Let’s write!
You're here with a book project brewing—or perhaps it's an article, column, essay or grocery list. It might be just a nebulous idea for now or notes in a journal. Whatever form it takes, you've quickly realized that writing is a tough, lonely road. With the right touch, however, the finished product engages readers long after the final page and packs a literary wallop at the same time.
That's where I can help. A for-fun writing contest in third grade (I won!) got me hooked on words and shaped my life. Infused with inspiration since those nascent storytelling days, I channeled a passion for prose into a collection of 50 book titles, editorial lead roles, mentor to new writers, and many other related projects. Along the way I honed and improved a natural talent to blend strategy and creativity to deliver can’t-put-it-down end products. I’m an investigator, ambassador, and most of all, trusted ally.
How does this ghostwriting thing work—and work well?
In a word, it’s what happens behind the story, starting with conversations. Far more than traditional Q&A interviews, we will get to know each other and from that partnership, work closely to bring your hopes, ideas, dreams to the high side of publication. You’re out there, marinating in ruminations, and I’m here to help you navigate a course from “maybe I should write a book” to published author.
From our first introduction, we become a tightly connected team to fully immerse in your project's personality, plan a strategy that brings your voice into engaging prose, and pull it all together in a story that pins readers to the pages.
“I cannot thank you enough for the immaculate manuscript you provided. You worked a miracle, and your wisdom and talent blew me away! I hope you know how much we appreciate your talent, professionalism, and positivity.” —ForbesBooks
Everyone has a story. I’ve partnered with visionary business execs, entrepreneurs and stay-at-home thinkers in fields like sustainability, climate change, investment banking, medical research, and much more. Like the young UK sailor who went on to establish container shipping as we know it today. The country kid in Georgia with pecan trees in his backyard grew up to be a nut industry legend. The sustainability pioneers dedicating their careers to saving the planet.
Their stories are disrupting norms, revolutionizing futures, and changing people’s lives.
“Working with Steve on my book was tremendously helpful. He made valuable contributions to the project and served as a mentor and thoughtful partner throughout the publishing process.” —Jake Kheel, Waking the Sleeping Giant: Unlocking the Hidden Power of Business to Save the Planet
I bring exceptional writing skills and extensive publication experience from hatchling idea to print, with a laser editing eye (line editing, copy editing, developmental, proofreading) and borderline disturbing fascination with stories that show readers what's out there. With a natural finesse to craft writing that attracts, celebrates, and inspires, I'm ready to take your project into the world with a flourish.
I’ve worked with some of the best publishing teams in the U.S., including Falcon/Globe Pequot, Mountaineers, Trails Books, Big Earth, and Quarto, and contributed dozens of feature articles to Backpacker, Outside, Bicycling and other regional and national titles. I also earned a hand-selected nod from Nat Geo to lead development of an exciting new book series and recently published the first in my learning adventure children's book series.
I take great pride in weaving a strong sense of place with an author's genuine personality and end goal. Your book is my book. Together, we’ll build something amazing.
I’m fighting the impulse to allow my eyes to leak saline after reading what you wrote. We are going to change the world together! You are such a joy to work with! Thank you for your kind, peaceful and mindful approach! —Dr. Sherry McAllister, Adjusted Reality: Supercharge Your Whole-Being
Pricing
My rates start at $50,000 for a manuscript of 45-50,000 words, delivered print-ready in roughly four months. “Just thinking about it” to published author in 120 days. Swap a few weekly movie nights or dinners out for calls with me and you’ll have a book in your hands—your book. If you have an extraordinary personal story to share, you’re an industry powerhouse primed to move mountains, or it’s just about damn time you wrote a captivating tome, let’s talk!
Great Offer Alert! New clients can slash $5,000 off their first project. Can’t beat that deal!
Get in touch through my contact page on this site or email me directly at outhikin@gmail.com.
Just a few riveting titles from exhilarated clients…
