Nicola Cassidy

Nicola Cassidy - Ghostwriter

Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland

I'm an award winning ghostwriter, traditionally published author and screenwriter.

Request a quote
Verified identity

Overview

I'm a bestselling author, ghostwriter and screenwriter. I have traditionally published four historical fiction books and written, edited and developed novels and screenplays as a freelancer. My fourth traditionally published book The Emerald Spy releases on 25 September 2022.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Journalism and worked for over a decade in marketing and PR. I love to help authors develop their work and chase their own publishing dream.

When ghostwriting a book, I like to work through recorded interviews to tease out the content of the story. I write both non-fiction and fiction. For non-fiction, I will focus on an outline first, so that you know exactly what material I will be covering. For fiction, I work through a detailed outline also, but it may not take as many interviews as factual non-fiction.

I'm friendly, conscientious and hard working. I'm always happy to interview ahead of taking on a project as ghostwriting is a relationship of trust and understanding. I'm based in Ireland and comfortable working in and have experience of both US and UK markets.
Services
Short-Form Content
Languages
English (AUS)
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
True Crime
Writing & Publishing
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Historical Fiction
Historical Mysteries

Certifications

  • BA (Hons) in Journalism
  • Diploma in Online Marketing & PR

Awards

  • Winner, All Ireland Screenwriting Prize 2021
  • Finalist, Austin Comedy Film Fest 2021
  • Longlist, Fish Short Memoir Prize 2020
  • Selected Short Story Winner, Claret Press, London 2018
  • 2nd Place, Junefest Short Story Competition 2017
  • Shortlisted Celtic Imbas Short Story Competition 2016
  • Shortlisted Fish Publishing Flash Fiction Competition 2016
  • 2nd Place, Ernest Hemingway Flash Fiction Prize 2015
  • Finalist BBC Writers Room & Element Picture NI Writers Awards 2022

Work experience

Ghostwriting - Non-fiction, true story, currently on submission

TBC
March, 2021 – February, 2022 (11 months)

I have recently completed ghostwriting a non-fiction book based on a true story set in Ireland. It tells the tale of a bereaved mother fighting to find out what caused the death of her son and in doing so, taking on the national health system to find answers. The book is currently on submission to publishers.

The Emerald Spy

Poolbeg Press Ltd
November, 2020 – February, 2022 (over 1 year)

My fourth historical fiction novel is newly published on 25 September 2022.

The Mindful Divorce

Authentic Creativity
March, 2020 – May, 2020 (2 months)

I edited this book and worked as a sensitivity reader and consultant as a hired freelancer. I enjoyed working directly with James and turning the project around quickly.

The Nanny at Number 43

Poolbeg Press Ltd
July, 2018 – July, 2019 (about 1 year)

This was my second novel first published with Poolbeg Press Ltd, who are one of the biggest independent publishers in Ireland. It remains popular and is selling well in both US and UK, reaching a number of number one slots in its category on Amazon in 2021.

Non-fiction, Self Help Book

Orpen Press
June, 2018 – September, 2018 (3 months)

I worked with a social media influencer to develop a book proposal and secured a publishing deal for the author. The book was to be a collaborative affair, with my job to outline, prompt and edit the text and ghostwrite in parts. For personal reasons the author decided to withdraw from writing the book and did not sign the contract, due to family and work pressures.

Adele

Poolbeg Press Ltd
January, 2018 – March, 2020 (about 2 years)

I wrote this bio-fictional account of Fred Astaire's forgotten sister Adele Astaire. It was published by Poolbeg Press in 2020 and received widespread national press coverage.

December Girl

Bombshell Books (Bloodhound Books)
June, 2017 – April, 2019 (almost 2 years)

I wrote this historical fiction novel (my debut) and it was published by Bombshell Books. It reached number one bestseller on Amazon in its category in 2017. Bombshell Books have since been reabsorbed by parent company, Bloodhound Books. I now have the rights back to this book and have since self-published it, including having an audio book recorded professionally via Audible.

Portfolio (6 selected works)

Tales Irish

Kuhn, Danny, Ascroft, Dianne, Madden, Margaret Bonass, Bradburn, Richard, Cassidy, Nicola, Elliott, Philip, Evans, Amanda J., Hayes, A L, Hogan, Fiona Cooke, Kirby, Lynda

The Emerald Spy

Cassidy, Nicola

Nicola has 4 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Ana Gomez
This was an amazing experience. Nicola is very fast and pays attention to all the details in the story to make it the best possible. Will work again with her in the future for sure. 8 stars out of 5.

Ana Gomez, January 2023

Nicola Cassidy
Thank you so much Ana! It was a joy to work with your brilliant, atmospheric treatment and I'm glad you like the script. Wishing you the very best for the future.

Reply from Nicola Cassidy


Sanchari Roy
Nicola took so much interest in a very personal script about my father, I was very touched. She made reviewing the first draft feel like a breeze and the final piece was ready to be typeset. She has been very helpful in suggesting next steps in checking the requirements of the publisher / printing house and also the strategy for writing up the autobiography / structuring the book. I would hig...
Read more

Sanchari Roy, October 2022

Nicola Cassidy
Thank you so much Sanchari - I loved working on your father's memoir - it was a real pleasure and I am delighted to have been able to help in some way towards the publication of these collected, pr...
Read more

Reply from Nicola Cassidy


MARINA KOULOURI
It was marvellous to work with Nicola. Communication was excellent and she performed brilliantly. Very highly recommended for greatly inspired and inspiring work!

MARINA KOULOURI, July 2022

Nicola Cassidy
Many thanks Marina, you were a wonderful client to work with and it was a pure pleasure. I hope to collaborate again in the future.

Reply from Nicola Cassidy


Austin Kaluba
Nicola is like a literary lifeguard who comes to the rescue when a writer is drowning.

Austin Kaluba, April 2022

Nicola Cassidy
A great compliment, thank you!

Reply from Nicola Cassidy

Explore the Reedsy Community

Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.

Carolyn Murnick

Critically-acclaimed Simon & Schuster author, veteran magazine editor, ghostwriter, and book proposal expert.

New York, NY, USA

Amanda Nell Edgar

I ghostwrite memoirs for leaders who rose from humble beginnings | Clients have appeared on HBO, CBC, CNN, and more

Topeka, KS, USA

To view 1,000+ more profiles, Join Reedsy