Samantha M Clark - Ghostwriter

Everyone has a story to tell. I truly believe this.

It's that thought that keeps rolling around in your head when you're driving, the idea that pesters you when you're cooking and the voice that won't let you go to sleep at night unless you pay attention.

Everyone has stories, but not everyone has the knowledge or time to get them into a shape that readers won't want to put down.

I've always been a storyteller. When I was a kid, I'd tell my mother the long version of my day, building the story and saving the wow moment for the end. (Most of the time I'd be halfway through when she'd say, "Get to the point!" I had yet to learn about pacing.) The first stories I wrote were plays I put on as puppet shows for my family. (They sat through every single one.) Then I made a newspaper for all the news on the street where I lived. (It was important for everyone to know which lawns attracted the most dogs and which trees were best to climb.)

When I started working, I told the real-life stories of others as a photojournalist for various magazines and newspapers, including the Tampa Tribune and Photography. Later, as a managing editor for a number of consumer and trade magazines, I helped other journalists hone their stories of real-life subjects, making them informative, and entertaining.

Today, I'm doing what I love best: Making stuff up. I'm the author of the middle-grade novels THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST and summer 2021's ARROW, both published by Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, as well as forthcoming books from Penguin and Bloomsbury.

I also help other people tell the stories of their own heart through my editing, teaching, and ghostwriting.

As you can probably tell, I am passionate about stories, my own as well as yours. When I'm editing as well as ghostwriting, I know that the story isn't mine; I'm just helping it into being. Stories aren't just ideas filled with characters. They're characters growing and learning, making discovering over a journey whether physical or emotional. They're world-building to draw the reader in, character development to keep readers invested, and that wonderful pacing to keep readers wanting more.

But even as I tell the stories of others, I believe in protecting authorial voices and respecting a storytellers' vision. I use my experience and knowledge of stories and publishing to help storytellers like you share your ideas with the world and make them the best they can be.

I know you've got a story inside you. I can help you tell it.

PRAISE FOR THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST

“Lyrical and hauntingly beautiful, this is a story for everyone who’s had to learn to face their fears.” ~Jennifer A. Nielsen, author of THE FALSE PRINCE series and the MARK OF THE THIEF series

“An unforgettable, life-affirming tale.” ~Booklist

“[A] well-crafted mystery thriller…[that] speaks to the deepest level of heart and psyche.” ~Susan Vaught, Edgar Award-winning author of FOOTER DAVIS PROBABLY IS CRAZY and SUPER MAX: AND THE MYSTERY OF THORNWOOD’S REVENGE

“This debut novel should be savored for its atmospheric setting, ominous tension and the beautiful way it brings light to the darker parts of childhood.” ~BookPage

“THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST is part action-adventure, part dreamy allegory—a painful, beautiful, and mysterious read. Samantha M. Clark has given us a boy whom we love, fear for, and will not soon forget.” ~Liz Garton Scanlon, author of THE GREAT GOOD SUMMER and the Caldecott Honor-winning picture book ALL THE WORLD

“This mysterious gem of a book offers us solace and safety, without one note of false hope. Masterful storytelling.” ~Bethany Hegedus, author of the GRANDFATHER GANDHI picture book series and BETWEEN US BAXTERS

“Lyrical and evocative, THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST offers young readers an emotional connection with a boy who must master his fears in the face of frightening and unnatural monsters. Several unexpected twists during a heart-stopping final act cap Clark’s fine debut.” ~Janet Fox, author of THE CHARMED CHILDREN OF ROOKSKILL CASTLE and THE ARTIFACT HUNTERS

“Lyrical and heart-catching, THE BOY, THE BOAT, AND THE BEAST is also a page-turner of a mystery with a profoundly satisfying conclusion. A book for any child—or adult—who’s ever had to fight with fear.” ~Katherine Catmull, author of SUMMER AND BIRD and THE RADIANT ROAD

PRAISE FOR MY EDITORIAL WORK

“Samantha’s advice to me has ranged from basic grammar to continuity questions to concerns about characterization or description. Even when pointing out issues with my writing, she doesn’t forget to offer praise as well. Samantha highlights writing she enjoys and always counters a problem with an aspect of the work that sings. She offers her critiques with an eye toward making a writer’s work the best it can possibly be. With her own efforts to publish, Samantha understands a writer’s perspective and offers editorial advice that is insightful, articulate and useful. I would highly recommend availing yourself of her services as an editor.” –Sara Joiner, writer

“Exclamation-point exceptional, that’s how I would describe Samantha’s edits and her critique. Her comments were wise, clear, and made sense in respect to the whole concept of the book.” –Raj Bijloll, writer

“Samantha’s insight to my story was invaluable! She helped me look at my characters from an entirely new perspective, and really flesh out the world I’m creating. I can’t thank her enough!” –Seth Barton, writer

My ghostwriting clients are confidential, but in the Portfolio below, you'll find my current book out from Simon & Schuster, as well as books for which I've been honored to be critique partners. More are on their way...