents and publishers, and have even led to film and Broadway adaptations​. Besides ghostwriting, Buchanan also offers book proposal services and serves as a writing coach, guiding authors from the initial idea to publication​. The result? A lasting friendship, a few laughs, and creative work that opens a world of possibilities.

Choosing the right ghostwriter can transform your idea into a powerful book that resonates with readers. With their exceptional talent, proven track records, and diverse expertise, these top nonfiction ghostwriters in the US are poised to help you turn your vision into a compelling and successful reality.