In this interview, we meet a writer who has taken a clear path into cybersecurity ghostwriting. April Kelly combines technical familiarity with a straightforward, organized process that helps clients turn complex work into clear content. She focuses on accuracy, structure, and understanding each client’s real experience, which is essential in a field where credibility matters.
In the conversation that follows, she explains her process, the type of projects she works on, and what cybersecurity clients can expect when partnering with her.
Hi April, can you introduce yourself?
While I spent most of my life in Texas, I’ve lived in Colorado Springs for the past ten years and really love it here.
I was one of those weird, precocious kids who learned how to read before I started school (I was about 4 when I started reading, though I didn’t graduate to chapter books until I was about 7) and have always loved books.
About fifteen years ago I started a career in proofreading, which led to copyediting, which led to some opportunities to develop my writing career. I worked for a publishing company for a while, completing some ghostwriting and leading their copyediting team before branching out on my own.
What inspired you to become a ghostwriter?
I realized I loved ghostwriting after completing a few projects for a previous employer. Interestingly, while I do love writing, I believe the most fulfilling part of this process for me is getting to know my client well enough to write for them. I get to do a deep dive into who they are, why they are who they are, why they do what they do, and what message they have for the world. As a naturally curious (nosy) person who loves any detail I can get, this is the highlight of my career.
You specialize in writing for cybersecurity professionals. How did you transition from other genres to cybersecurity?
I’ve written for many different leaders in many different industries, and I chose to specialize in cybersecurity for a few reasons.
First, I have a background in computer science basics (I know a few programming languages and worked in IT for about three years) so it’s something I can understand and translate for nontechnical people. But I think the biggest influence in choosing this industry is how interesting the stories are!
Who is your ideal client as a ghostwriter?
My ideal client is someone who is passionate about their project, and willing to dig deep and be honest.
What kinds of projects do you enjoy most?
My primary outreach revolves around books, but I also offer copywriting services (my most popular offering is “copywriting on demand” where clients can pay a flat monthly fee for a certain number of copywriting hours per month that they can use for proposals, white papers, LinkedIn articles, etc.).
How do you approach ghostwriting in cybersecurity, and what can clients expect when working with you?
My process is very collaborative. We start by going through a detailed process to identify my client’s specific topic, then get very granular in creating a persona for their ideal client and ideal outcome.
We then move to creating an outline and actually writing the book. This process involves either weekly or twice-monthly meetings/interviews. Once the client is happy with the manuscript (virtually unlimited revisions included), I have it edited and proofread, and we discuss if design or marketing services are needed (I can facilitate both).
If we’re copywriting together, we generally have a standing monthly meeting to discuss goals and content.
Building credibility is a key goal for cybersecurity clients. What kinds of writing actually build credibility in this field?
What builds credibility in cybersecurity is fundamentally different from other industries because the stakes are so high. CISOs and security leaders trust content that’s focused, grounded in real, lived experience, and directly applicable.
Thought leadership articles rooted in actual problem-solving tend to work best. A CISO writing about implementing CMMC compliance or responding to a real breach carries weight because it’s real experience, not just knowledge.
Case studies are the trust multiplier because they’re proof rather than just theory. Specific outcomes with real company names, measurable results, and actual challenges solved build credibility. Generic case studies destroy it.
LinkedIn content succeeds when it’s practical and authentic. CISOs engage with actionable insights, not personal branding. Staying in your expertise lane and being transparent about complexity matters.
What ties it all together: accuracy (one error kills trust in this industry), grounded problem-solving (not theory), author accountability (experience under pressure), and consistency across platforms. In a content-saturated environment, specificity, restraint, and authenticity cut through the noise.
How do you structure your fees, and what factors influence the cost of a project?
My book projects as well as my copywriting services are based on flat fees. The copywriting relies on a monthly retainer for a maximum amount of work per month. With manuscript ghostwriting, I have one flat project fee so that no one feels constrained by changes or timelines.
Say we’ve started the process and you need surgery and will be out for a month—no worries. If we’re halfway through the book and you want to pivot directions and go back to square one, no worries. The fee you pay is the fee you pay.
Can you share an example where your copy delivered measurable results for a client?
Yes! One client was pivoting from his role as a CEO to a leadership consultant. With his book, we were able to position him as an expert with valuable insight and he was able to grow a consultancy in a little under a year.
Another increased his LinkedIn engagement by over 500% in six months through consistent, value-filled posts, taking him from a modest reach to attracting qualified leads directly through the platform, which expanded his client base significantly.
Besides copywriting, do you provide additional services to your clients?
I provide design and layout services as well as marketing if those are needed.
How can our readers connect with you?
They can check my profile on linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilkellyediting/
