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Friday, February 8, 2019
There are a lot of options out there if you are looking for a ghostwriter. I’m not the only one. I’m probably not the best, or the fastest, or the cheapest. If those are the things you’re looking for, let me save you the trouble, it’s probably not me. But if you’re looking for a good writer, who specializes in getting your voice down so the book sounds like you on your best day of writing, done on time, for the agreed upon price, then I’m your guy! 
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Ghostwriters are not one-size-fits-all though, and there are definitely some things to keep in mind when searching the world wide web for that just right ghostwriter. So, from my own business practices I’ve put together a few tips I think can save you time, money and heartache. They’re things I’ve heard from clients and other ghostwriters, and things I’ve also experienced as a self published author. Take it for what it’s worth, here is what I recommend. 

Find someone who cares about your story!

Sure, there are a lot of well credentialed ghostwriting teams out there. They’ve all got some guy from Harvard, or a New York Times bestselling editor. But, do they really care about your book? The reasons to write a book are so personal. Can you trust them with your story, or will they turn it into another pop-culture, literary fast food piece of junk that will be on the bargain table in a month? 
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The big firms are like any other big company. They operate on volume. They have a deep bench of writers. They crank out books like Ford cranks out cars, it’s an assembly line. They build formulas and models and templates. Sometimes this can even get you to the top of the charts, but those books frequently don’t have staying power. Are you looking for a flash in the pan, or a well written book that will stand the test of time? 

A sure fire way to tell who cares is how long they’ll talk before asking for money. If that’s the first thing, before they even know who you are, or what your story is about, please, do yourself a favor, and disconnect. Block that email, hang up the phone, whatever you have to do but please don’t go down that road. 

Find someone who will build a relationship with you. 

Ghostwriting is an incredibly intimate profession. There’s a reason that we sign Non-Disclosure Agreements and contracts and it’s not because everyone is out to steal your story. In the course of helping authors craft their books, I’ve literally been told, “I haven’t even shared that with my therapist,” more than once. In fact, I just had a client share potentially incriminating evidence about an event long ago that harmed no one, but still…
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To really write a book, you’ve got to bare your soul a bit. You’ve got to be willing to spill a little blood on the paper, and even if you’re not the one holding the pen, it gets real. It’s up to you who you want knowing those intimate details of your story. Make sure you trust them on a personal level. 

Make sure your writer really “gets” you

Sure, a cold, calculated professional can do an adequate job. But, tell the truth, can any surgeon ever approach the beauty of a Michelangelo in their work? Or a Davinci? In my own practice, I choose clients I want to spend time with, because your stories become a part of my life. They haunt me. I’ll be living with the knowledge of your life long past the point your book goes to press. That’s why my first interaction with any potential client is an interview, in which I decide whether to offer my services or not. Yes, I am for hire, but I am not for sale, and I don’t write for people that I do not feel will make the world a better place with their work. 

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Does that mean I have to be moved on a deep level? No, but I need to like you and believe in what you’re doing enough to take on your imagination, see through your eyes, and tell your story with my fingers, using your words and style. And, I’m told I’m really good at that. One reason is likely my background as a theatrical director and actor. I take on each client in a similar way to preparing for a role. I need to embody your story on some level. 

Get the contract right

Beyond just finding a writer you click with, you’ll need to know exactly what you’re getting. With a solo ghostwriter like myself, you’re probably getting a straight “work for hire”. That means I own nothing. I generally request the right to share untitled samples with future clients for marketing purposes, but once we’ve completed your book, it is yours. 
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Here are some things to watch out for. Some agencies ask for a percentage of sales, or royalties, in addition to their fee. They may also hold a claim over your work, story, or ideas if you decide not to complete the book with them. A true “ghostwriter” will sell you their sword. That’s it. We write, you publish (with our help if you choose) you reap the profit and royalties, we cash the check and find our next project. It’s as simple as that. 

Pay as you go

This should go without saying, but never pay in full up front, and don’t pay anything until you have a signed contract outlining your responsibilities and rights as an author, and the services, schedule and methods the writer is agreeing to abide by. In most cases, one third down is fairly standard. You shouldn’t pay the final installment until you have at least the first draft, depending on what services your ghostwriter is providing. 
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I often work with solopreneurs and people starting out in new careers, or expanding into fields such as public speaking. Be sure your contract is flexible enough to fit your ability to pay and availability for the workload. I allow changes with appropriate notice, many ghostwriters and ghostwriting agencies do not. 

Read their samples and ask questions

Any freelancer who’s been at it long enough has likely had their work presented by another “writer” as their own. I’ve been sent articles and blog posts that I know damn well I wrote, from people who were looking for a writer and ended up with a scam artist who sent them my work as samples. Read the samples. Go with your gut. Do you like the writing style and energy? Did the writer provide several samples, of differing style to show use of multiple voices? How did it feel to you? 
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Never feel pressured to use a writer just because they are with a great company, or  have an amazing resume. If the samples don’t feel right, ask for more, or politely decline, but this is your book, not theirs, no matter how many bestsellers they’ve published. Ask them to explain the samples, and if they seem unsure, move on. There are plenty of writers available. 

Take a little time, but not too long

I suggest clients at least think about it overnight. It’s a big commitment. You’re going to spend a lot of money (for most people) on this, and you’re committing a lot of time and energy, even though we ghostwriters do the heavy lifting. But, remember, if your writer is good, they’re also in demand. Once you’ve decided to write, it’s best to start, and a good ghostwriter won’t be available for long. 
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So, why does it matter if you wait? Waiting a little while is a good idea. See if your writer can wait a day. If they seem desperate or anxious, ask why. If you wait too long, it’s likely you’ll lose the urge. Yes, I know you’ve wanted to do this forever, that’s precisely why it can wait. It’s waited before, but once committed, I’ve never had an author not complete their project with me. 

Ask questions, educate yourself and be comfortable before you pull the trigger

Ghostwriting is a tough job, not everyone can do it, but, Iike I said, I’m not the only one, and neither is that agency telling you they are. Be sure you’re reasonably comfortable before signing a contract. Read it thoroughly and know your way out if you decide it’s not a good fit. There is always more than one way to get your book written, and although you’ll probably be nervous, you should also be excited. 
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When you find the right fit, go for it. I’ve never had a single client ever say they regretted writing a book. The process is so revealing and enlightening and the outcome brings rewards in ways you’re not imagining now. So, make a smart choice and then jump. You won’t be sorry you did.