Member Spotlight: Madison Fitzpatrick

How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?

My first ghostwriting project was actually with my husband. When he got his first teaching job in the U.S. (he’s from Colombia), he came home every day overflowing with stories and ideas. I told him he should write a blog about his teaching philosophy, and he said, “I can do the talking, but you should do the writing.” After blogging through the school year, we had quite a bit of material, so we spent the summer pulling it together into a short book. It was such a fun and satisfying experience that I decided to pursue more book projects, and over the next few years, I transitioned fully from copywriting to ghostwriting.

What is your favorite type of project or client?

I love working with anyone who has conviction and clarity about their message. It’s especially fun when they can weave together the wisdom they want to share with their unique stories and experiences. Many of my authors are successful business leaders sharing the lessons they’ve learned in their careers, but some are more focused on personal growth or memoir. I love to work on a mix of projects, and I find it fascinating to notice the commonalities in what I hear from different people in very different contexts.

What’s your favorite question to ask clients during an interview?

To be honest, I don’t usually work from a list of questions. The interview is more like a natural conversation, and my questions flow directly from what the author is telling me. But in the very first conversation with an author, there’s one question that’s particularly revealing: What is motivating you to write this book at this moment? The answer tells me a great deal about how much clarity and conviction they have around their book idea.

What are the best parts of this career?

The people. I get to meet so many authors with fascinating lives, and I learn so much from the time I get to spend with them. It’s such a privilege to be trusted with their thoughts and public voice, and many of them become good friends over the course of our collaboration. I’ve also become part of a wonderful community of writers who are so supportive of each other and generous with their expertise. I honestly couldn’t ask for a better job!

What’s one thing clients might be surprised to know about you?

My background is different from many ghostwriters. I didn’t study literature or journalism, and I never dreamed of being a writer. I actually have a Ph.D. in engineering and worked in management consulting before transitioning to marketing/copywriting and then book ghostwriting. Those experiences have served me particularly well in connecting with authors from a business or technical background. Two other fun facts: I’m fluent in Spanish (I speak it at home with my husband), and I’ve played classical double bass since I was 9 years old (I still play in my local community orchestra!).

How can people reach you?

The best way to reach me is through my website: madisonfitzpatrick.com. There you can explore my services, send me an email, or book a free 30-minute consultation. I highly recommend the consultation, even if you’re not sure whether you’re ready to start your book project. There’s so much that aspiring authors don’t know about the book process, and I’m happy to spend half an hour answering your questions and helping you figure out the right path, even if that path isn’t with me.