Ghostwriter
Human-Powered Storytelling
I'm an enthusiastic collaborator and I love writing with others.
I've written mysteries with James Patterson, and I've worked with Linda Joffe Hull to create mysteries, thrillers, and dramatic fiction under the pen name Linda Keir. I'm also a professional listener, waiting to hear your story and help shape it into the book you want to share with the world.
My clients include Fortune 500 CEOs, successful entrepreneurs, entertainment industry insiders, and fellow fiction writers. I've helped them capture their life stories, celebrate their business journeys, and explore their wildest imaginings.
Whether you want to write fiction, nonfiction, memoir, corporate history, business how-to, a screenplay, or an adventure story for kids—and whether you need a ghostwriter, a book doctor, or an editor—I can help.
The former executive editor of Booklist, I have more than two decades of publishing experience. I'm the author of sixteen books and the editor of two anthologies. My books are award winning and have been translated into foreign languages. I'm an in-demand teacher of writing craft and speak frequently to professional groups about the publishing business.
I'm proud of the fact that many of the people I work with are repeat clients. Read on to see what a few of them say about working with me.
Have a project you'd like to discuss? Please get in touch.
Testimonials
Ghostwriter
I can harness my decades of storytelling experience to write your book for you. The process is professional, collaborative, and fun!
"Keir Graff found the book I had in my head and put it on paper. In
ghostwriting my memoir, he interviewed not only me but my family, friends, and colleagues; cataloged personal papers and photos; performed original research; and created a meticulously detailed chronology of my life. Doing it all with sensitivity and discretion, he crafted a powerful narrative that not only captured my experiences and my voice but also the depth of my emotions—the result is a treasure I will have for generations to come. Keir is a consummate
professional and I would gladly work with him again."
—Fortune 500 CEO
Book Doctor
If the book you've written just isn't working, I will rewrite from page one to shape the story, cut unneeded prose, and untangle sentences—polishing your story until it shines.
"Keir has worked on numerous editing and writing projects with me over the years—including several books—and his extensive work has elevated each project to a new level. He edits with a precise and polished touch, and his clear, graceful writing has a beautiful flow that draws you in and keeps you there. Not only is he a gifted editor/writer, he is fast, responsive, and an absolute pleasure to work with. I always breathe a sigh of relief when I hand him a manuscript, knowing it’s in his capable hands. Keir is exceptional in every way, and I can't recommend him highly enough!"
—Author
Editor
If you'd rather revise your own book, I can guide you through the process by identifying problems, suggesting solutions, and demonstrating how you can fix things yourself.
"I hired Keir to give me a frank, no-holds-barred assessment of an early draft of my first novel. After carefully reading the draft, he provided a detailed evaluation letter, supremely helpful notes throughout the entire manuscript, and a careful rewrite of a particularly meandering chapter so I could see how much I was getting in my own way. Each suggestion was delivered with a gentle directness that I deeply value. If you're an author (first-timer or otherwise) in the market for a professional assessment from someone who truly cares about helping you understand where your work is falling flat but also all the ways it could blossom, I can't recommend Keir enough."
—Matthew C. Douglass
Manuscript Reviewer
Need an unbiased, big-picture opinion of your book's prospects? I'll read your work-in-progress and share my honest recommendations.
"It's rare to find someone familiar with both the ins and outs of publishing as well as the nuts and bolts of manuscript development. I'm grateful that Keir Graff was able to take a look at my work in progress and offer some sound advice. It was worth every penny. If you have Keir in your corner, you should count yourself lucky indeed."
—Allen Morris Jones, author of Last Year's River (Houghton Mifflin), small press publisher (Bangtail Press), and former acquisitions editor (Lyons Press)
Keir Graff
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Consummate craftsman
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Honest and direct
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Reliable and responsive
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A mindful listener
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A partner in your success!
Have a project you’d like to discuss? Please get in touch.