Peter McDonnell

Peter McDonnell – Ghostwriter

I'm a NYT-bestselling author who can help you turn your story into a compelling book. I specialize in memoirs, crime, sports, and fiction.

Overview

I'm the ghostwriter of a New York Times bestseller, an AP bestseller, and have written or ghostwritten 13 other nonfiction Audible Originals and an audio drama. Four of my Audible Originals have been selected as "Best Listens of the Year."


When ghostwriting a book, I interview the author about the story, perform any important additional research, and create an outline for us to discuss. We'll also discuss the book's tone and style and identify its intended audience. Then the writing begins.


I approach writing projects with integrity, kindness, interest, and energy, with the goal of making the collaboration a rewarding experience.


If you're unsure how to tell your story or would rather have an experienced author write it for you, I would love to help.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Sports & Outdoors True Crime
Fiction
Mystery & Crime
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • New York Times bestselling author
  • Emmy nominated
  • Audible Best Listens of 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023
Certifications
  • MFA in Writing

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2017 — Present

Clients and distribution platforms include Audible, Paramount+, NBC, Netflix, The Washington Post, PodcastOne, and Apple Podcasts.

Self-employed

Jun, 2007 — Jul, 2017 (about 10 years)

Developed over a dozen TV series in the genres of true crime, cooking, travel, home renovation, science, history, adventure, education, and nature

Edited and wrote scripts for various documentary TV series in various genres

Oregon State University

Aug, 2003 — May, 2007 (over 3 years)

Taught courses in fiction and nonfiction writing

Won a grant to develop and implement a minor in writing degree for Oregon State's ECampus.

McGraw-Hill Education

Mar, 2001 — Jul, 2003 (over 2 years)

Edited science, history, math, health, and language arts textbooks.

Wrote teacher's guides and fiction and nonfiction leveled readers for grades 2 through 5.

Time Warner Publishing Group

Jul, 1999 — Feb, 2001 (over 1 year)

Portfolio

Book Ghostwriting Book Proposal
Bluebeard

Jim Clemente

Audible Originals

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Midwest Monster

Francey Hakes

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Miles to Go

Peter McDonnell

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After the Fall

Peter McDonnell

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Brooklyn North

Peter McDonnell

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Book Ghostwriting Book Proposal

Peter has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Joshua S.

Joshua S.

Jan, 2024

Peter exceeded my expectations. He helped edit a book that was in poor shape and went above and beyond. I will definitely be using him again in the future. THANK YOU, Peter!
Dennis W.

Dennis W.

Nov, 2023

Peter did an excellent review of my nonfiction manuscript, so it was natural to return to him with a section I was thinking of adding. Again, timely, excellent, and to-the-point thoughts about what I’d written that, again, are of tremendous help.
Dennis W.

Dennis W.

Oct, 2023

I entered the realm of nonfiction true crime as a neophyte from nonfiction war and Peter has been a terrific guide forward toward success. His understanding of the narrative helped point me to the needed adjustments to keep moving forward. Highly recommended!

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