D. L. Smith – Ghostwriter

I have more than a decade of experience as a professional writer, ghostwriter, editor and writing coach. A New York Times bestselling novelist, my work has been published in more than fifteen countries and appeared in such outlets as The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Chicago Tribune, Texas Monthly and The Paris Review. My writing awards include a Michener Fellowship and literature grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Australia Council for the Arts. I have taught writing at several universities, including the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University and Rice University. I have helped leading entrepreneurs and executives craft stories about their personal and business stories.

When consulting on a ghostwriting project, I like to begin by assessing the author's goals and reading any existing materials. Typically, that involves a phone or Skype conversation and a deeper dive into the work, whether it's a full manuscript, a partial manuscript, or a synopsis. From there, I like to follow up with written notes and a project plan of how we might work together, including the scope of the project, the relevant fees, and phases of completion. My skills are strongest around story, structure, language and scene-building. I am an expert at research and building authentic atmosphere for particular time periods. My approach is professional, precise and exacting, but also warm, positive and supportive. I am always in search of a work’s highest evolution.