Ghostwriter Embraces AI to Boost Efficiency and Earnings

Joshua Lisec, founder of Lisec Ghostwriting, sees AI as an opportunity rather than a threat to his industry.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Joshua Lisec, a 34-year-old ghostwriter from Dayton, Ohio, has embraced AI tools to streamline his workflow and increase his earnings. Despite concerns that AI will wipe out 90% of the ghostwriting industry, Lisec has found ways to leverage AI to his advantage, using tools like Fireflies.ai for transcription and Grok and ChatGPT for research. Lisec also offers ghostpublishing services to help independent authors bypass traditional publishing gatekeepers.

Why it matters

As the publishing industry becomes increasingly automated, ghostwriters like Lisec must adapt to survive. By embracing AI, Lisec has found ways to boost his efficiency and earnings, setting an example for other writers who may be hesitant to adopt new technologies.

The details

Lisec started his career as a freelance writer and ghostwriter in 2011, initially charging just $1.67 per hour. Over the years, he gradually increased his rates and eventually achieved multiple six-figure incomes. Lisec now works part-time, spending three days a week in the office and the rest of his time with his three children. He uses AI tools like Fireflies.ai for transcription and Grok and ChatGPT for research, which he says save him time and money. Lisec has also created ghostpublishing services to help independent authors bypass traditional publishing channels.

  • Lisec started his career as a freelance writer and ghostwriter in June 2011.
  • In 2017, Lisec gave a TEDx Talk about his journey to achieving a six-figure income as a ghostwriter.
  • Lisec has been grossing over $1 million for several consecutive years.

The players

Joshua Lisec

The 34-year-old founder of Lisec Ghostwriting in Dayton, Ohio, who has embraced AI tools to streamline his workflow and increase his earnings as a ghostwriter.

Fireflies.ai

An AI-powered tool that Lisec uses to automatically record and transcribe client conversations, saving him time and money compared to other transcription services.

Grok

An AI research tool that Lisec uses to quickly find relevant information for his ghostwriting projects, saving him time compared to traditional research methods.

ChatGPT

An AI language model that Lisec uses to assist with his research, helping him find information faster than manual searches.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I know a number of people who are washing out of the profession and going into retail, food service, landscaping, or working at non-profits and museums. It's bad. I would say AI has, or will, wipe out 90% of the ghostwriting services provider market.”

— Joshua Lisec, Founder, Lisec Ghostwriting

“The publishing industry is well-gatekept. Prospective authors had to have landed an agent, who gets you an intro to a publisher, and only after you've survived the gauntlet, and your manuscript has withstood the crucible of literary professional scrutiny, are you permitted passage.”

— Joshua Lisec, Founder, Lisec Ghostwriting

What’s next

Lisec plans to continue expanding his ghostpublishing services to help more independent authors bypass traditional publishing channels and connect directly with readers.

The takeaway

By embracing AI tools to boost his efficiency and earnings, Lisec has found a way to thrive in an industry that is facing significant disruption from automation. His story serves as an example for other writers who may be hesitant to adopt new technologies, demonstrating how AI can be leveraged to enhance rather than replace human skills.