Description
GHOSTWRITER WANTED – YA FANTASY (BUDDHISM / EASTERN PHILOSOPHY / ASIAN DARK MAGIC)
Budget: $2,000 total
Independent author – looking for ONE committed writer to finish the novel
I’m an independent YA fantasy writer who has already completed roughly 30% of the novel (Act 1 + parts of Act 2). The original ghostwriter had to step away for personal reasons, and I’m now looking for someone who can pick up the manuscript, stay consistent with the existing tone, and complete the book from start to finish.
This project cannot stall again — so I’m specifically looking for someone reliable, experienced, and genuinely interested in Buddhist themes, eastern philosophy, Chinese afterlife lore, and Asian supernatural traditions.
You’ll have creative free rein to elevate and finish the story, as long as you incorporate and respect the core elements I’ve already written.
ABOUT THE NOVEL
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Setting: Modern-day Sydney, Australia
Influences: Harry Potter, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Buddhist folklore, Japanese-Australian identity, Chinese afterlife mythology
Premise
A modern-day teenage boy (half Japanese, half Australian) discovers that his parents—owners of a Buddhist meditation centre—are actually reincarnated high-level spiritual practitioners from previous lives. He’s rebellious, unaware of his lineage, and unknowingly gifted with latent spiritual powers.
An event from the spiritual world disrupts his ordinary life in Act 1 and kicks off his awakening.
Acts 2 and 3 follow his journey into a spiritual “school” environment, mastery of his abilities, and confrontation with a supernatural antagonist drawn from Buddhist, Japanese, and Chinese dark-magic mythologies.
Think: Harry Potter arc with Buddhist/tantric flavour, but not derivative.
WHAT I NEED FROM YOU
I’m looking for a writer who can:
Complete Act 2 and Act 3 within a reasonable timeframe (ideally within 6 months or sooner).
Match or exceed the previous writer’s voice.
Deeply understand YA pacing, story beats, character arcs, and emotional payoff.
Integrate Buddhist and eastern concepts seamlessly, without making them feel textbook or gimmicky.
Commit — not disappear mid-project.
Accept flexible revision rounds (small or medium rewrites after my review).
Collaborate with occasional check-ins (weekly or fortnightly Zoom optional but preferred).
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Strong background or interest in Buddhism, eastern philosophy, Asian mythology, Chinese ghost traditions, or dark-magic folklore
Proven experience writing YA fantasy (please show samples)
Able to work independently without hand-holding, yet open to direction
Fluent English writer (native preferred, but open-minded)
Not overloaded with other projects — I need someone who can actually dedicate time to this
Preferably has ghostwritten full novels before
WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE
Full access to Act 1 + existing material (paid time for reading if needed)
World-building notes, character profiles, story direction, and all source material
Creative permission to adjust story beats, enhance scenes, and elevate the narrative
NDA agreement — all rights return to me
PAYMENT / TERMS
Budget is $2,000 total
(Paid per chapter, or per milestone — negotiable)
Includes:
Writing Acts 2 & 3
Revisions (1–2 rounds per chapter)
Final polish after main draft (grammar, continuity fixes, light structural tightening)
If additional major content is required beyond the original scope, I’m happy to discuss fair compensation.
HOW TO APPLY
Email: [email protected] (John)
Please send:
A short cover letter (NOT a generic CV)
Links or samples of YA fantasy writing
Your experience with any of the following:
Buddhism or eastern philosophy
Japanese/Chinese folklore
YA pacing and character arcs
Your availability and estimated timeline
I respond quickly — if you’re not selected, I’ll let you know so your time isn’t wasted.
*** If you're Australian or know about Sydney/Australia - a BIG PLUS! ***