A ghostwriter is somebody that creates copy such as editorials, sermons, novels, blog posts, email newsletters, web content, etc. and is not credited for the task. The benefit goes to the employer or somebody in the corporation or organization who recruited you.
The definition of a ghostwriter specifies that you can’t publicly share material for your client anywhere (except if your ghostwriting client provides consent).
In this article, we’ve compiled and highlighted the most important aspects of ghostwriting contracts that both parties of the agreement should be completely and thoroughly aware of. For this purpose, we have divided the items into two halves- one for the ghostwriter, and one for the client. It’s our pleasure to bring you: 10 Things to Remember When Entering Ghostwriting Contracts. Let’s start with:
Reminders for the client
- Ghostwriters are helpful if you lack writing skills or expertise in your genre.
Usually, the ghostwriter is the one with the know-how – they’re the ones constructing and perfecting your content. For more accuracy, you can provide notes and references to them as well.
2. Sometimes you’ll be expected to write your own content for certain things.
“When would hiring a ghostwriter NOT be appropriate?”, you might ask. Letters from the CEO or copy that includes personal testimony should be written by none other than yourself.
3. Ghostwriting isn’t cheap unless you want a cheaply-written book.
A 100 to 300-page non-fiction novel costs a minimum of 1,000 USD to 14,000 USD (and even up to 6 digits depending on the writer/task). If you can’t afford 15,000 USD for a ghostwriter, it may not be wise to hire one.
4. Ghostwriters aren’t always easy to find.
There’s currently no specific network or reliable marketplace for them. You’ll need to do a lot of research and find recommendations from other authors- plus, you’ll need to evaluate them first.
5. There are no guarantees in ghostwriting.
With ghostwriters, you can’t get quality guarantees, ensured reliability, or get your money back. This is because you’re not paying for a manuscript- you’re paying for their time.
Reminders for the ghostwriter
- Being a freelance writer and/or editor, to begin with, is always good.
Doing freelance writing or editor builds credibility and makes it easier for future clients to evaluate your skills- much like a portfolio. The target market for both services is usually the same.
2. A skilled ghostwriter should know how to assess (and write in) your voice.
A good ghostwriter must study their client’s distinctive tone and incorporate it into their work (while differentiating it from the voice and tone of other clients).
3. If you want recognition one day, you’ll have to establish your own tone elsewhere.
You will have to actually write under your own byline if you’d like to establish your own expertise and build a reputation for yourself. You’ll need your own identity, voice, and tone.
4. Know the terms of the agreement
Ghostwriting can be confusing when you write some content as a ghostwriter and some under your byline- establish clear communication with the client as to avoid confusion. Contracts cover methods, plagiarism, deadlines, payment, royalties, copyrights, credit, confidentiality, and terminations.
5. You’ll need to understand and accept that you won’t be recognized for your work.
If you find the lack of recognition and appreciation for your hard work and effort upsetting, then ghostwriting may not be for you. By being a ghostwriter, one must get past this.
So, with all this being said, we can conclude that ghostwriting can be an excellent way to meet ends. Though at times, it may come with potential disappointments, risks, unmet expectations, and misdirection. It’s important to know as much as you can about everything before entering this world.
As for hiring one, that’s not always easy as well- however, the benefits of doing so could greatly improve the final result of your book if you feel that you need external assistance where your own literary abilities fall short, which is not something to be ashamed of at all either.
In conclusion, being a ghostwriter (and hiring one) comes with its own special conditions- however, navigating the process with proper knowledge and pre-researched insight would be the best course of action to take in order to ensure the best possible result for both parties involved in the contract.
Recent Comments