Sylvia Patterson

Sylvia Patterson – Ghostwriter

I’m an award-winning non-fiction author and journalist with over three decades’ experience shaping real-life stories for publication.

Overview

As a journalist and non-fiction author, I have over 30 years’ experience shaping long-form narratives for publication, largely centred on real lives and public figures. My work spans journalism, memoir, biography and book-length collaboration, with a particular focus on interview-led storytelling, narrative voice and structure. I bring rigorous editorial standards, discretion and emotional intelligence to projects, and I’m experienced in working with sensitive material intended for mainstream publication. Where appropriate, my work balances emotional weight with warmth, empathy and wit.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment Music
Languages
English (UK)
Awards
  • Costa Biography Award (Shortlist, 2016) Radio 1 Book of the Year (2016) A Sunday Times Book of the Year (2021)

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2020 — Present
I ghostwrote a full-length memoir for a major UK publisher, working closely with the subject through extensive interviews to develop structure, voice and narrative coherence. The project required discretion, sensitivity to emotionally complex material, and collaboration with editorial and legal teams to ensure factual and legal accuracy.

Self-employed

Jun, 2016 — Present
I’ve authored multiple book-length works of narrative non-fiction for major UK publishers, taking projects from concept through research, structure and final manuscript delivery. The work involved interview-led material, archival research, complex timeline management and extensive editorial revision, with careful attention to legal considerations where living public figures were involved.

Self-employed

Apr, 1990 — Present
Alongside my work as a credited author, I’ve worked as a discreet book collaborator, including ghost-writing a published memoir for a major UK publisher. This work required careful listening, accurate voice capture and sensitive handling of profoundly personal material. I’ve also collaborated on professional photography books, providing narrative text that complements and structures visual storytelling.

Self-employed

Apr, 1990 — Present
I’ve written long-form features and interview-led profiles for UK and US publications, including national broadsheets and leading culture magazines. The work demands meticulous fact-checking, adaptability of style and voice, and consistent delivery to deadline across a wide range of subjects, including cover stories.

Portfolio

My Amy

Tyler James

Chicago Review Press

A moving, intimate look at the life of Amy Winehouse by her best friend. The death of icon Amy Winehouse at age just twenty-seven rocked the music world. Through the headlines the world though... read more
Book Ghostwriting
Book Proposal
Book Proposal
Book Proposal
Roll With It

Tom Sheehan

Headline

'The best Oasis photo book...you won't find better than this'-RECORD COLLECTOR'Captures the rise and fall of Oasis over a wild decade'-THE TIMES'The definitive photographic chronicle...Sheehan... read more
Short-Form Content

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