Are you working on a book and planning to hire professional ghost writers?
If so, you’re at the right place!
Ghostwriters are globally recognized for their expertise and ability to create flawless written work for their clients.
These professional writers take the smallest idea or pitch and turn it into content and books.
While the concept of ghostwriting is well-known, these writers remain an unnoticeable part of the published work as they are known to maintain anonymity.
In their place, the client claims ownership and is credited as the author.
Multiple blogs and articles cover how professional ghost writers are beneficial for a project.
While that information is necessary to decide on availing of the service, there are other things one must know before beginning work with ghost writers.
There are complexities to working with ghostwriters. As compared to hiring someone, you are collaborating with these experts.
From task division to matters such as confidentiality and ownership, there should be open discussions between the client and the ghost writer regarding all matters.
To ensure a smooth sailing writing process, here are some ghostwriting Dos and Don’ts for clients:
1. Do: Clearly Define Your Expectations
While ghost writers are magicians when it comes to writing, sadly, they cannot read minds.
For a successful project, you should not just rely on the expertise of ghost writers but provide a similar amount of effort from your end.
Doing so begins with clearly communicating project goals and expectations.
When laying down ideas for the writing, be as elaborate as possible; even if there is a minute detail, mention it.
Often, clients have a clear vision in their mind but do not convey it effectively, which leads to a manuscript that is different from their idea.
One way to ensure all thoughts are communicated is maintaining documentation; recalling ideas on the spot can be difficult while conversing.
With a journal or document containing these details, clients ensure their ideas are conveyed and the ghost writers do not forget any pointers.
If there are any special requirements from the writers, it is best to discuss the matter in initial conversations rather than in the middle of the project.
Mentioning requirements later on may interfere with the project, and require revisions or changes that could have been easily avoided.
2. Don’t: Micromanage the Writing Process
Although clients pay and thus deserve involvement in the writing process, it is unfair to use that freedom wrongfully to micromanage everything.
When you work with professional ghost writers, their team takes sufficient time to understand your goals and create proposals and drafts.
Other than that, ghost writers share an estimated schedule, which tells when a client can expect updates or have meetings with the team.
As the client, you must be respectful towards the schedule and not become a hindrance to your project.
While remaining an active participant is necessary, clients should involve themselves in a way that isn’t overbearing.
Writers require space to ideate and write, it is part of their creative process.
If a client’s constant communication disrupts the creative flow, it can be problematic.
The right way to convey feedback and concerns is by checking the writer’s availability and having a meeting at an agreed time.
Ghostwriters work with hundreds of clients; they are well aware of the amount of support a project requires from their end.
Therefore, be respectful of the process and input of ghostwriters.
3. Do: Establish a Well-Defined Contract
No matter what ghostwriters you collaborate with, making a contract is necessary.
The contract serves as a legal agreement that protects the rights of both parties: the client and ghost writers.
Contracts help you clearly define your demands and arrangement in the documentation that guarantees their completion.
Under a ghostwriting contract, clauses focus on payments, duration, and rights over the written work.
The legal document ensures all transactions and matters between both parties are settled before the project is initiated.
4. Don’t: Neglect to Discuss Revisions and Feedback
As mentioned above, clients should trust the writer’s judgment.
However, it doesn’t mean abandoning the project for ghostwriters to manage alone.
Remember, professional ghost writers are only part of the project to do the client’s work; you need to be present to ensure it goes your way.
Do not dismiss updates from writers by saying, “I’m sure you know better”
Take time to read the drafts, compare the work to your vision, and suggest changes or approve accordingly.
When you follow the project at every step, there are almost no errors in the final manuscript and the outcome satisfies all expectations.
5. Do: Respect the Ghostwriter’s Expertise
The role of a ghostwriter isn’t limited to writing.
These writers are trained and experts in writing, publishing, and storytelling.
A ghostwriting process is never linear; the writer doesn’t listen to your ideas and creates the project immediately.
Often, the client’s ideas require refinement and development; some plot points or content need improvement.
In such instances, the ghostwriter would suggest ideas.
Instead of perceiving the suggestion as a dismissal of your ideas, the client should acknowledge the writer’s input as the latter only voices their concern for the betterment of the project.
6. Don’t: Claim Authorship Without Agreement
Who would receive authorship and credit?
Answering this question is necessary at the beginning of the project.
Clients must clarify ownership and credit in the contract to protect intellectual property.
Recently, many publishers and writers have been vocal about working with ghostwriters.
Before you disclose any information about your collaboration, keep the ghostwriters in the loop and ensure you have their consent to publicly share their details.
To Conclude
The key to a successful ghostwriting project is clear communication between clients and writers, whether it is about the project, ideas, agreements, or rights.
Taking the right measures maintains the final draft as your intellectual property, ensures ghostwriters receive their rightful compensation and helps in timely execution.
Therefore, be respectful, vocal, and actively present.
Knowing these Dos and Don’ts means you’re now prepared to work with ghostwriters!
Read More: Secret of Useful Content Ghostwriting: “Strategies and Tips”
