Sometimes you have a story to tell but believe you lack the ability or the time to put the story in writing. That is when a ghostwriter — an “invisible” writer — proves to be invaluable.
- What does the ghostwriter do? The ghostwriter compiles and organizes information, conducts interviews and follow-up research. Most importantly: A ghostwriter writes the story in the most effective way to reach its intended audience, while keeping with your style and voice.
- What can I expect to pay to hire a ghostwriter? An experienced ghostwriter provides both writing services and project management; salaries vary according to page count and the amount of additional research required. Our hourly rate ranges from $25-$45. (If you are interested in hiring us, please contact us with details about your project.)
- What does this cost include? The actual writing of the book, any necessary research, revisions, and any expenses incurred by the ghostwriter (i.e. long distance phone charges, travel costs, materials). If you choose to pursue traditional publishing, the ghostwriter will compile a book proposal to present to agents and publishers. If you elect to self-publish, the ghostwriter will include advertising copy to aid in book promotion.
- Do I have to pay the entire cost up front? No. One-fourth of the project cost is required as a non-refundable deposit to begin your project. And a payment schedule will be included in your contract. Payments can be made on a monthly basis or a chapter-by-chapter basis. Monthly payments are based on the estimated amount of time to complete the book. If the book takes longer than the original estimate, final payment can be withheld until the book is complete.
- How does the ghostwriting process work? Once a contract is signed, you will provide the ghostwriter as much information as possible – documents, photos, audio recordings, etc. The more information you provide the ghostwriter, the better. You will meet with the ghostwriter — in person, online or by phone — to discuss the structure of the story. The ghostwriter reviews the provided materials and begins to organize everything to fit the story. During this time the ghostwriter conducts research, does interviews, etc. After completing a predetermined portion of the book (for example, one chapter or a certain page count), the ghostwriter sends it to you for your review. You indicate any changes and return it to the ghostwriter. The ghostwriter then makes the changes, submits it for your approval, and moves forward with writing the book. Once all the chapters have been written, reviewed by you, and the changes made, the entire book (rather than individual portions) is returned to you for final review. During the review process it is important to carefully examine all revisions to avoid incurring additional fees later on. For example, adding another character, changing an occupation or location, etc., could require rewriting significant portions of completed chapters.
- How long does the writing process take? On average, a 75,000-100,000 word book (200-300 pages) will take 2 to 6 months to complete. This time frame is dependent on the complexity of your book as well as your timeliness in responding to the ghostwriter’s inquiries as well as the revisions. Each book is distinctive and a time frame will be included accordingly with the project estimate.
- Who maintains the rights for the book? Under normal circumstances, the ghostwriter waives any rights to the book and royalties. However, the contract may stipulate certain exceptions if you choose.
- What happens if I fail to make a payment? If you fail to make a payment as stipulated in the contract, all work on the project will cease; no pages will be sent for review, and the ghostwriter will maintain the rights for the manuscript until payments resume.
- May I cancel my contract if I become seriously ill or experience a similar life emergency? A contract may be canceled at pre-determined intervals — as outlined in the contract. If a contract is canceled, all work must be paid for through the time of cancellation. Once the final payment is received, all materials and completed writing are returned to you to do with as you decide.
- Who receives credit for the book? Acknowledgement of the ghostwriter’s participation in the book is decided by you and the ghostwriter. Sometimes on a book cover, the author is listed as “Person A as told to Person B” or “Person A with Person B.” Person B is the name of the ghostwriter, the one who actually did the writing of the book. Other times it is simply Person A on the cover with recognition given inside the book to the ghostwriter. That recognition might be on the copyright page or in the acknowledgements with a phrase like “without whom this book would not have been written.” The final option is to not acknowledge the ghostwriter at all.
- Does giving credit to the ghostwriter affect the cost? Yes. If no credit or acknowledgement is given to the ghostwriter, you can expect to pay a slightly higher fee to the ghostwriter.
- Why does not giving credit to the ghostwriter mean a higher fee? When a ghostwriter is unable to take credit for the work or talk about his participation in the book, he can’t use that book as proof of his work to future clients. Essentially, the book never helps generate future income for the ghostwriter, so that difference has to be accounted for. In another sense, the ghostwriter is being paid for his silence about the true author of the book.
- Does hiring a ghostwriter mean my book will be published? Unfortunately, no. Hiring a ghostwriter is not a guarantee that an agent or traditional publisher will express interest in your book.
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