Ghost-writing FAQ
Everything You Need to Know Before You Hire Me!
How do you hire the perfect ghost-writer? By asking the right questions. In my last post, I explored the many questions your ghost-writer needs to ask you before they take on your project. Well, they aren’t the only ones who get to ask questions; yours are just as (if not more) important.
There’s nothing more satisfying than collaborating with the perfect ghost-writer and vice-versa. But that doesn’t just happen.
Think of your book as your baby. Before you hire a babysitter for her, wouldn’t you ask many, many, many questions? You need to give your ghost-writer that same treatment.
Your book is more than words on pages. It’s your thoughts, emotions, your story; a solid extension of yourself. It’s a part of you that will live on long after you are gone. So, if you will not write it yourself, it’s important that you get a ghost-writer who will put in just as much effort, time and creativity as you would.
As I mentioned, the best way to do that is to ask your potential ghost-writer the right questions.
What are these questions?
Question 1
Do You Have a Sample Contract?
Sure, your potential ghost-writer has a great personality and you love the vibe you both have going. However, it is important that you don’t commit to anything without a contract. Even if said ghost-writer is your family member, or friend, that’s all the more reason to have a contract set. That thing about mixing business and family is no joke.
Many professional ghost-writers have their contract templates drawn up. Some even include NDAs. Even if you hire a ghost-writer off freelance sites like Upwork, you should also ask them if they have a ghost-writing contract you can see. I have a contract template ready for my clients, and after our initial consult, if we move forward, I tweak the content to match the specifications of my client’s project. Also, if the client asks, I have no problem including an NDA. Although, I’d much rather you come with your specific NDA that covers all your concerns.
A contract puts you and your ghost-writer on the same page. Also, from there, before you sign anything, you can get an idea of how the ghost-writer works.
Question 2
What is Your Rate?
Depending on the ghost-writer, this could range from charging per-word, or by hour. That rate could depend on a lot of things (I’ll elaborate on this). I charge per 1k words because I find it’s more convenient for me and the client. That way, you have a fixed price that covers what your contract stipulates.
I find per hour may bring a misunderstanding between me and the client. A first-time author using a ghost-writer may ask them to justify every hour spent. That may cause a ruckus if the ghost-writer has a writing process that the client doesn’t understand.
Question 3
What’s Your Payment Structure?
Some ghost-writers demand 50 percent to 60 percent upfront. While that’s completely right (for many reasons), not all clients can afford that. I break my payment structure into parts. These parts are determined by how long the project will take. For example, if the book will take five months, I’ll break the payment into five months. That way, the client pays at the end of each month.
I use that system particularly for first-time clients. To keep their minds at ease, so they know I’m not about to sail into the sunset with their 60 percent down payment. Like any profession, there are shady ghost-writers out there. That’s why it’s important that you ask your ghost-writer about their payment structure to see if it’s one with which you are comfortable.
Question 4
How Available Are You?
If you are working with an agency, then this question is not necessary. They will have several ghost-writers waiting to take your project. However, if you are working one on one with an individual ghost-writer, it’s best to ask them this question. Most freelancers are at their best juggling projects, others work better with a laser focus on one or two. Depending on what you want, and how quickly you want your book to be ready, availability will be an issue for you. Of course, if you are not in a hurry, and you are keen on working with that particular ghost-writer, you could wait until they are available.
I’m the laser focus kind of ghost-writer. Sure, I want to ghost-write as many books as I can because I love to tell stories. Also, I want to impress my potential client so they are like, “you know what? I’ll wait until you are done with your current project.” But I’m also realistic. So, if I can’t take on a client’s project, I do my best to refer them to someone great.
Question 5
How Long Will this Project Take?
There’s nothing I love more than certainty and order, but unfortunately, life doesn’t love it as much as I do. I love to give my clients a definite time, and I do. But life gets in the way sometimes. Things like accidents, funerals, getting ill, and unforeseen life transitions are inevitable. Of course, your pre-signed contract will take care of situations like these (another reason a contract is important).
Regardless, ask for a time frame and your ghost-writer should definitely give you one. For most authors, the point of a ghost-writer is to get your book done on time. If the time frame your ghost-writer gives you doesn’t work for you, find another ghost-writer. However, I should remind you that a great book takes time. If you want your memoir done right (and with me), expect it to take four to six months.
Question 6
How Often Can I get Updates?
There’s nothing more unsettling than being ghosted by your ghost-writer. I assure you; it won’t hurt as much as the guy you went on that one date with it and who, even though you had fun, decided out of the blue to ghost you. Why? Like I mentioned before, your book is more than words on a page. To keep your mind at ease, ask your ghost-writer how often they provide updates. If their answer doesn’t work for you but you are keen on working with them, ask them to tweak that to suit your needs.
I like to keep my clients updated as often as possible. At least every two weeks via zoom or whatever means they’d prefer. This update isn’t just for them. Writing a person’s memoir involves staying connected to them. When I write, I’m essentially shading my personality to adopt my client’s. The best way to do that is to interact with them as much as I can. Even if the zoom call is just both of us talking about the latest TV show.
Question 7
How Will My Project Be Delivered?
There are many options for this; MS word file, PDF, both or in an eBook format. While I write, my client will get drafts from google doc. That way, they can leave comments for revisions. When I’m done with the project, I’ll deliver it to my client, however they prefer. For instance, if my client is going to self-publish their eBook and doesn’t know how to format it for publishing, I can help with and have it delivered as the eBook would look when the reader buys it. Of course, this would be discussed initially and included in the overall cost.
Question 8
What Does Your Service Include?
Writing a book is more than just writing it. If you are self-publishing, you’d essentially be doing everything yourself. So, you’d need to take care of editing, proofreading, formatting, hiring a book cover artist, writing a blurb, publishing, marketing and any other thing that comes up. All of those sound overwhelming, but there are many successful self-published authors and you can totally be one. Also, self-publishing has its benefits. If you are traditional publishing, you’ll be needing a query (once you get a publishing deal, they handle the above listed).
My primary services include writing, editing (developmental editing, and copy editing) a blurb and/or 3 queries.
You are encouraged to ask this question, so you are aware of what your ghost-writer can provide for you.
Question 9
Can I See Samples?
You should know, that unless allowed, a ghost-writer cannot break confidentiality by showing you the work of a previous client. So, if you ask a ghost-writer for samples, you most likely will get that answer.
Also, think about it. If you used a ghost-writer, would it would please you to know that they were sharing your work with other clients? I always say the business of ghost-writing is all about trust, and contract or not, it takes a truly trustworthy person to keep your work private.
But if your ghost-writer says I can write, does that mean you should take their word for it? Of course not. Ask to see samples of their writing. If the ghost-writer is published, it could be a book or a blog or any solid proof this person can actually write. Use that to make your decision.
Question 10
What Do I need to Provide?
Everything. I’ll take everything you can give me. I’ll do my research. However, you need to give your ghost-writer what you have, so they know where to start their research. With a memoir, I want everything you can give me about your story. Of course, it’s natural that you’d forget some details, that’s why structured interview is an important part of writing a memoir.
It’s not possible that a ghost-writer won’t ask for info or detail or a brief. It’s your book. How are they supposed to write it if you don’t tell them what to write?
Question 11
What If the Contract Gets Cancelled?
Believe me, this happens, and you need to know what to do when that happens. Why? You need to know what happens to the information you’ve shared. Also, you and the ghost-writer need to figure out how the ghost-writer will be compensated. That’s why I take my payments in instalments. That way, if the contract gets cancelled for whatever reason, the client would have already paid me for work done.
Often, when a contract gets cancelled, it’s not because the client is awful or the ghost-writer is incompetent. It could be because of life situations beyond your control.
Question 12
What is Your Specialisation?
A skilled ghost-writer can wear many hats. But there’s nothing wrong with going for one that has sufficient knowledge about your project. It actually makes things easier because there will be less research.
I specialise in memoirs (including self-help memoirs and how-to memoirs), autobiography, biography and personalised poetry for every occasion. I’m also a fiction writer. However, I need to find a fiction project interesting and inspiring to take it.
Question 13
Do You Understand the Legalities of Writing This Book?
It’s important that you ask this question. There are many nuances and legalities that come with writing a non-fiction book. It’s important that you work with a ghost-writer who understands this so that you don’t run into any trouble in the future.
Question 14
How many Revisions Do You Provide?
Your ghost-writer might need more than one draft to capture your voice. That’s completely normal, especially in the beginning. Many professional ghost-writers like me provide standard revisions and then charge for additional revisions if the project is done and submitted. I give two revisions per milestone.
Question 15
Why Did You Get into Ghost-writing?
Okay, this question isn’t completely necessary, but I recommend it. To break the ice and for bonding.
Final Thoughts
When picking a ghost-writer, think affordable not cheap. Like any service, you get what you pay for. Cheap doesn’t mean great and frankly neither does expensive. So, look for a competent ghost-writer with good rates, not one with the lowest rate possible.
