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Let's Write Your Book

Testimonials

I've had the pleasure of collaborating with Alison on multiple writing projects, and I cannot overstate her exceptional skills as a ghostwriter. Alison possesses a rare combination of talent, professionalism, and dedication that sets her apart in the field. She has an innate ability to understand the nuances of a story, brand, or voice.

- OLIVIA TANKLSEY, DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL WORKFLOW, FORBES BOOKS

Alison and I partnered together this past year to write my first book, Karmic Selling: Earning Business by Earning Trust. Our book has earned #1 best seller status on Amazon in 3 categories so far and it is only available for preorder at this time... You can't go wrong with Alison as your partner.

- STAN GWIZDAK, CEO, BEST-SELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR

Alison is marvelously adept at gently guiding her authors, asking intelligent, investigative questions while deeply listening to their answers - not just what they say, but how they say it - and then capturing that unique cadence and style on the page while weaving in her own art of clean, clear, engaging writing.

- KRISTIN HACKLER, DIRECTOR OF BOOK ARCHITECTURE, FORBES BOOKS
Testimonials
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Awards & Accolades
Biography
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Your Book Partner

Hi, I'm Alison! A ghostwriter, editor, and book coach, I combine storytelling with strategy to help executives and entrepreneurs write business books people actually want to read.
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I got my start as an international journalist in Berlin before transitioning to the communications side of the media industry. After a stint at Booking.com, I took a role as the communications and media relations manager for EFPIA, the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, in Brussels.

 

In 2015, I went on to found my own firm, ASK-Communications, helping time-strapped business leaders tell their stories with my ghostwriting, developmental editing, and book coaching services. Since then, I've worked on 30+ manuscripts, including many award winners and Amazon bestsellers. I regularly collaborate with high-profile publishers like Forbes Books and am signed with two premier ghostwriting talent agencies, Kevin Anderson & Associates (U.S.) and The Ghostwriter's Agency (U.K.).

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I am a member of both the Association of Ghostwriters and the Author's Guild, and you can also find me on Reedsy—click below to view my profiles. Finally, I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn, where I address common questions about ghostwriting with my #AskAGhost series. View my C.V. to learn more about me.

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Recent Projects

Due to the discrete nature of ghostwriting, I cannot share the bulk of my work publicly. However, some of my author partners have generously acknowledged our collaboration, for which I am deeply grateful. Additional samples and references are available upon request. I also encourage you to visit my LinkedIn to view testimonials there. Some recent projects:

Stan Gwizdak's Karmic Selling: Earning Business by Earning Trust (Advantage Media, 2024) earned a 2024 Reader's Favorite accolade in the marketing category and was designated an Editor's Pick by Publishers Weekly's BookLife vertical. It also got bestseller status in three Amazon categories! Check it out.

From the acknowledgements:
"I had the best ghostwriter ever in Alison Kilian. Her partnership made this book engaging and enjoyable to read. I am forever grateful and forever your friend, Alison"

Thank you for the kind words, Stan!

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Chip Higgins's The Bizzics Way: Powering Your Small Business to Maximum Momentum (Forbes Books, 2024) was nominated for the 2025 Andy Awards, which recognize exceptional collaboration between ghostwriters and authors. It has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Check it out.

From the acknowledgements:
"I am filled with gratitude for so many who have made this dream a reality ... For my writing partner, Alison Kilian, whose extraordinary gifts made the conceptual tangible and whose friendship and encouragement got me to the finish line."

Thank you for the kind words, Chip!

Kara Trott's No One Alone: Humanizing Healthcare as an Outsider (Forbes Books, 2025) is set for release in April, 2025. It details her astounding career, not only founding a company but also establishing an entirely new industry—healthcare navigation. Check it out.

From the acknowledgements:
"Alison, you have truly captured my story in a very poetic way, and I have appreciated the endless hours you’ve spent learning about me and Quantum Health."

Thank you for the kind words, Kara!

Recent Projects
FAQ

FAQ

If you've made it this far, you're probably thinking about writing a book—but you've got some questions. Understandable! A book is a big commitment. I've addressed some common queries below. I'm also happy to answer questions in a free introductory call. Book 30 minutes with me using this Calendly link.
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Q: Why would I write a book?
A: A book gives credibility, establishes your authority in your field, and works as a lead magnet. It can be used to generate PR, land speaking engagements, and connect with new audience. You can also adapt a book for other purposes, like speeches, blogs, and podcasts (to name just a few ideas). As an added bonus, you also get to tell people at dinner parties, "I wrote a book!"
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Q: Why should I work with a ghostwriter?
A: You have an amazing book idea and valuable expertise to share. Great. But getting that idea and expertise down on the page in an engaging, cohesive way that will captivate your readership is a big task. A ghostwriter has the experience and skills to craft a compelling narrative that will connect with others in a meaningful way.
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Q: Do I need a ghostwriter, editor, or book coach?
A: It depends on how much of your own writing you want to do (or have already done), which also hinges on variables like the amount of time you have. Ghostwriting is the fastest and easiest way to get your words on the page (which is also why it costs more). I'm happy to talk you through the differences between book ghostwriting versus developmental editing versus book coaching, and to advise on which service best suits your needs.
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Q: Can I read your work?
A: Due to the discrete nature of ghostwriting, I can only share my work when the author has given me explicit permission to do so. I have provided links to a few instances in which this is the case in the recent projects section of this website. You can also view testimonials from editors, authors, and publishing professionals who have worked with me on my LinkedIn profile.
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Q: How does the process work?
​A: Every book is unique, so the process may differ depending on your needs. In general, ghostwriting looks something like this (the proces will differ for book coaching and/or developmental editing):
1.) Free Intro Call: We schedule a 30-minute intro call to determine your needs—book planning, book coaching, book ghostwriting, or book editing. By the end of the Intro Call, you will know what kind of service is right for you. If I am not the best fit for your project, I can help you find a pro through my network of publishing contacts. If you decide you want to work with me, the next step is the...
2.) Strategy Session/Book Roadmap: The strategy session goes deeper into the purpose and content of your book. Who is the target audience? What are your goals? Once I understand what success looks like for your book, we develop a Book Roadmap. This is a chapter-by-chapter outline for your book, covering core topics and key messages, organized in a cohesive way according to an overarching narrative. By the end of the strategy session, you will have your Book Roadmap in hand. You can use it as a guide to write the book yourself, bring it to another ghostwriter, or—if we are a good fit and you want to keep working with me—as the basis for a partnership with me.
3.) Writing Your Book: With the Book Roadmap as a guide, I write your manuscript, chapter by chapter. Typically, we talk through one chapter per week on a 90-minute Zoom call. The basic process: We talk; I write; you review; I revise as needed. We start with the introduction and first chapter. Once those are finalized, I proceed to deliver the rest of the manuscript in thirds, allowing for a review-and-revise stage for each third delivered.
 
Q: What's this going to cost me?
Exact costs depend on the scope and complexity of your project. Here's a general breakdown, to give you some idea of what to expect:

  • Intro Call: Free! I love helping people tell their stories and part of that is getting them off on the right foot, with accurate information and reputable connections. The 30-minute intro call is no cost, no obligation.

  • Strategy Session/Book Roadmap: €750. This fee includes two hours of discussion over Zoom plus the Book Roadmap, a comprehensive chapter-by-chapter outline of your book. You can use the Book Roadmap to write the book yourself, bring it to another ghostwriter, or, if you want to move ahead with me as your ghostwriter, we can use it as we craft your manuscript together. If you choose to move ahead with me as your ghostwriter, the strategy session fee will be deducted from the book ghostwriting fee.

  • Book Ghostwriting: If you want me to ghostwrite your book, fees range from €30,000 to €75,000+. Why such a huge range? A lot of factors influence ghostwriting costs, including: length of the manuscript, complexity of the subject matter, external research required, and additional interview needs (for example, if you want to include input from other experts in your field).

  • Book Coaching and/or Developmental Editing: Prices for book coaching and/or developmental editing start at €3,000 per manuscript and vary according to factors like length, complexity, and time commitment.

Blog

The ASK-Communications Blog

Click below to read about all things storytelling.

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