The KAA Story

A Journey Toward Excellence in the Ghostwriting Industry 

Kevin Anderson & Associates (KAA) is a global leader in ghostwriting, editing, and publishing navigation services. KAA has helped more than 5,000 authors turn their book dreams into reality, empowering them with the tools and expertise to share their stories with the world. The journey of KAA, led by its founder Kevin Anderson, began in 2007 in a subterranean computer lab at Harvard University. Today, KAA has grown into one of the most respected names in the literary world, with offices in the US and the UK, with KAA Dubai opening in 2026, and with a list of successful clients that includes #1 New York Times bestselling authors, industry moguls, and notable thought leaders.

KAA’s mission to “empower authors” and deliver the highest level of service in the publishing industry is woven into every aspect of the company, from recruiting elite talent to provide exceptional service to its clients; to offering comprehensive, white-glove support throughout the book-planning and writing process; to providing expert unbiased publishing consultation and guidance, tailored to each author’s unique needs.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader

Kevin Anderson’s entrepreneurial journey began in a rather unexpected place. Born and raised in a remote area of Northern Alberta, Canada, Kevin grew up on a small farm where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He was homeschooled through most of his early education and graduated with just two other students at a small private high school. His unique upbringing exposed him to a wide variety of jobs, including working on oil rigs, tree-planting in the Rockies via heli-drop, running a small fur trapline and guiding hunts, being a welder’s helper, lifeguarding, and founding a soup kitchen. 

After completing his undergraduate degree magna cum laude at the University of Lethbridge, majoring in history and philosophy, Kevin made the move to the US to pursue graduate studies in literary criticism at Harvard University. This was where Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit took flight. While teaching English and writing at Harvard, Kevin launched a small tutoring and thesis-advisory service, which began as a solo operation but soon expanded as he hired fellow Harvard classmates. He soon developed a virtual platform that allowed him to serve clients across the US and Canada, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become KAA.

In 2008, Kevin received a pivotal opportunity when a small publishing house contacted him for more reliable and rigorous editorial services. This moment marked the beginning of KAA’s transition from academic services to the world of book publishing. One of Kevin’s early book-related editorial projects, Norman Ollestad’s Crazy for the Storm, became a New York Times bestseller, helping to solidify Kevin’s decision to focus entirely on ghostwriting, editing, and publishing services.

The Evolution of KAA into a Premier Ghostwriting Service

In 2014, Kevin made the decision to split his growing business into distinct entities: Dissertation Editor, LLC in the US and Thesis Editor, LTD in the UK, which would continue to focus on academic editorial and advisement services for doctoral candidates, and Kevin Anderson & Associates (KAA), his flagship company for ghostwriting and editorial services for full-length books. The decision to open KAA’s first office on Broadway in Manhattan marked a key moment in the company’s evolution, allowing Kevin and his growing team to immerse themselves in the world of book publishing fully.

The company’s early growth was fueled by the industry’s increasing demand for high-quality ghostwriting, editing, and publishing navigation–especially among smaller houses, independent presses, and hybrid publishers. 

The “Firm” Approach – A Partner, Not a Matchmaker

From the outset, KAA distinguished itself from other ghostwriting and editorial services by offering an in-house team approach to book creation and project management rather than a freelance-based matchmaking approach. KAA understood that there were significant risks to clients when relying solely on a single independent contractor rather than a company, including illness, competing priorities, or limited options should the match turn out to be a poor one. For clients, this often results in costly delays, lost progress, and the need to start the entire process from scratch.

KAA’s model was designed to provide stability and continuity by having an in-house team fully invested in every project. Clients work directly with the firm, not just an individual freelancer. This structure offers multiple advantages, particularly the security of knowing that a project manager will oversee every step of the book’s development, ensuring it stays on track no matter what changes occur within the writing team. If a writer needs to be replaced or an unforeseen issue arises, KAA’s team is ready to step in, allowing the project to continue seamlessly, without the need for expensive kill fees or the disruption of starting over.

Additionally, working with a team of in-house experts means that clients benefit from collective expertise. Instead of relying on one writer or editor, clients have access to multiple minds with decades of experience in both the writing and publishing industries. KAA’s editors bring an unparalleled level of experience to the table, often sharing drafts and ideas with each other for feedback, which strengthens the final product. This collaborative approach results in a better, more efficient book-writing process with fewer risks, allowing clients to benefit from a team with the depth and continuity necessary to deliver success.

Notable Agents and Big-5 Acquisitions Editors In-House

KAA also set itself apart from freelancers, matchmaking services, and other ghostwriting firms by prioritizing hiring elite professionals to its full-time in-house staff. No other firm enables authors to collaborate 1-on-1 with former Big-5 executive editors, editorial directors, and literary agents with the level of experience and bestselling credentials available from KAA. Furthermore, having a robust in-house force allows KAA to put customised personnel together so that the book planning and building process is done as a team, allowing for strength through collaboration. 

KAA’s personalised and collaborative approach ensures that every author benefits from a dedicated team of industry experts who work closely with them throughout the entire process. From refining the central idea to perfecting the structure and guiding them through the complexities of publishing, KAA’s team guides authors at every stage. The result is a polished, high-quality book that is not only expertly crafted but also perfectly aligned with the author’s unique vision and goals.

In addition to its core editing and writing services, KAA also offers publishing navigation, a resource available for authors looking for guidance as they find their way through the process of working with literary agents, publishers, PR firms, and marketers to ensure that their book reaches its full potential in the marketplace. This comprehensive service model has been instrumental in helping KAA’s clients achieve lasting success and visibility in the competitive world of book publishing.

Unbiased and Tailored Publishing Navigation by Industry Experts

Part of KAA’s unique strength lies in its ability to provide truly unbiased, personalised publishing guidance. Having worked directly with over 5,000 authors across all publishing paths—traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing—KAA’s extensive experience and deep relationships with Big-5 publishers, literary agents, and industry professionals offers clear, impartial advice tailored to the individual needs of each client.

Unlike agents or hybrid publishers, whose insights, while valuable, are often tied to their own services, KAA’s approach is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the entire industry. The company is not beholden to any one model, allowing it to focus solely on ensuring that clients find the best possible publishing solution for their unique goals. With deep and longstanding relationships within the industry, KAA knows the key players—who excels at what, who is reliable, and, most importantly, who is the right fit for each client’s book.

KAA’s team has expertise spanning every facet of the publishing world, and the company has been trusted by top-tier literary agents, publishers, and hybrid services to write, edit, and shape some of the most impactful books on the market. This integration with the industry gives them the knowledge and the connections to advise clients with full transparency. KAA does not push one path over another; instead, KAA helps clients navigate the often-overwhelming choices and make informed decisions based on their specific publishing needs, goals, and deadlines.

KAA is uniquely positioned to provide introductions to the very best professionals in the industry. Their network includes not only top-tier publishers and agents and publishers, but also the best publicists, marketers, and strategists to help clients achieve the visibility and success their books deserve. With KAA, clients gain the full scope of options, backed by decades of expertise, to ensure their publishing journey is in the best hands.

KAA’s Commitment to Excellence

KAA’s success is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence and ensuring authors receive the highest possible level of talent and service. The firm’s growth has been entirely organic, without outside investors, loans, or seed money. This independence has allowed KAA to maintain control over its operations and provide clients with unbiased and trustworthy strategic advice. 

KAA continues to adapt and elevate its services so authors gain every possible edge. It is this commitment to excellence that has led to the following developments at KAA, all of which serve to empower authors:

1. Dedicated Project Management: At KAA, every project is carefully supervised by a dedicated project manager who oversees the entire process. This ensures that the team remains on task, on schedule, and that all moving parts are well-coordinated. 
2. Collaborative Planning or “Strategy Sessions”: The planning stage of a book is crucial to its success, so KAA has developed a highly collaborative approach for maximum results. KAA’s strategy sessions bring together a team of experts to brainstorm, refine ideas, and map out the structure of the book. 
3. Big-5 Editors: KAA prides itself on working with the most experienced and successful talent in the industry. KAA’s in-house team of former senior and executive-level editors from Big-5 publishing houses brings decades of expertise and knowledge of how to build a book that will attract a publisher and resonate with its audience.
4. Talent Director: KAA’s ghostwriters are handpicked by a dedicated Talent Director, a former literary agent from WME with decades of industry experience. The TD ensures that each project is matched with the best-suited talent, crafting a bespoke team tailored to the author’s needs. 
5. Cultural Accuracy Editing Services: Accuracy is an essential component of any book, especially when it comes to its characters’ backgrounds and lived experiences. KAA offers specialised cultural accuracy editing services, ensuring that each book is not only well-written but also culturally accurate and authentic. 
6. Layers of Editorial Review: To guarantee the highest quality content, KAA incorporates multiple layers of editorial review throughout the process. Each manuscript undergoes thorough revisions, with input from several seasoned editors, including a final, cold read.
7. Beta Reader Testing: To ensure that a book resonates with its target audience, KAA incorporate beta reader testing into the process. Enabling feedback from a group of lay readers who fit the book’s intended demographic allows authors to make informed revisions based on data, ensuring their work is engaging, relatable, and well-targeted before it’s published.
8. Publishing Navigation: The world of publishing is complex, and KAA is here to guide authors through every step of the journey. Since KAA works directly with a vast array of publishers, hybrids, and literary agents, they can provide unbiased, tailored advice to help authors navigate the options that best suit their goals. Whether it’s traditional publishing or alternative routes, KAA helps authors make informed decisions, introducing them directly to agents, publishers, and PR firms that align with their book’s vision and market potential.
9. Bestseller List Targeting: KAA’s team knows how each of the major bestseller lists works and how to strategically target them. KAA helps clients craft strategies that maximise their chances of success, providing expert advice on everything from release timing and sales strategies to promotional efforts.
10. Agenting: In some cases, KAA will act as a literary agent, working directly with publishers to secure high-value book deals for authors. KAA’s track record includes brokering major deals, with book proposals that have resulted in offers as large as $2.5 million. With vast industry connections, KAA offers a unique advantage for authors looking to land a significant publishing contract.

The company’s in-house team continues to grow, with more than 35 full-time staff members and a network of over 500 freelance writers and editors. KAA’s ability to adapt to the needs of its clients–from early-stage authors to high-profile industry figures–has made it a trusted partner in the publishing world.

Expansion to LA, Nashville, London, and Coming Soon to Dubai

Over the years, KAA has expanded its reach, opening additional offices in Nashville (2014), Los Angeles (2017), and London (2023), and is now in the process of launching an office in Dubai, creating a global network of talented professionals with deep industry knowledge. This global presence allows KAA’s clients to leverage international expertise and resources. 

Writers Retreats in Tuscany 

In 2025, KAA launched its exclusive Writers Retreats in Tuscany, offering authors an immersive and inspiring environment in which to craft their books. These retreats are rapidly expanding, with multiple dates scheduled for 2025 and 2026. Located at Poggio alle Corti, a picturesque and private Tuscan villa and vineyard, the retreats provide authors the opportunity to work closely with top-tier literary professionals, including New York Times-bestselling authors, Big-5 editors, and literary agents. As KAA continues to grow, these retreats will remain a cornerstone of the company’s mission to help authors develop exceptional books in person in an enriching environment.

Highly Cited Industry Leader

In addition to these achievements, KAA’s impact has been recognised by major media outlets, further solidifying the company’s reputation as an industry leader. Kevin Anderson and KAA have been featured in a wide range of publications, seeking commentary on the ever-evolving publishing industry and the world of ghostwriting. Notable media featuring KAA include The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Inc. Magazine, The Telegraph, Forbes, Publishers Weekly, The Bookseller, and Le Monde. 

Kevin is a contributing author by invitation to Publishers Weekly’s Book Publishing Almanac 2022: A Master Class in the Art of Bringing Books to Readers and the author of the #2 Wall Street Journal, #1 Barnes & Noble, and #1 Amazon bestseller, PhDone: A Professional Dissertation Editor’s Guide to Writing Your Doctoral Thesis and Earning Your PhD.

Looking Ahead: The Future of KAA

KAA’s journey continues with exciting plans for further expansion into new markets, including the upcoming launch of a Dubai office in 2026. As KAA grows, it remains committed to providing each author with the bespoke experience they need to build the best books possible, no matter where they are located. By offering personalised support, access to top talent, and a range of industry-leading services, KAA will continue to help authors elevate their writing to new heights.

To learn more about how KAA can help bring your book to life, visit www.kawriting.com and explore the wide range of services the company offers, including ghostwriting, book editing, publishing navigation, and book coaching.