Member Spotlight: Corinna Cunningham

How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?
LinkedIn! I had just finished my ghostwriting training and had started posting on LinkedIn. Thankfully, I had worked in social media marketing previously, so I was able to get started quite quickly. I think I was very lucky, as it wasn’t long before I connected with someone about writing a book. He loved storytelling but was also a marketer, and I think he liked that we had the same background. I could understand marketing terminology and workflows, but my acting and theatre background was also useful. I was honest and said that if he hired me, he’d be my first client. He was fine with it. I will be forever grateful to him.

What is your favorite type of project or client?
Honestly, there is no one single type of project or client that speaks to me. It’s more about the connection with the author and the potential impact of the book; does it pique my curiosity or have the potential to really change an industry conversation? Books that uncover new discoveries, reveal something about the human psyche, or challenge outdated beliefs are the ones I really enjoy. Anything that gives me an opportunity to dive deep into narrative and storytelling and blend all my different skills. Ideally, if I get to learn a new skill or become a subject-matter expert through osmosis by working with the client, then even better!

What’s your favorite question to ask clients during an interview?
“How did you feel when that happened?”
“Why did you do that?”
“What would you say to someone who disagrees with you?”
“How did you come to realise that?”
“What if someone doesn’t believe they can do it?”

I love asking questions and understanding people, and interviews often end up being deep conversations. I’ve been told it feels like therapy. Which, I can’t tell is a good or bad thing.

What are the best parts of this career?
The flexibility, the creativity, and the chance to be part of someone else’s legacy — even if no one will ever know, apart from me and the author. I feel really proud to have helped them write their book, and I feel really grateful for every book I get to work on. It’s not an easy job, and it’s not glamorous. And when I’m deep in a book, I do often question my sanity, but the best part is making clients happy. It feels really good to know I’ve helped them write something that would otherwise have not existed.

What’s one thing clients might be surprised to know about you?
I used to temp as a receptionist in London and I once worked at Chelsea FC’s private health club. I didn’t know (or care) who the players were and would often stop them entering so I could verify their identity. They didn’t take that well. Understandably.

How can people reach you?
Email me at corinna@corinnacunningham.com or find me on LinkedIn(opens in new tab).