Ghostwriting-The Invisible Art

We live in a fast-paced world where answers are as quick as a click on your computer. Lives are way too busy, and time is a precious commodity. Therefore, it is completely understandable for businesses to seek out ghost writers for books and blogs.

ANONYMITY

Ghost writing may sound somewhat fascinating, and to some extent, it is, ghost writing is simply serving as a surrogate of content for someone else. As a ghost writer, anonymity is mandatory....forever! The project, for all intent and purposes becomes the work of the client. Example: You ghostwrite a novel for a client, and it becomes a best seller. After that, it is made into a movie. Your reward is your initial fee and a confidentiality agreement that demands secrecy. You cannot share with anyone that you were the writer. This requirement will be stated in the contract. Breaking this part of the contract can lead to serious legal consequences.  

GHOSTWRITING CAREER

Ghostwriting may be an area that piques your interest, but it is not a career for the fainthearted. First you will need to develop your portfolio and a contractual agreement. Contracts are a must! It is important that a contract is signed by both you and the client. A contract outlines the expectations of both parties, offers dual protections and is legally binding. Sometimes a project description entails more than disclosed initially; therefore, it is a good idea to include an unexpected expenses clause in the contract. Legal advice is always recommended for contracts. Tip: Collecting 1/3 upfront, 1/3 halfway through and remaining amount after approval but before sending to publisher. 

If you are taking that first leap into the wonderful world of freelance writing, you may want to start with a lower pay rate scale to build your reputation and then increase fees on an annual basis. Once established as a professional writer, charging a low word count rate may bring more clients, but at what cost? It is much more cost effective to accurately estimate the time it will take to produce a quality assignment. On the other hand, a higher word count rate may result in fewer clients initially but may increase your credibility and profitability later. Choose a pay rate that works best for you.

PRICING

There are a number of ways to bill for your work, although it is best to quote an estimated cost, allowing some room for contingency if needed. An average ghostwriting project can range anywhere from $150.00 to $100,000 depending on the project. (Blog, Article, Social Media, or Book). Base your quote on the amount of time you expect the project to take. Avoid underselling your services!

PORTFOLIO

• Explain your writing process from start to finish
• Chapter/outline reviews with signature approvals
• Number of revisions permitted
• Average Timeframe
• Recorded interviews with the client (particularly helpful when quotes will be needed or biography)
• Publishing requirements-font, spacing, print-set up, margins, etc. (Another reason to know how the client plans to publish)

POTENTIAL CLIENT

Typically, your first contact with a potential ghostwriting client will be via a phone or email. Potential clients usually inquire about the length of time it will take and cost. It is your job to educate the potential client about the entire ghostwriting process to ensure expectations can be met. As the ghostwriter, you are in control. A phone call is not a contract. You have the ability to choose whether or not to accept an assignment. 

Once you have made the decision to accept the project, send the potential client a questionnaire and a copy of your portfolio. Advise a timeline for the return of the questionnaire and explain you will follow up with any questions and forward a formal quote, contract, time of completion, and expected project start payment. (It is a good idea to add a disclaimer to cover re-writes, travel, research and other additional expenses not included in the contract.)

Questionnaire Information

• Describe the project? (Book, Blog, Article)
• Genre? (Fiction or Non-Fiction)
• What is the timeframe or deadline?
• Is this your first project using a ghost writer? If not, what did you like or not like about the experience?
• Do you have a basic outline or any pre-written material that you would like included?
• Do you have the research material or will research need to be included?
• What type of publishing? (Traditional or Self-Publishing House)
• Marketing plan?
• What is your budget?
• Who is your target audience?
• ​Why do you want to have this project written? What is the take home?

This information is not an all-inclusive list but will give you an inside look at the life of a ghostwriter.