Megan Shepherd – Ghostwriter

I'm a New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of middle grade and young adult novels published by HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, MacMillan, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. My books have been translated into over a dozen languages and several have been optioned for film/TV. I am currently working on a ghostwriting project for a major publisher that will be released in 2023. I often speak to schools and libraries and have taught for UNCA’s Great Smokies Writing Program, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the NC Writers’ Network. I previously worked in the marketing department of an academic publisher and wrote work-for-hire nonfiction articles for the CRICKET collection of magazines.

I'm a story structure junkie. I love helping authors piece together various elements into a compelling, stand-out story. There's nothing better than helping someone find that "aha" moment when it all clicks. My greatest strength is listening--I want to fully understand my client's vision so we can collaborate on a project that shines. Much of my work has involved retelling classic literature and fairy tales, which has given me the ability to mimic a wide variety of voices and tones. I love the challenge of matching a Victorian vibe or finding clever ways to connect modern readers to old-fashioned or otherworldly stories. I've spent decades studying how to weave together characters, plot, theme, and genre, and it gives me sincere pleasure to share what I've learned. I'd love to work with you to perfect a clunky draft, build the seed of an idea into a robust book, or help you bring whatever your vision may be into fruition.

My focus is on fiction in the following genres: middle grade, young adult, fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, horror. My focus in non-fiction is in history, nature and the natural sciences, and world cultures.