“So you are a ghostwriter, you write about ghosts or what”

This is one of the few sentences or you might say judgemental sentences I get to hear when I say that I am a ghostwriter. The reason why people do not know about ghostwriting is 40 to 60% of the population thinks that ghostwriting is not a legit type of work. But let me tell you just like you provide services like writing for Blog or copywriting, ghostwriting is also a type of writing service.

Before we move forward I would like to put forward what is ghostwriting in simple words, “ghostwriting is a writing service where you write for a client and the client gets the name on the project and your name is not mentioned anywhere but you get paid monetary wise or through referrals for the service you have provided.” 

 The concept of ghostwriting is not a recent thing or a recent trend it has been in the market for a long time

 The reason I got into ghostwriting is that Rookie me thought that the longer or the long-form content I provide the more I get paid, so I started writing novels and ebooks for my clients in order to earn more money. Later on, I enjoyed writing stories and developing prompts into a full-fledged novel. Therefore I continued working as a ghostwriter.  Currently, there are 30 + books and 15 fictional novels written by me, and still counting. 

I have been writing especially ghostwriting for 4 + years now. I always learn something new from each of my clients. There is a mistake I do every time I sign a client. These question keeps running inside my brain nonstop,

“Damn, why did he/she sign me?

“I am even capable of completing the project”

“Should I charge less or more?”

As a ghostwriter, the opportunity to bring someone else’s stories and ideas to life can be both exciting and rewarding. However, before embarking on this creative journey, it’s crucial to tread carefully and consider several essential factors. From ensuring a clear understanding of the client’s expectations to establishing a fair compensation structure, a responsible ghostwriter must navigate potential challenges with foresight and professionalism. This article delves into six vital considerations every ghostwriter should ponder before signing a client, providing invaluable insights to help writers make informed decisions and foster successful collaborations in the world of literature.

Worry not, this article will definitely help you scale at least 1% so that you make visible progress.

Understanding the Client’s Expectations

Ghostwriting is not all rainbows and unicorns in this realm of invisible creativity. Understanding the client’s expectations is like decoding an ancient script. Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it! First and foremost, ask for a clear brief from your client. This will help you understand their vision and save you from wandering in the dark.

Next, establish the project scope and deliverables. You don’t want to end up writing an entire novel when they only wanted a blog post.

Lastly, agree on deadlines. Now this can be tricky because clients have a tendency to expect you to be a literary superhero, but let’s be realistic here. So, dear ghostwriter, before you plunge into the thrilling world of spectral writing, make sure you have a firm grasp of your client’s expectations. After all, it’s better to have a crystal clear understanding than to haunt yourself with confusion later on. 

Determining the Client’s Tone and Style

One of the most crucial aspects is determining the client’s tone and style. Sure, you could just guess and hope for the best, but that’s a recipe for disaster. So, how can you avoid being haunted by a mismatched writing style? 

First of all, take the time to read samples of the client’s previous work if they have any. This will give you a good idea of their preferred tone and style. Are they all about witty banter or more formal and serious? Once you’ve done your homework, it’s time to have a conversation with the client. 

If they don’t have any writing style to show you, chatting with them directly will give you valuable insights into their preferences, helping you to nail their desired tone and style. Remember, as a ghostwriter, you’re essentially a chameleon, adapting your writing to suit each client’s unique voice. With a little research and open communication, you’ll be well on your way to becoming every client’s dream ghostwriter. But hey, no pressure, right? Ghostwriting is a piece of cake… a cake that’s invisible and shadowy, but a cake nonetheless. So, put on your detective hat and get ready to uncover the secrets of your client’s tone and style.

Assessing the Research and Interview Requirements

As a ghostwriter, it’s crucial to assess the research and interview requirements before signing the client. After all, you don’t want to be caught off guard when you’re knee-deep in a project that requires more research than you initially anticipated. So, let’s dive into the key points you need to consider in this process. 

First, identify the extent of research needed. Is it a simple article that requires a quick Google search, or a complex book that demands intensive academic research? Understanding this will help you schedule your time and resources accordingly. 

Next, determine if interviews are necessary. Will you need to talk to industry experts, or will all the information be provided by the client? Interviews can add depth and credibility to your work, but they also require time and coordination, so make sure you’re prepared for that. Lastly, discuss accessibility to relevant resources. Are you expected to have access to certain databases or archives? Do you need the client to provide you with specific materials? Understanding what resources you have at your disposal will impact the quality and accuracy of your writing.

Remember, being thorough in assessing these requirements will save you from unforeseen headaches down the road. Plus, it will help you manage your time and ensure you deliver top-notch content to your clients. Make sure to add the complexity of the research in your agreement as well.

Clarifying the Ghostwriting Agreement

As a ghostwriter, it’s essential to clarify the agreement with your client to avoid any misunderstandings down the line. This includes discussing confidentiality and attribution, which are vital aspects of ghostwriting. You need to ensure that both you and the client are on the same page regarding the level of confidentiality required. After all, you don’t want your words popping up with someone else’s name attached to them!

Additionally, agreeing on payment terms is crucial. You should establish how much you’ll be compensated for your hard work and when payments will be made. On the other hand, it is always a good idea to break the project into smaller milestones, so you receive partial payments along the way. This way, you’ll have some assurance that your efforts are not in vain. Remember, don’t be shy about discussing these key points with your client. Being transparent about your expectations and understanding theirs will ensure a smooth working relationship. After all, who wants surprises when it comes to payment or getting credit for their work? So, have those conversations, get those agreements in writing.

Managing Revisions and Feedback

Managing revisions as a ghostwriter is a stressful aspect of the job. And the joy of receiving feedback on your carefully crafted work. Establishing a clear revision process is essential to ensure that both you and the client are on the same page. Set specific guidelines on how many rounds of revisions are included in your services. After all, you’re not a bottomless pit of edits, right?

And speaking of pits, let’s discuss setting boundaries for client feedback. It’s important to clarify that while constructive criticism is welcomed, receiving feedback at 3 am might not be. Establish specific communication channels and working hours to avoid turning into a 24/7 ghostwriting hotline. Remember, you have a life too! Trust me, it’s good to have boundaries – both professional and ghostly. Since as a ghostwriter, we cannot really name our clients, a medium like email testimonials works wonders.

Considering the Time Commitment

Time Commitment is not as complicated as it sounds. Evaluating whether you can meet the client’s deadlines is like playing a game of mental gymnastics. Can you really squeeze in those extra hours, sacrifice a few more hours of sleep, and still manage to deliver on time? It’s a tough call, my friend. But wait, there’s more! Assessing your own availability and workload is like tip-toeing through a minefield. Are you already juggling multiple projects and barely keeping your head above water?

Adding another client to the mix might just send you crashing down into a never-ending abyss of stress. So, before you sign on that dotted line, take a moment to contemplate the gravity of your current commitments and evaluate if you can handle the workload. Trust me, you don’t want to find yourself drowning in deadlines and buried under a mountain of unfinished tasks. And that’s it! Just remember, evaluating deadlines and assessing your own availability are crucial steps in determining whether you should take on a ghostwriting client.

Conclusion

So you’ve made it to the end of this thrilling blog on things to consider as a ghostwriter before signing a client. Congratulations! To sum it all up in a neat little package of wisdom, remember the following key points: – Clear communication, clear brief – Understand the client’s tone and style, because plagiarism is not cool (unless you’re writing a term paper) – Discuss and clarify the ghostwriting agreement because surprises are better left for birthdays – Assess the research and interview requirements because you’re not a mind reader (unless you are, then please reveal your secrets) – Managing revisions and feedback is like walking on a tightrope – Consider your time commitment because you do need to sleep and eat (apparently) – And that’s it! Happy ghostwriting! If I were you, I would hurry up and use all this newfound knowledge to sign up those clients like there’s no tomorrow. Your ghostwriting career awaits!

If you have anything that I left behind, please do share it below, I am sure someone needs it more than you.