Ghostwriter Needed: Psychological Thriller with Morally Gray Female Protagonist - Contract to Hire

I’m seeking an experienced fiction ghostwriter to collaborate on a standalone psychological thriller centered on a morally complex female protagonist whom readers will root for despite her actions. This is a character-driven novel about justice, rage, empathy, and control—told through sharp observation, dark humor, and emotional restraint. The story asks the reader to sit inside the mind of a woman who believes it is her responsibility to rid the world of dangerous men. Core concept The protagonist is a woman in her early 30s—intelligent, bold, observant, dryly funny, and unflinching. She murders men who have wronged her or others: abusers, predators, manipulators. While her actions are morally wrong, the reader should sympathize with her, understand her logic, and root for her survival. She presents a hard exterior but has a deeply empathetic core and a personal code she never violates. Character & setting details Protagonist works at a mall perfume store selling dupes of luxury fragrances Estranged from her family due to a difficult upbringing Mostly a loner Lives with a roommate who slowly becomes her closest relationship The roommate grows suspicious only late in the story, after a man who attempted to rape her turns up dead A developing emotional bond between the two women is central to the book Key story elements A romantic subplot in which the protagonist falls for a man who is love-bombing and emotionally manipulating her; she later kills him upon learning his true intentions A city-wide chase sequence between the protagonist and a rapist, including a set piece inside a large bookstore Rising tension as she nearly gets caught toward the end She ultimately gets away with every crime Genre & tone Genre: Psychological thriller / dark character study Tone: Sharp, tense, darkly funny, emotionally intelligent Style: Clean prose, strong interiority, controlled violence Not: Campy revenge fantasy, glamorized violence, or procedural-heavy crime writing This book prioritizes character psychology over plot mechanics. POV & length POV: First person Length: 70,000–90,000 words Process & collaboration I will provide: Core concept and full story direction Character details and thematic guidance Ongoing feedback You will help shape: Structure and pacing Scene execution Voice consistency and emotional realism A paid sample (1–2 chapters) is required before committing to the full manuscript. Rights & confidentiality This is a work-for-hire ghostwriting project All rights transfer to me upon payment NDA required No public credit Ideal collaborator You: Have experience with fiction ghostwriting or psychological thrillers Write convincing female interiority Are comfortable with morally gray protagonists Understand how to make readers empathize without excusing behavior Value quality and voice over speed This project is not a fit if you: Rely heavily on tropes Avoid dark subject matter Prefer plot twists over psychological realism Are uncomfortable writing violence within an ethical framework To apply, please include: Relevant fiction samples (published or unpublished) A brief description of your ghostwriting process Availability and ballpark rate Confirmation you’re open to a paid sample Apply tot his job