Hope Writes

Frequently Asked Ghostwriting Questions

Posted by Hope

Some of my recent visitors have never worked with a ghostwriter before. So I thought it fitting to compile a list of some of the most commonly asked questions about ghostwriting and then answer them. If I don’t answer your question here, leave it in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer it in a future post.

Frequently Asked Ghostwriting Questions

#1) What kind of qualifications should a ghostwriter possess? A competent ghostwriter should have some experience, at the very least. Some ghostwriters hold college degrees in English, journalism, etc. However, don’t be disillusioned into thinking a degree means that person has better talent than someone who doesn’t have a degree.

Overall, a good ghostwriter should:

• Reply to email or phone calls in a timely manner.
• Be courteous and friendly.
• Produce samples of previous work upon request.
• Work well with deadlines.
• Provide frequent updates if the project is a large one.

#2) How much should I expect to pay a ghostwriter? Rate of pay varies widely, as you’ll soon discover upon doing some research. That being said, a ghostwriter’s rates should usually reflect the amount of experience she has. If she is new, then her rates probably won’t be as high as one who has a decade or more experience.

Another thing that always surprises me is that some people purposefully seek out a “cheap” ghostwriter. In many cases, you get what you pay for. So if you’re looking for one that is less expensive, don’t complain if the work isn’t what you expected it to be.

#3) Why am I asked for full payment up front? Aren’t I taking a chance on him running off with my money and not producing the work I hired him for? Again, do your research before you decide to hire a ghostwriter. When you find a truly competent ghostwriter, you will more than likely be asked for payment in full before the project is started. At the very least you will be required to pay a deposit up front and then the rest when the project is completed (but before you receive the final product).

#4) What are some things I should look for when hiring a ghostwriter? When searching for a good ghostwriter, ask the following questions:

• How much experience does she have?
• Can he produce samples upon request?
• Does she have at least three references you could contact to inquire about her job ethics and performance?
• Have you seen his name in certain circles? If so, what kind of reputation has he built for himself?
• Can she work with you to map out a time line on when your project will be finished?

#5) What is the best way to work with a ghostwriter? This is a really good question that some don’t stop to think about. Working with a ghostwriter is more than hiring someone to write something and leaving it all up to him.

The first thing you need to do before you hire a ghostwriter is to be sure that you know exactly what you want in a final product. The worst thing for a ghostwriter is a client who changes their mind fifty times during the writing process. Not only is it frustrating for the ghostwriter, but it wastes an enormous amount of time. Know what you want before you hire a ghostwriter.

Second, you should provide as much information to your ghostwriter about the project as possible. One of my most favorite clients to date is one that knew precisely what he wanted in his book. When he hired me, he provided me with not only an outline and tentative title for his book, but also with copious notes and research he’d already conducted on the topic. I was able to write his book in record time because he knew what he wanted and he presented me with every bit of information he’d already collected.

Article writing is the same. I do not take on article writing clients any longer unless they provide me with the article titles, keywords, or topic idea that they want their articles written on. It simply makes for a more amiable and productive working relationship.

#6) Why are ghostwriting fees so expensive? One thing you have to remember about ghostwriters is that we do all the work, while you claim all the glory. “Ghost” means we are a silent and invisible part of the “writing.” As such, a greater price is required to compensate for this. You get a polished book ready for publication, with your name on the cover, and I simply get paid to write it.

#7) What is a specialist? A specialist is someone who is an expert in a specific area. Whereas a generalist tends to write on any subject. Ghostwriters who are just starting to build their career, or who don’t want to limit themselves to any certain topic are referred to as generalists. I’ve been a generalist up to this point in my career. Beginning in 2008, I will start specializing in writing about:

• Self-Improvement
• Writing
• Internet Marketing & Business
• Parenting & Family

As a last, closing thought, I’d like to remind you that clear communication is absolutely essential to working with any ghostwriter. The lines of communication must be open at all times, on both ends.

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Why You Should Hire A Ghostwriter To Write Your Book

Posted by Hope

Have you been thinking about writing a book? Have you been able to commit the time and energy required to making that dream a reality? If not, you should seriously consider hiring a ghostwriter to write your book for you. Here are a few reasons why:

• A ghostwriter write your book for you in a reasonable amount of time. How long have you been procrastinating your book idea? Weeks? Months? Years? When you find and hire a competent ghostwriter, you can make your book a reality. No more waiting and hoping that one day you’ll have free time to write it on your own.
• A ghostwriter can take your thoughts, ideas, notes, and research and turn it into a saleable book for you. Maybe you’ve already started the writing process by gathering copious notes and ideas on paper, but you haven’t had time to get beyond the research point of the process. A ghostwriter can turn your hours of research into a real book.
• A ghostwriter gets paid once. You earn all additional profits and royalties. Generally speaking, ghostwriters get paid up front for writing the book. Once the book is written, all rights are reverted to you. You, in turn, collect all earnings, royalties, etc. from the book.
• A ghostwriter helps you see your name on the cover of a book a lot quicker. There’s nothing worse than having a great book idea but not being able to write it yourself. Hiring a ghostwriter means your book gets written within a specific time frame. You take the book into the publishing phase and VOILA! Your name is on the cover of your book in no time at all.

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