Kevin Anderson & Associates (KAA) is a professional firm that offers services in ghostwriting, editing, and publishing support. Based in the United States, KAA works with individuals and organizations looking to produce full-length books and manuscripts, often through a collaborative process. This post outlines what the company offers, how it operates within the publishing process landscape, and what prospective authors should know before considering its services.
Overview of Kevin Anderson & Associates
Kevin Anderson & Associates operates as a private editorial and consulting firm. The agency specializes in ghostwriting, book development, and editorial project management for clients across a range of sectors, including business, entertainment, academia, and lifestyle. They position themselves as a high-end provider with services that span from early ideation to post-manuscript support.
The firm primarily works with clients who have a clear objective: to write and publish a book, usually with commercial potential. While KAA does not publish books itself, it offers consultation on the publishing process and helps clients prepare their manuscripts for submission or self-publication.
Ghostwriting Services
Ghostwriting is one of the firm’s core offerings. Kevin Anderson & Associates maintains a network of freelance ghostwriters who are contracted to write on behalf of clients. Most projects begin with discovery interviews and research before a manuscript draft is created. The ghostwriter works in collaboration with the client, typically through scheduled calls, interviews, and feedback rounds.
These ghostwriting services are offered across multiple genres, including business, memoir, thought leadership, and fiction. While clients retain full authorship credit, the writing itself is carried out by professional writers under contract. This model is commonly used by clients who may lack the time, experience, or writing skills to produce a book-length project independently.
Ghostwriting through KAA is positioned as a confidential service, with the final manuscript reflecting the client’s voice, brand, or intended message.
The timeline for a ghostwriting project varies depending on the length and complexity of the manuscript, but most projects take several months from initial interviews to final draft. Clients are typically involved throughout the process to review and approve content to ensure the narrative aligns with their goals.
Book Development Support
In addition to ghostwriting, KAA offers structured book development services. This includes project planning, chapter outlining, and idea refinement. Book development often precedes or overlaps with the writing phase, depending on the client’s level of preparedness.
The book development process typically involves detailed planning to define the structure of the content. For nonfiction, this might mean building out key arguments, case studies, or frameworks. For fiction, development may involve world-building, character arcs, and plot pacing. The goal is to ensure that the manuscript has a logical and compelling foundation before drafting begins.
Book development is sometimes used by clients who intend to write the manuscript themselves, but want strategic support to guide the process from the start.
A clear outline and strategic plan can reduce the time and effort required during the writing phase. KAA’s approach to book development involves multiple feedback cycles with the client, ensuring that the content structure aligns with market expectations and the client’s intentions.
Editing Services
Kevin Anderson & Associates offers editing services for authors with completed or partially completed manuscripts. These include developmental editing (big-picture revision), line editing (sentence-level refinement), and proofreading (surface-level error correction).
Editing services may be bundled with ghostwriting packages or contracted separately. Each editing tier is handled by freelance editors with prior publishing experience. While some clients use KAA only for editing, others engage the firm for both writing and revision work as part of a longer-term engagement.
The editing process typically includes one or more feedback rounds, depending on the scope and complexity of the manuscript.
The firm stresses the importance of developmental editing, especially for first-time authors, to ensure the manuscript is coherent and meets industry standards. Line editing and proofreading help polish the work to professional quality, which is necessary whether the client intends to pursue traditional or self-publishing routes.
Service Packages and Pricing
Kevin Anderson & Associates offers several tiered service packages designed to meet varying author needs and budgets. These packages range from mid-level support to premium, comprehensive options. Each level includes a combination of ghostwriting, book development, editing services, and publishing process guidance. Pricing for these services reflects the scope and depth of involvement.
Premier Package — $50,000 to $95,000
- Access to a Senior Editor and Professional Writer, including a former acquisitions editor from a Big-5 publisher
- Pre-planning and research to shape the book’s concept
- Strategy sessions with the Senior Editor and writer to position and outline the book
- Comprehensive book-writing by a professional writer
- Professional editing and book development by the Senior Editor
- Customized publishing navigation aimed at finding the best publishing home for the book
Executive Package — $115,000 to $250,000
- Work with an Executive & Senior Editor and a widely published writer
- Detailed market research and tailored publishing strategy
- Collaborative book planning with both the Executive and Senior Editor
- Comprehensive book-writing by bestselling and/or widely published writers
- Professional editing and book development by the Executive & Senior Editor
- Full manuscript beta testing involving 20+ readers to gather critical feedback
Black Card Package — Pricing Upon Inquiry
- Access to the firm’s #1 New York Times-bestselling team and extensive editorial support
- In-depth market research, publishing strategy, and book planning with KAA’s Executive Editors
- Comprehensive ghostwriting with any caliber of writer, including New York Times-bestselling authors
- Ongoing editing and revisions by Executive Editors to polish the manuscript
- Full manuscript beta testing with over 20 readers for thorough feedback
- Support for literary agency and/or traditional publisher solicitation
These tiered packages illustrate the firm’s flexible approach, catering to clients seeking varying levels of support and investment. While pricing may be a barrier for some, the firm’s service offerings are comprehensive, targeting authors and organizations serious about book publishing.
Author Collaboration Model
A major part of the firm’s operating model involves ongoing author collaboration. Most services are delivered through scheduled communication between the client and the assigned writer, editor, or consultant. The firm positions itself as collaborative rather than transactional.
Clients are expected to be actively involved in providing source material, conducting interviews, and reviewing drafts. Kevin Anderson & Associates emphasizes that while they provide creative support, the client must also commit to a time and feedback process. This is especially relevant in ghostwriting projects, where input and direction from the client are needed to shape the tone, voice, and content of the manuscript.
Regular communication is scheduled to allow for consistent progress tracking and ensure alignment on the project’s direction. This process helps avoid misunderstandings and allows the final product to closely match the client’s vision.
Publishing Process Support
While KAA is not a publisher or literary agent, it does provide guidance on the publishing process. This may include proposal writing, query letter development, and submission planning. Some packages offer insight into traditional vs. hybrid vs. self-publishing, depending on the client's goals.
In some cases, the firm helps clients pitch their manuscripts to outside literary agencies or publishers. However, submission success is not guaranteed, and KAA is clear about not representing clients in the capacity of a literary agency.
Clients looking to navigate the publishing process typically receive market analysis, positioning feedback, and connections to industry professionals when appropriate. This level of support may appeal to first-time authors or clients unfamiliar with how publishing operates.
The firm’s consultation on the publishing process is aimed at preparing authors for realistic expectations and strategic decision-making. This can help clients avoid common pitfalls in book proposals and submissions.
Writing Coach Services
KAA also offers writing coach services for clients who are writing their own books and want structured feedback or accountability. Writing coaches meet regularly with clients to guide them through idea development, drafting, and revision. Unlike ghostwriting, coaching does not involve writing content on behalf of the client.
This service may be used by individuals working on personal narratives, professional books, or creative fiction. Writing coaches may help with brainstorming, structure, pacing, or general writing technique. For clients looking to retain authorship while gaining expert insight, coaching can serve as a middle ground between doing it alone and hiring a ghostwriter.
Writing coaching often appeals to those who want to improve their skills and maintain creative control but benefit from professional guidance and accountability.
Client Types and Genres
Kevin Anderson & Associates works with a broad range of clients. These include CEOs, doctors, politicians, academics, and first-time authors. The firm’s flexibility allows them to handle both corporate projects and personal stories.
Genres typically supported include:
- Business and leadership
- Memoir and biography
- Self-help and personal development
- Health and wellness
- Fiction (select genres)
Each project is evaluated individually, and the firm does not claim to accept every manuscript or client proposal. Services are often priced at premium rates due to the scope of involvement and customization.
How They Operate as a Literary Agency
While KAA is not a traditional literary agency in the sense of representing authors to publishers, it sometimes acts in a similar advisory role. Some consultants at the firm have backgrounds in literary representation and may assist clients in preparing submissions for agents or publishers.
However, the agency does not operate on commission or offer representation as its main service. Instead, they provide flat-fee consulting, with optional outreach support depending on the service tier. Authors seeking formal representation would need to work with a separate literary agency once the manuscript is complete.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths:
- Offers full-service support, from book development to editing services
- Maintains a large network of freelance ghostwriters and editors
- Has experience across multiple nonfiction genres
- Provides clear process structures for author collaboration
Limitations:
- Does not publish books directly
- Premium pricing may be inaccessible for some clients
- Not a substitute for literary agency representation
- Success with the publishing process depends on external factors (market fit, submission quality, etc.)
Contact and Inquiry
For those interested in exploring services with Kevin Anderson & Associates, initial inquiries typically begin with a consultation to discuss project scope and goals. Prospective clients can reach out through the firm’s official website or by email to request information on pricing, timelines, and service options. The firm often requires prospective clients to provide an overview of their book concept or existing manuscript before scheduling detailed discussions.
It’s important to note that Kevin Anderson & Associates maintains a selective client intake process and evaluates each project on an individual basis. This helps ensure that the services provided align with the client’s needs and the firm’s areas of expertise.
If you are considering professional ghostwriting, book development, or editing services, contacting KAA for an initial consultation is the recommended first step.