Ghostwriting a novel sounds easy and fun, but finding the right ghostwriter is difficult. There are various things to consider before hiring one. It means that the idea behind your novel and the writing style of the ghostwriter should match. There are various reasons why authors fail to find the right ghostwriter which will be explained in the upcoming blog posts but now let’s concentrate on certain things as an author or a client you need to check before hiring a ghostwriter.

Introduction

So, you’re thinking about hiring a ghostwriter for your next novel. Writing a novel is no walk in the park, and sometimes you just need a little extra help. But before you go and hire the first ghostwriter there are a few things you should check. Trust me, you don’t want to end up with a ghostwriter who thinks “romance” means candlelit dinners or just a mixture of a few erotic scenes. So, let’s dive into the checklist, shall we?

Determine Your Writing Needs

So, firstly let’s say you have finalized a few ghostwriters. But before you embark on this collaborative journey, there are a few things you should definitely consider. 

First and foremost, you need to identify the genre and style of your novel. Genre means you have to decide whether it is going to be a thriller or romance. Now you cannot say to your ghostwriter ‘I am thinking of romance and then you changed your mind to thriller.

So you have to decide whether it is a steamy romance or a gripping thriller. Perhaps a fantasy epic or a literary masterpiece? Knowing the genre will help you find a ghostwriter who is experienced in that specific area. And let’s not forget about the style! Are you going for lyrical prose or punchy dialogue? Knowing your preferred style will make it easier to find a ghostwriter who can capture your vision. 

Next, you need to decide on the length and complexity of your story. Are you aiming for a short novella or a series? The complexity of your story will also determine the amount of research required. If your novel involves intricate historical details or scientific concepts, you’ll need a ghostwriter who has the subject matter expertise to do justice to your vision. 

Finally, consider any specific research or subject matter expertise required for your novel. Maybe you’re writing a crime thriller and you need someone who knows all about forensic procedures. Or perhaps you’re crafting a historical romance and you need a ghostwriter who is well-versed in that particular era. Whatever it is, make sure to communicate your research needs to potential ghostwriters. By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect ghostwriter for your next novel.

Evaluate the Ghostwriter’s Experience

There are a few things you need to consider when evaluating a ghostwriter’s experience. Firstly, review their portfolio and sample works. This will give you a good idea of their writing style and whether it aligns with your vision for your novel. After all, you don’t want someone who writes in a completely different genre or style. That would be like hiring a jazz musician to play heavy metal – not exactly a match made in heaven. 

Ghostwriters cannot show you their previous works sample, then how? Most ghostwriters carry samples in other words their own short stories or samples developed from prompts which will give you an idea about what type of genre the ghostwriter is famous for.

Next, assess their experience in your specific genre or niche. Different genres require different skills and knowledge, so it’s important to find a ghostwriter who understands your concept and ideas. You wouldn’t want a romance writer to tackle your sci-fi epic unless you want to end up with a love story set in outer space! 

Furthermore, check their track record and client feedback. Have they successfully completed similar projects in the past? Do they have happy clients who rave about their work? Remember, you want someone reliable and professional, not someone who leaves a trail of disappointed authors in their wake. So take your time, review their portfolio, assess their experience, and check their track record and client feedback. Trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end. 

Set Clear Expectations

Before you hand over your precious project to just anyone with a pen (or a keyboard), there are a few things you need to check. First things first, you need to define the scope of the project. Are you looking for a short novella or an epic saga? Will your story be a heartwarming romance or a thrilling mystery? The genre and style of your novel will play a crucial role in selecting the right ghostwriter.  You have to set clear expectations on the above points so that you can convey them to the ghostwriter.

Next up, let’s talk about deadlines. How soon do you want your masterpiece to be completed? Discussing the timeline with your ghostwriter is important to ensure that your expectations align with their availability. Establishing clear channels of feedback and staying in touch throughout the writing process is vital. After all, you don’t want to end up with a finished product that looks nothing like what you had in mind.

Discuss Pricing and Contracts

Discussing pricing and contracts with a ghostwriter can be a tricky situation. You wouldn’t want to start the conversation by saying, “Hey, how much are we talking about here?” That would be too forward, right? 

Firstly, inquire about their pricing structure. You want to understand how they charge for their services. Is it based on word count, project complexity, or a flat fee? Get all the details so you’re not left feeling like you’ve been taken for a ride. Once you have a sense of their pricing, it’s time to negotiate your budget and payment terms. 

Remember, you’re hiring them to bring your novel to life, not bankrupt you in the process. Be upfront about what you can afford and see if there’s room for flexibility. And please, for the love of literature, have a signed contract in place. This will protect both parties and clearly outline the expectations, deadlines, and payment terms. Don’t rely on a verbal agreement or a vague handshake. Get it in writing!  Discussing pricing and contracts may not be the most exciting part of the ghostwriting process, but it’s essential. So be confident, ask the right questions, and establish a solid foundation for your collaboration. Because nothing kills the creative vibe faster than a financial dispute. Trust me on that one.

Ensure Compatibility and Communication

Finding a ghostwriter who understands your vision and can communicate effectively is crucial for the success of your novel. So, before you hire one, it’s essential to take a few steps to ensure compatibility and smooth communication.

Firstly, have a conversation or arrange a meeting with the prospective ghostwriter. I would mainly suggest a Zoom call or google meet for the first 3 meetings at least. This will give you a chance to gauge their personality and professionalism. After all, you don’t want to work with someone who thinks “LOL” is an appropriate response to your serious literary questions. During this discussion, delve into their understanding of your vision and goals for the novel. You don’t want a ghostwriter who completely misinterprets your ideas and turns your thrilling crime novel into a cheesy romance. Furthermore, building rapport is crucial. Chemistry is not just for romantic comedies; it matters in professional relationships too. Trust your gut feeling when assessing if you and the ghostwriter vibe well together. If you find their jokes annoying or their pet peeves clash with yours, it might be an unproductive partnership.

 Effective communication is the backbone of any successful collaboration. Make sure the ghostwriter is responsive, open to feedback, and willing to keep you in the loop throughout the writing process. You don’t want to be left in the dark, wondering if your ghostwriter has disappeared into thin air like a character from their unfinished mystery novel. In the quest for the perfect ghostwriter, compatibility, and communication are key. Take the time to engage in meaningful conversations, assess understanding, and establish a strong rapport. After all, the success of your novel depends on finding a ghostwriter who can bring your vision to life effectively.

Protect Your Intellectual Property

Protecting your intellectual property is of utmost importance. You don’t want your brilliant novel idea stolen and turned into a bestseller by someone else, right? So, make sure to discuss confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with the ghostwriter. That way, they won’t blab about your plot twists at dinner parties. Additionally, maintain ownership rights and copyright by clearly stating that the work belongs to you. And hey, don’t forget to clarify any terms regarding credit, meaning will you involve the ghostwriter’s name anywhere? You deserve recognition for your masterpiece, or maybe you prefer to remain the mysterious genius behind it all. The choice is yours! The NDA and the work contract are 2 different things, and make sure you have 2 contracts in place. Sometimes the freelance contract will have a clause of NDA, but I advise against it. More on contracts will be up in the following blog posts.

Conclusion

Writing a book is complex and takes more time and patience. Hiring a ghostwriter is a fun and easy way to get life to your novel, but trust me selecting one is a tedious process. It took me 3 years to pen down what expectations clients have when hiring a ghostwriter and what they need to see before hiring one. Hope this article throws some light on it. If you are someone who is thinking of hiring make sure all the above points are met and then proceed forward.

Before you go off and hire a ghostwriter for your next novel, remember these key points: 

1. Determine your writing needs – genre, style, length, and research requirements.

2. Evaluate the ghostwriter’s experience – check their portfolio, experience in your genre, and client feedback. 

3. Set clear expectations – scope of the project, deadline, and communication process. 

4. Discuss pricing and contracts – inquire about pricing, negotiate a budget, and sign a contract. 

5. Ensure compatibility and communication – have a conversation, assess understanding, and establish rapport. 

6. Protect your intellectual property – discuss confidentiality, ownership rights, and terms regarding credit or anonymity. 

Now you’re ready to find the perfect ghostwriter for your next masterpiece! Good luck!

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