Want to Hire a Memoir Writer — I’d Use These Sites in 2026

The first time I helped someone “hire a memoir writer,” I thought the hard part would be finding a good storyteller. The real hard part was finding someone who could listen well, ask the right questions, and turn messy life events into a coherent narrative without flattening the emotional depth.

Memoirs are personal by default, which means the process needs confidentiality and trust built in. You are not just paying for writing. You are paying for empathy, structure, and a professional standard that protects your voice while shaping a narrative tapestry that actually reads like a book.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best platforms to hire a memoir writer, what each one is best for, and how to choose a partner who can capture your story with care.

11 best platforms to hire a memoir writer shortlist

1. Reedsy – Best for finding vetted memoir ghostwriters with publishing track records.
2. StoryTerrace – Best for a guided interview-driven memoir creation experience.
3. Gotham Ghostwriters – Best for premium memoir ghostwriting with agency-level support.
4. Scribe Media – Best for high-end memoir projects with full publishing support.
5. The Urban Writers – Best for competitively priced memoir ghostwriting packages.
6. Write My Memoirs – Best for memoir coaching and assisted memoir support.
7. The Story Scribe – Best for family legacy and heirloom-style memoir projects.
8. The Life Writer – Best for light-touch memoir preservation and legacy-focused storytelling.
9. Upwork – Best for hiring freelance memoir writers with flexible budgets.
10. Fiverr – Best for small memoir tasks like edits, outlines, or a single chapter.
11. LinkedIn – Best for finding memoir ghostwriters through referrals and professional background checks.

Why trust my recommendations?

I’ve hired writers and worked with writing teams across technical, business, and long-form projects. Memoirs present a unique problem. The work is personal, and the source material can be messy.

When I recommend a platform here, I’m looking for signs of a safe process. That includes confidentiality, a clear collaborative approach, and a track record you can verify through portfolios and reviews.

Best platforms to hire a memoir writer

This is the section I’d personally use when I’m choosing where to start. I’ll tell you what each platform is best at, what the hiring process is like there, and what you should pay attention to before you commit.

1. Reedsy

Reedsy is a publishing-focused marketplace where you can browse memoir and biography ghostwriters with real book experience. The profiles tend to be detailed, and you can often see the kind of projects the writer has worked on before.

If you want a curated selection of memoir writers without going through a full agency, this is one of the cleanest starting points.

Why I picked Reedsy

I picked Reedsy because the platform is set up for book work, not general freelancing. You can compare past work, request quotes, and evaluate fit based on memoir-specific experience.

It also encourages you to think in “book terms,” like target audience, comparable titles, and timelines, instead of treating the project like a long blog post.

Key features

• Vetted publishing professionals
• Strong portfolio visibility
• Quote-based hiring process

Pros

• Great for serious memoir projects
• Clear publishing context
• Strong track record signals

Cons

• Higher pricing than open marketplaces
• Top writers can book out

Learn more: Check out Reedsy on their website.

2. StoryTerrace

StoryTerrace is built around helping people preserve life stories through a guided process. Their approach is structured, often interview-driven, and geared toward creating a finished book that feels like a legacy project.

This is a strong option if you want an end-to-end experience instead of managing a freelancer on your own.

Why I picked StoryTerrace

I picked StoryTerrace because the process is designed for people who have no idea where to start. When someone needs help organizing life events into a coherent narrative, guided interviews can pull out details you would never write down yourself. A fresh pair of eyes can see important points that you can overlook.

It’s also a good fit when confidentiality and emotional safety matter, because the structure makes the collaboration more supported.

Key features

• Interview-driven memoir creation
• End-to-end writer, editor, and design workflow
• Matching process for writers

Pros

• Very supportive for first-time authors
• Strong for family legacy projects
• Clear process and milestones

Cons

• Less “pick any writer” flexibility
• Typically priced higher than marketplaces

Learn more: Check out StoryTerrace on their website.

3. Gotham Ghostwriters

Gotham Ghostwriters is an established ghostwriting agency that works well for long-form projects. The agency model usually means stronger quality control and more structured project management.

This is better for clients who want premium support and do not want to run the whole hiring and oversight process themselves.

Why I picked Gotham Ghostwriters

I selected Gotham because memoir projects can fail when the process is too loose. Agencies tend to provide tighter guardrails around drafts, revisions, and timelines, which keeps the work moving. You won’t get lost, and the project won’t take forever.

It’s also a strong fit for people who want a polished, publish-ready manuscript and are comfortable paying for a more hands-on service.

Key features

• Agency-level ghostwriting support
• Structured collaboration and project oversight
• Strong publishing expertise

Pros

• High quality control
• Professional process and accountability
• Strong for complex life stories

Cons

• Premium pricing
• Less DIY flexibility

Learn more: Check out Gotham Ghostwriters on their website.

4. Scribe Media

Scribe Media offers premium ghostwriting experiences, including memoir-focused support. The appeal here is that the process often includes more than writing, like editing, publishing, and launch guidance.

This is a good option when the memoir is tied to a bigger goal, like authority-building, speaking, or developing a personal brand.

Why I picked Scribe Media

I picked Scribe because some memoir projects need a full professional production line, not just a writer. When someone wants a book that looks and reads like a serious publication, full-service support can reduce risk.

It’s also useful if you want a clear process that protects your time. You show up for interviews and reviews, and the team handles the heavy lifting. An excellent choice for busy professionals.

Key features

• Premium ghostwriting process
• Full-service editing and publishing support
• Structured milestone-based workflow

Pros

• Highly polished output
• Strong process and support
• Good for public-facing memoirs

Cons

• Comparatively high cost
• Not ideal for budget projects

Learn more: Check out Scribe Media on their website.

5. The Urban Writers

The Urban Writers is known for competitive-priced ghostwriting packages. It’s structured more like a service provider, which can be easier than hiring a single freelancer and hoping the process works out.

It can be a good fit for people who like to stay involved and want clarity on scope and deliverables before they begin.

Why I picked The Urban Writers

I chose them because pricing and packaging can lower the barrier to getting started. Many memoir clients stall because they do not know what the project will cost or how long it will take.

A packaged approach makes it easier to choose a level of support and move forward, especially if you are writing for family legacy rather than commercial publishing.

Key features

• Packaged ghostwriting services
• Defined scope and revision structure
• Options for editing and formatting

Pros

• Clear pricing structure
• Easier for first-time clients
• Scalable service options

Cons

• Less direct control over writer selection
• Packages may not fit every story type

Learn more: Check out The Urban Writers on their website.

6. Write My Memoirs

Write My Memoirs is positioned around coaching and guided memoir development. It’s a fit for people who want help shaping the story but still want to do some of the writing themselves.

This is what I’d call “assisted memoir” support rather than pure ghostwriting.

Why I picked Write My Memoirs

I picked it because not everyone wants a ghostwriter. Some people want a collaborator who helps with structure, motivation, and editing so the voice stays entirely their own.

This can also be a smart budget move. Coaching takes less time plus targeted editing often costs less than full memoir ghostwriting services.

Key features

• Memoir coaching and guided structure
• Editing support
• Step-by-step writing assistance

Pros

• Great for preserving your own voice
• Helpful accountability and structure
• Often more affordable than full ghostwriting

Cons

• Requires your time and participation
• Output depends on how consistently you write

Learn more: Check out Write My Memoirs on their website.

7. The Story Scribe

The Story Scribe focuses on recording life stories and turning them into lasting books. The positioning feels very legacy-driven, which is ideal for family histories and personal narratives meant for private circulation.

You will want to avoid it if your target audience is large. However, if your goal is to document a life for children and grandchildren, this kind of service can be a great match.

Why I picked The Story Scribe

I picked it because a memoir is not always about public publishing. Sometimes it’s about capturing the story before it’s lost, and having a professional guide through interviews and structure.

It’s also helpful if you want a gentle process that supports emotional depth without turning the book into something overly “marketed.”

Key features

• Life story interview process
• Memoir writing and publishing support
• Legacy-focused approach

Pros

• Strong for private family projects
• Guided storytelling process
• Clear emphasis on empathy

Cons

• Not designed for commercial memoir strategy
• Availability may be limited by capacity

Learn more: Check out The Story Scribe on their website.

8. The Life Writer

The Life Writer is geared toward preserving memories and building a legacy project. It’s a fit for people who want to collect stories in a structured way without necessarily producing a commercially positioned memoir. It’s casual yet thorough.

This can be especially useful when the priority is family legacy over book sales.

Why I picked The Life Writer

I picked it because memoir writing can feel intimidating. A lighter-touch preservation model helps people start capturing stories without the pressure of “writing a book” immediately.

It’s also a nice option when the goal is to document life events while the details are still fresh, then decide later what to publish (if at all).

Key features

• Legacy and memory preservation approach
• Structured prompts and support
• Flexible storytelling format

Pros

• A low-pressure way to begin
• Strong for personal and family use
• Helpful for organizing memories

Cons

• Less suited for full commercial memoirs
• May require additional editing for publication

Learn more: Check out The Life Writer on their website.

9. Upwork

Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces in the world. There, you can find memoir writers, ghostwriters, editors, and book coaches. You can hire based on hourly, fixed-price, or milestone-based payments, which helps manage budget risk.

This is a solid option if you want direct communication with writers and you’re comfortable managing the process yourself.

Why I picked Upwork

I picked Upwork because it’s flexible and fast. You can run a paid trial, test writing style, and evaluate collaboration before committing to a full project.

It’s also useful if you need a specific piece of the memoir workflow, like outlining, chapter drafting, or developmental editing.

Key features

• A freelancer marketplace with profiles and ratings
• Milestone-based payments
• Direct messaging and collaboration

Pros

• Huge talent pool
• Flexible pricing and scope
• Easy to test with a paid trial

Cons

• Quality varies widely
• You must manage vetting and process

Learn more: Check out Upwork on their website.

10. Fiverr

Fiverr is best for narrow memoir tasks, not full memoir projects. Think chapter edits, outline creation, interview question lists, or rewriting a section to improve voice and flow. Definitely not a good choice if you expect someone else to do all the work.

It can be a practical starting point if you want to experiment without committing to a full service.

Why I picked Fiverr

I selected Fiverr because it’s efficient when the deliverable is clear. If you have a messy draft and want a professional to tighten it, gig-based work can save time.

For full memoir ghostwriting, I’d only use this route if the writer has strong proof of experience and a process that protects confidentiality.

Key features

• Packaged services and fixed-price gigs
• A review system and visible samples
• Fast turnaround options

Pros

• Affordable for small tasks
• Easy to compare options
• Quick hiring and delivery

Cons

• Wide quality range
• Not ideal for complex memoir collaboration

Learn more: Check out Fiverr on their website.

11. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is one of the best places to find memoir ghostwriters through referrals, publishing networks, and professional background signals. It’s not a marketplace, so you do more outreach, but you also get more context.

This is a strong option when you care about trust, confidentiality, and long-term fit.

Why I picked LinkedIn

I picked LinkedIn because memoir writing is relationship-heavy. Seeing a writer’s professional history, recommendations, and publishing connections can reduce risk.

It’s also useful when you want to find someone in a specific genre or style, like trauma-informed memoir, business-adjacent autobiography, or legacy memoirs.

Key features

• Professional background and references
• Direct outreach and referrals
• Easier credential validation

Pros

• Strong trust signals
• Great for niche specialization
• Better for long-term relationships

Cons

• Slower hiring process
• No built-in payments or escrow

Learn more: Check out LinkedIn on their website.

How memoir writers help tell your story

A professional memoir writer helps you turn life into a narrative. They identify a narrative arc, spot the emotional throughline, and decide what to include so the book feels cohesive instead of like a scrapbook.

Most importantly, they help preserve your unique voice. Through personal interviews and iterative drafts, they shape the story without hijacking it.

Benefits of hiring a professional memoir writer

The biggest benefit is storytelling expertise. A good memoir writer can create a coherent narrative with emotional depth while keeping the story readable for a target audience.

You also gain structure and momentum. Many people have powerful stories, but they stall because the project feels too big or too personal.

Confidentiality is another major advantage when you hire a professional. A strong memoir ghostwriter treats your story like a trust-based partnership, not a content gig.

Comparison of memoir writing services

I group memoir services into three buckets.

First, marketplaces like Reedsy and Upwork give you direct control and competitive pricing, but you own the vetting process.

Second, agencies and full-service companies like Gotham Ghostwriters and Scribe Media offer more structure and quality control, usually at a higher cost.

Third, guided services like StoryTerrace and coaching options like Write My Memoirs are great when you want help shaping the story through interviews or assisted memoir support.

Criteria for choosing a memoir writer

I start by reading past work. I’m not just looking for “good writing.” I’m looking for voice and tone alignment, narrative control, and whether the writer can handle emotional material with care.

Then I ask about the process. I want to know how personal interviews work, how timelines are set, how revisions are handled, and what confidentiality protections are in place.

Finally, I test collaboration. A memoir is long, so you need someone you can work with consistently without friction.

Pros, cons, and pricing of each service

Pricing depends on scope and experience. Full memoir ghostwriting services cost more than assisted memoir coaching, and agency work tends to cost more than marketplaces.

When comparing pricing, I focus on what is included. Things like interviews, in-depth research, revision rounds, editorial support, and publishing assistance change the real value.

If you want an affordable entry point, start with an outline and a single chapter. That gives you a clearer sense of fit and a cleaner pricing conversation before you commit to the full manuscript.

Final thoughts

A memoir is a gift, even when it’s complicated. It can preserve a family legacy, document life lessons, and give shape to experiences you’ve carried for years.

The best memoir writers don’t just “write well.” They listen well. They protect confidentiality, create structure, and help you build a narrative that feels true to you.

If you choose carefully and set expectations early, the process can feel less like outsourcing and more like finally getting your story out of your head and onto the page.

FAQs

Here, I answer the most frequently asked questions about hiring a memoir writer.

How much does it cost to hire a memoir writer?

Pricing varies based on the scope of work, writer’s experience, and whether the project is full ghostwriting or an assisted memoir. Full memoir ghostwriting services typically cost more because they include interviews, drafting, and multiple rounds of revisions.

A good way to control cost is to start with a smaller phase, like an outline or one polished chapter, before committing to the full manuscript.

How does the memoir writing process usually work?

Most memoir writers start with personal interviews to understand your life events, themes, and voice. Then they build an outline, draft chapters, and run revisions through feedback cycles.

The best processes include clear timelines, regular check-ins, and confidentiality agreements.

Will I own the rights to the memoir?

In most professional arrangements, yes. A contract should clearly state work-for-hire terms and confirm you own the manuscript and rights to the work.

If confidentiality matters, you should also use a non-disclosure agreement.

Can a memoir writer help with publishing?

Many memoir writers can help you prepare the manuscript for self-publishing or traditional publishing. Some services include editorial, book design, print and e-book creation, and publishing assistance.

If publishing support matters, ask what is included before you sig,n so there are no surprises.

How do I know if a memoir writer is the right fit?

Fit shows up in voice, process, and trust. Review past work, ask for a clear plan, and pay attention to how they handle sensitive topics during early conversations.