Narrative Nonfiction Collaborator / Book Proposal Specialist (Ghostwriter)

PROJECT OVERVIEW - If my budget for what I need is inaccurate ie can be done for less or more, just propose your best and final. I am developing a prestige narrative nonfiction book with strong adaptation potential as a limited series. The project is not a traditional memoir or inspirational story; it interrogates survival, power, risk, and the long-term cost of adaptive success forged in unstable environments. I am seeking an experienced collaborator to help shape, structure, and draft a market-ready book proposal (2–3 pages) and sample chapters that meet agent and publisher standards. This role is focused on strategy, voice calibration, and market positioning, not transcription or basic editing. SCOPE OF WORK Primary Responsibilities Collaborate with the author via interviews to: Distill a life story into a clear narrative thesis Identify and reinforce pattern, escalation, and reckoning Draft or co-draft: A professional book proposal (overview, market positioning, audience, structure) 2–3 sample chapters that demonstrate controlled tone, restraint, and scalability Ensure the manuscript: Avoids moral over-explaining Shows pattern without preaching Maintains confidence without bravado Is legally and commercially safe for submission Advise on: Agent submission strategy Adaptation positioning (book → limited series) What content should be excluded permanently REQUIRED EXPERIENCE (NON-NEGOTIABLE) Candidates must have experience in at least one of the following: Collaborated on successfully agented or published narrative nonfiction projects Served as a book proposal specialist for memoir / narrative nonfiction Worked as a developmental editor for prestige nonfiction Experience consulting on book-to-screen adaptation projects Experience with self-help, inspirational memoirs, or brand-building books alone is not sufficient. PREFERRED BACKGROUND Former literary agent, editor, or acquisitions assistant Ghostwriter for authors published by major or respected independent publishers Familiarity with: Legal sensitivity in memoir (anonymization, compression) Structuring episodic narrative for adaptation Adult, morally complex storytelling SKILLS & QUALITIES Ability to extract meaning without imposing judgment Comfort working with dark, ambiguous, high-risk material Strong sense of narrative restraint Confident giving direct, critical feedback Able to ask difficult questions without steering the story toward therapy or self-help Understands what agents and editors actually look for, not just what sounds good WHAT THIS ROLE IS NOT Not a transcriptionist Not a copy editor Not a co-author seeking credit Not a motivational writer Not a developmental therapist This role is about discipline and elevation, not embellishment. DELIVERABLES A polished, agent-ready book proposal 2-3 Sample chapters that reflect the author’s voice while meeting industry standards Strategic guidance on next steps (agents, submission, adaptation positioning) WORKING STYLE & COMPENSATION Short-term, intensive collaboration (typically 4–8 weeks) Flat-fee or milestone-based compensation preferred NDA and work-for-hire agreement required PROVIDE: A redacted proposal you have worked on A before/after sample showing restraint and tone calibration A description of how they work with authors on structure and pattern, not just prose Apply tot his job