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Memoir · Celebrity & public figuresLisa Dickey: Bestselling Book Collaborator for Political and Public-Life Memoirs
Lisa Dickey is a nonfiction book collaborator who has helped write more than 20 books, including 12 New York Times bestsellers according to her website. Her clients span politics, entertainment, music, media and business.
- Specialties: Memoir, Celebrity & public figures, Business & thought leadership
- Based in: Los Angeles, California
- Known for: Memoirs with Jill Biden, Tammy Duckworth, Patrick Swayze and George Stephanopoulos
- Best for: Politicians, public servants, artists and executives with a major-publisher memoir in the works.
Who is Lisa Dickey?
Dickey began her career as a journalist in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1994, writing for English-language publications there before turning to books. She has collaborated on nonfiction since the late 1990s, starting with work alongside tech journalist Kara Swisher.
Her client list reads like a cross-section of American public life: First Lady Jill Biden, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Governor Gavin Newsom, actor Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi, jazz legend Herbie Hancock, Cissy Houston and entrepreneur Sheila Johnson. Her website highlights recent work on The Situation Room by George Stephanopoulos, which debuted at number one on the New York Times list.
She has also written her own travel book, Bears in the Streets: Three Journeys Across a Changing Russia (St. Martin’s Press, 2017). Her website describes her as a collaborator who helps write books rather than using the word ghostwriter.
Notable books
- The Time of My Life with Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi2009
- Where the Light Enters with Jill Biden2019
- Every Day Is a Gift with Tammy Duckworth2021
- Possibilities with Herbie Hancock2014
- Remembering Whitney with Cissy Houston2013
- Walk Through Fire with Sheila Johnson2023
Track record
- 20+ nonfiction books, 12 New York Times bestsellers (per her website)
- Former journalist in Russia, now based in Los Angeles
- Author of Bears in the Streets (St. Martin’s Press)
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Take the Writer Match QuizWho Lisa Dickey is a good fit for
Politicians, public servants, artists and executives with a major-publisher memoir in the works.
Things to consider
Collaborators at this level typically work on books with publisher advances and long lead times. Expect to go through an agent or publisher, and expect a waitlist.
How to hire Lisa Dickey
Use the contact page on her website. If you already have a literary agent or publisher, have them make the introduction. Before you sign with any ghostwriter, run through our ghostwriter vetting checklist and check the contract with our contract checker.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Lisa Dickey?
Lisa Dickey is a nonfiction book collaborator who has helped write more than 20 books, including 12 New York Times bestsellers according to her website. Her clients span politics, entertainment, music, media and business.
What has Lisa Dickey written?
Notable titles include The Time of My Life (with Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi); Where the Light Enters (with Jill Biden); Every Day Is a Gift (with Tammy Duckworth); Possibilities (with Herbie Hancock).
How much does Lisa Dickey charge?
Lisa Dickey does not publish fixed prices; quotes depend on the book’s length, complexity and timeline. For typical market rates, see our ghostwriter cost guides and free cost calculator.
How do I hire Lisa Dickey?
Use the contact page on her website. If you already have a literary agent or publisher, have them make the introduction.
Who is Lisa Dickey a good fit for?
Politicians, public servants, artists and executives with a major-publisher memoir in the works.
This is an independent profile compiled from public sources, including Lisa Dickey’s own website, publisher pages and press coverage, last reviewed in October 2026. My Book Written is not affiliated with Lisa Dickey and does not receive payment for this listing. Figures such as book counts and bestseller totals are as published by the writer. If you are Lisa Dickey and would like something updated, please contact us.
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