Salwa Emerson

Salwa Emerson – Ghostwriter

I'm a New York City developmental editor and ghostwriter specializing in memoir and thought leadership books.

Overview

My clients appreciate my ability to find the heart of their stories and the pulse behind their ideas. I'm known for my warm personality, strong work ethic, and ability to grasp and express intellectual concepts. My favorite genres to serve include memoir, biography, parenting, education, and business/thought leadership. My process is organized and personal, involving streamlined interviews, regular draft revisions and open-ended communication by phone, Zoom, or email. I will also travel to you if you prefer working in person.

As a ghostwriter and developmental editor, I've worked with a wide variety of people, including a high-profile judge, prominent educational leaders, restaurateurs, politicians, social impact experts, spiritual healers, and CEOs.

I have special training in nonfiction research and writing, and also draw heavily upon my background as a creative non-fiction writer to compose lively prose. I have an MA from NYU and a BA from Barnard College—both in English—and am well versed in all aspects of literature and figurative language, all of which informs my writing. Lastly, I am a mother, business owner, and educator who brings my creativity and life experience to my work.

THE NEXT STEP
If you'd like me to bid on your project, please email me through Reedsy to set up a time to chat so I can learn more about the scope of work involved and see if we're a good fit. There are always a number of ways to approach a project to fit your goals and budget.

MY PROCESS
Since each client's project is unique, I tailor my approach to suit those individual needs. I tailor my approach to suit your individual needs and goals.

My process includes understanding your target audience, your preferred narrative style, and researching the market for similar books to know what sells and where a particular gap in that niche exists. We begin by collaborating on a detailed outline that forms the skeleton of the manuscript.

Next, I conduct a series of 90-minute interviews with you, usually one for each chapter. I'll submit drafts to you on a regular chapter-by-chapter basis, which I revise according to your feedback and edits. Usually two drafts of intensive editing and reviewing is all it takes before my line-editing and proofreading team takes a final pass.

Let's set up a call!

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Self-Help & Self-Improvement Sex & Relationships
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2015 — Present

In addition to ghostwriting and editing for private clients, Emerson Ink also offers copywriting services to international social entrepreneurs, B Corporations and other change makers.

DK Publishing

Oct, 1998 — Dec, 2000 (about 2 years)

St. Martin's Press

Aug, 1997 — May, 1999 (over 1 year)

Portfolio

Chance Striker is a 12-year-old city kid who dreams of World Cup glory. But when Chance makes the eighth-grade soccer team, he finds himself surrounded by towering teammates and up against a lineup of scary rivals. There's Bull Pike, who holds the league recor... read more
Amy Grant is a bona fide pop star with roots of gospel. As one of the biggest-selling recording artists in gospel music history, she's made the sectarian leap to mainstream "pop gospel" - but not without a fight. Grant has learned that success doesn't come eas... read more
Discover the story behind the Greenwich Village culinary legend Tio Pepe as you meet the owners Jimmy and Rocio Sanz, their children, and the intriguing cast of friends and customers who have added spice and laughter to the Sanz family s heart-warming story of... read more

Salwa has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Tammy T.

Tammy T.

Sep, 2022

Salwa is a magician when it comes to polishing a manuscript! She took my life experiences and helped me transform them into hilarious tales. Her insight into the deeper meaning of human interactions really took my memoir to the next level. I would recommend Salwa to anyone with a heartbeat!
Eric A.

Eric A.

Mar, 2022

So grateful I met Salwa on reedsy. Here's why I would work with her again... a) Very user-friendly and down-to-earth. b) Great energy and shared my passion for the topic of my book. c) Responsive and timely throughout the process. d) Most importantly, her writing is as approachable as she is.
Salwa E.
Eric, you are so kind. It was wonderful working with such an intelligent and passionate author. I look forward to seeing the positive impact your book will have within the world of mental healthcar...
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Andrew M.

Andrew M.

May, 2021

Salwa was very professional and competent. She communicated regularly and kept the process moving forward which was a big help!
Salwa E.
Thanks for your feedback, Andrew. It was a pleasure to work with you.