When it comes to telling your life story, finding the right words — and the right person to craft them — makes all the difference. From memoirists who can capture a specific era in your life to biography writers who can recount the whole thing from start to finish, these writers expertly weave together facts, feelings, and storytelling finesse.
In this list, we’ve gathered 20 of the best biography writers for hire to write your story in an authentic and compelling way. Ready to bring your legacy to life? Here are the top professionals to consider.
1. Theodore Brun
Theodore Brun is a memoirist, ghostwriter, and bestselling novelist with a reputation for transforming ordinary events into extraordinary narratives. Brun's skill in tracing emotional journeys has earned him praise from high-profile clients, including Bear Grylls and Sir David Verey. A Cambridge graduate in Archaeology and History, Brun left a legal career to pursue writing, and incorporates all these areas of expertise into his work. Brun’s recent projects include Bear Grylls' Mind Fuel and Robert Glover’s As Many As the Stars.
2 . Scott Carbonara
As a highly knowledgeable ghostwriter, Scott Carbonara can turn anyone’s story into an emotionally resonant book. Formerly an executive chief-of-staff at a major healthcare company, Carbonara shifted to full-time writing and speaking in 2008, putting out books with top publishers like McGraw Hill and Wiley. His process centers on deep interviews, allowing him to effectively capture an author’s voice while probing into the "why" behind each story. With experience writing about addiction, mental health, and leadership, Carbonara brings compassion and precision to his process, as clients like NFL player Randy Grimes can attest.
3. Joe Cawley
Joe Cawley is an experienced author with six published books spanning memoir, thriller, and travel comedy. His biography clients include high-profile figures such as a major sportswear brand founder, a top-ranking police officer, and a billionaire industry leader. Cawley’s work has been featured in major publications like The Telegraph, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, and the New York Post. Specializing in memoirs with humor, he excels in capturing the complexities of his clients’ personalities — drive, struggles, and wit. Cawley offers end-to-end project support, from initial concept to publication, including both traditional and self-pub options.
4. Noah Charney
Known for his art- and culture-focused books, Noah Charney is a best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist who has published titles such as Collector of Lives and The Museum of Lost Art. With a level of productivity that now outpaces the industry, he’s pivoted into helping write other people’s biographies and memoirs. He has worked with countless authors of note, offering content editing, ghostwriting, and expertise in crafting successful non-fiction book proposals. With extensive experience teaching publishing mechanics, Charney supports authors worldwide, guiding them through the intricacies of writing, proposal creation, and publishing.
5. Murphy Hooker
Murphy Hooker is an award-winning author and ghostwriter with 15 years of experience and 14 published books — including titles for New York Times bestsellers and the Forbes-recognized “Best Entrepreneur Book of 2017.” Recognized for his intriguing narratives, “character” development, and sense of humor, Hooker’s key areas are business, memoirs, and self-help. A seasoned Hollywood writer, Hooker has also contributed to CAA, MTV Films, and more. Passionate about the arts and human experience, he brings energy and expertise to every project he undertakes.
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6. Haylee Justine
With nearly a decade of experience and over fifty books to her name, Haylee Justine’s publishing accomplishments speak for themselves. Recognized by NPR for her extensive work with literary agents, publishers, and celebrity clients, Justine offers services for every stage of the publishing journey — from plot design and book doctoring to full-on ghostwriting. She has the experience to succeed in any genre, with a strong grasp of market expectations. Known for her efficiency and stellar communication, Justine provides high-quality, client-centered writing, often completing book projects within two months. Free consultations are available.
7. Daniel McNeill
Daniel McNeill is a distinguished biography writer who’s dedicated to crafting books that readers won’t soon forget. Focusing on just one project at a time, McNeill is able to immerse himself fully, ensuring that each book he writes perfectly embodies the voice and vision of his client. His work has earned notable acclaim, including a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, a New York Times Notable Book distinction, and a National Book Award nomination. McNeill brings expertise across diverse subjects, backed by a Harvard Law degree — so any lawyer looking for a ghostwriter might find their fit with McNeill.
8. Tobi Nifesi
Tobi Nifesi is a skilled ghostwriter, author, and journalist specializing in nonfiction books and memoirs that help leaders amplify their voices and make a lasting impact. With a methodical process that includes in-depth consultations, structured outlines, and editorial revisions, Nifesi ensures each book reflects the unique message of his clients. Known for his fluency and discipline, he has received strong endorsements from clients for his responsiveness and expertise. A member of The Association of Ghostwriters, The Ghostwriter’s Agency, and more, Nifesi leverages industry knowledge to set every one of his projects up for success.
9. Carrie Nyman
With a focus on themes like transformation, trauma, survival, and healing, Carrie Nyman crafts true stories with the compelling drive of a novel. Some of her notable works include Universal Death Care, a memoir from a RECON Marine and field surgeon, and Baby Goat Rising, the story of an Indigenous woman’s resilience against addiction and abuse. Nyman combines literary skill and emotional intelligence, guiding clients from initial interviews to polished final manuscripts. Client testimonials praise her empathy, authenticity, and compassionate approach.
10. John Peragine
John Peragine has over 15 years of biography writing experience and is adept at capturing diverse voices — from CEOs and celebrities to individuals with extraordinary stories. His expertise spans genres, including memoirs and business guides, allowing him to seamlessly embody his clients' voices and convey their stories. Peragine emphasizes open communication and constructive feedback to refine each narrative. His approach ensures that by each project’s end, clients gain more than just a book; they receive a profound testament to their life experiences.
11. Claire Robbin
Claire Robbin is a globally successful ghostwriter who has crafted bestsellers across 70 countries, achieving over 400,000 copies sold. Robbin works on a variety of memoirs, business books, self-help, and autobiographies, helping clients bring transformative stories and ideas to life. Robbin’s approach is deeply collaborative; she guides clients from initial concept through to publication, offering artistic mentorship and consistent support throughout the journey. As one of the most trusted names in ghostwriting, Robbin is dedicated to helping clients create impactful books that leave a lasting legacy.
12. Ed Robertson
Ed Robertson is a top-rated biography writer and editor with over 30 published books across multiple genres, including memoir, narrative nonfiction, and business. Named one of California’s leading ghostwriters, Robertson’s biggest strengths are his dynamic content and his ability to capture clients' voices in a genuine manner in books like Compromised and Nerves of Steel. His background as a magazine editor and writer brings a keen marketing perspective to his work. Praised for his flexibility, Robertson provides free evaluations to ensure total alignment and client satisfaction from the get-go.
13. Jason Schwartzman
Jason Schwartzman is a versatile nonfiction writer and ghostwriter with a keen observational style. He has contributed to celebrity memoirs and ghostwritten ten other nonfiction books, with his work appearing in esteemed publications like the New York Times and New York Magazine. With an inquisitive, collaborative approach to ghostwriting, he conducts core interviews to lay the groundwork for each book, then shapes the project with attention to clarity, tone, and structure. Schwartzman has also taught nonfiction and editing in a professional setting, making him a trusted partner for perfectly crafted narratives.
14. Alice Sullivan
Alice Sullivan has over two decades of experience in the publishing industry, having crafted a whopping 64 books — including a #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller — and edited more than 1,300 titles, including a further 11 New York Times bestsellers. Specializing in memoirs, business leadership, self-help, and personal growth, Sullivan excels in guiding clients to define their message and goals. A few of these clients include entrepreneurs, athletes, veterans, and healthcare professionals, and Sullivan has also partnered with major publishers like Hay House and HarperCollins.
15. Simon Toseland
With over 20 years in publishing and media, Simon Toseland is a seasoned ghostwriter who has worked with prominent organizations like Channel Four, Random House, and HarperCollins. His expertise spans genres including celebrity memoir, humor, sports, food and drink, and business. Toseland’s services range from editorial guidance to project management, ensuring each book progresses smoothly from concept to publication. He particularly values trust and empathy in his client relationships, creating an enjoyably collaborative ghostwriting experience for all.
16. Annie Tucker
Annie Tucker has written and edited over 700 books across various nonfiction genres, including biography collaborations with CEOs, health experts, architects, and motivational speakers. Tucker’s projects have been published by the Big Five, academic presses, and independent publishers, earning favorable reviews and literary awards. A Harvard graduate with extensive editing training, Tucker ensures her clients’ voices shine through in each manuscript, taking them from concept to polished, market-ready book with ease.
17. Anthony Uzarowski
Anthony Uzarowski is an author and researcher specializing in non-fiction, with a particular focus on biographies and memoirs. With a background in film studies, he has a deep interest in personal stories within broader cultural contexts, particularly in entertainment and LGBTQ+ history; he’s known for his acclaimed biographies on figures like Jessica Lange and Ava Gardner. As a biography writer, Uzarowski offers a full range of support, from planning the book to crafting persuasive proposals for publishers, helping clients navigate their publishing journeys with near-universal success.
18. Tom Watt
Tom Watt is a veteran ghostwriter, editor, and narrative consultant with over 30 years of experience, with a talent for authentic, voice-driven books. With his combined approach of meticulous research and interview-based storytelling, Watt has collaborated with many sports stars, high achievers, and unique personalities, including David Beckham for My Side and Andrew Woodward on Position of Trust. His work ranges from memoirs and biographies to oral histories, capturing each client’s life story to a tee.
19. Michael Wicks
As a bestselling ghostwriter and author, Michael Wicks is renowned for his nonfiction expertise, particularly in business and corporate history. With a portfolio of around 30 books and hundreds more articles, Wicks has worked on acclaimed titles like Built Not Born and Drafted: My Year in Vietnam, winner of the 2024 Benjamin Franklin Award. His own books How Not to Manage People and How Not to Sell are published by HarperCollins Leadership. With over 50 years in publishing, Wicks combines literary skill with an understanding of what makes writing impactful, consistently earning client praise for his professionalism and depth of knowledge.
20. Tony Williams
Tony Williams has authored over 30 biographies and autobiographies along with 300 biographical profiles. Formerly working with traditional publishers like Penguin, Williams offers a unique skill set in mentoring new writers and rewriting existing material to professional standards. His rewriting approach focuses on enhancing narrative flow, structuring chapters for suspense, and emphasizing dramatic moments. Williams’ attention to detail combined with his flexibility make the biography writing process seamless and enjoyable, delivering final products that far surpass expectations.
About the author
Martin Cavannagh is a writer, editor, and Head of Content at Reedsy. As the host of Reedsy Live, Martin has had the pleasure of sharing cutting-edge insights from some of the world's best editors, designers, marketers, and the occasional bestselling author. His newsletters, live streams, and blog posts reach millions of writers each month, inspiring the next generation of beloved writers.
