Ghost Writer Needed: Scientific Trade Book on Cancer Drug Development Journey

I am the publisher seeking an experienced science writer with advanced credentials to ghost write a trade book for Dr. Alan Harris, documenting his decades-long journey transforming a Nobel Prize-winning discovery into a commercially successful cancer treatment.

Project Overview:
In the 1970s, Dr. Roger Guillemin (now deceased) won the Nobel Prize for discovering certain hormones—pure basic science with no practical application at the time. Dr. Alan Harris saw the potential in this discovery and dedicated his career to developing it into an actual drug. This book tells Dr. Harris's story: how he took Guillemin's initial concept and navigated the complex path through research, development, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and ultimately to a successful FDA-approved cancer drug now treating patients.

This book is about Dr. Harris's work, not Guillemin's. Guillemin is deceased and has no involvement in this project. Dr. Harris is alive, actively involved in this project, and has compiled extensive written materials documenting his journey. Guillemin's Nobel Prize discovery is simply the starting point for Dr. Harris's story of drug development.

Writing Style Clarification:
This is a science trade book with engaging, accessible prose—think Scientific American or similar publications. This is NOT a thriller, action novel, or dramatized narrative with heroes and villains. Previous applicants who proposed writing this as a Robin Cook-style medical thriller or action novel misunderstood the project. We need someone who can make complex science compelling and readable while maintaining accuracy and appropriate tone for nonfiction scientific narrative.

Key Requirements:
- PhD or equivalent advanced degree required (preferably in biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field)
- Proven experience writing scientific content for general audiences
- Ability to synthesize complex technical material into compelling narrative
- Strong understanding of drug development, regulatory processes, and pharmaceutical research
- Portfolio demonstrating science writing at the trade book or long-form feature level

Project Details:
- Extensive primary source materials already compiled by Dr. Harris
- Minimal to no additional research required
- Main task is synthesizing existing detailed materials into a cohesive, engaging narrative
- Writing style: Scientific American level—accessible yet sophisticated, but NOT fictionalized
- Target audience: educated general readers interested in science, medicine, and innovation
- I will facilitate collaboration between you and Dr. Harris

Ideal Candidate:
- Has written or ghost-written science trade books or similar long-form projects
- Comfortable working with technical/medical terminology and complex scientific concepts
- Can transform technical documentation into readable, compelling prose
- Experience with biographical or drug development narratives a plus
- Collaborative approach to working with subject matter experts
- Understands the difference between engaging nonfiction science writing and thriller fiction

Please submit your proposal with:
1. Relevant writing samples (particularly science writing for general audiences)
2. Brief description of your educational background and relevant experience
3. Your approach to this project
4. Estimated timeline and rate
5. Availability for collaboration with Dr. Harris

NOTE: Due to the technical complexity of the material, only candidates with advanced scientific degrees (PhD, MD, PharmD, or equivalent) will be considered.

• - Detailed outline and chapter structure (for approval before full writing begins)
• - Complete manuscript of 60,000-80,000 words
• - Two rounds of revisions based on feedback from Dr. Harris and publisher
• - Final manuscript in standard manuscript format, ready for copyediting
• - All work delivered in Microsoft Word format