Ghostwriting FAQ's

What does a ghostwriter do?

A ghostwriter works 'behind the scenes', creating the text of articles, web copy, and books.

In my practice, I work by doing a series of interviews, looking at research materials you've provided, gathering additional research as needed, and creating a first draft.  At this point, you read the work, and highlight areas where you'd like changes made. I make the revisions, and then the project is yours to do with as you'd like.

I do not guarantee publication.  I am certainly more than willing to help a client seek publication, by preparing book proposals, soliciting agents, and preparing manuscripts for submission.

What are your rates like?

For smaller projects, I work on an hourly basis.  After our initial consultation, after I've learned of the size and scope of the project you're considering, I will prepare a written estimate for your consideration. 

Larger projects are handled on a case by case basis.  These are generally done for a flat fee, or in rare instances on a percentage of advance/royalty payments from your publisher.

For new clients, I require a 50% deposit before beginning a new project.  After a business relationship has been established, I am willing to bill for my services.  Bills are issued on the first of the month, and are due within ten business days.

A very limited number of priority clients can secure my services on a retainer basis.  I need to work with a client for at least a year before this option is available.

Why do you only work with business professionals?

There are a number of reasons that I limit my practice to business professionals. 

My personal background is in business, and I am well versed in the terms and philosophies common to this sector.  This enables me to turn in a higher quality product more efficiently and effectively than I could in an area where I had no previous knowledge -- medicine or astronomy, for example. 

It's work I enjoy, constantly filled with new challenges and fascinating things. 

What about fiction? Do you ghostwrite novels and stories?

No.  As I write my own fiction, I am not willing to ghostwrite someone else's story.

What about family memoirs?

The best family memoirs are written by people who are actually in the family.  No one else is as close or knows things as intimately as the parties involved. 

That being said, on very rare instances I will consider a family memoir project.  These projects are those that are historically interesting.

Please note that I charge by the hour for family memoir projects.  The total cost to have me write your family memoir can easily run into several thousand dollars.

How do I know you won't steal my ideas and write your own article/book?

Stealing ideas is bad business.  I would quickly have no practice at all if I were planning to capitalize on other's ideas to generate my own articles and books. 

Stealing ideas is also not nearly as profitable as people think it is.  I have no interest in a one-time windfall based on someone else's creativity.  I'd much prefer an honest, long-term working partnership that is mutually profitable -- and I've found my clients think the same way!

How do I know you won't sell my ideas to my competition?

For all the reasons outlined in the previous question, plus the fact that I really don't want to get sued!  In fact, I won't write for any two people in the same market segment at the same time. 

What does this mean?  If you're a marketing specialist who focuses on the food and beverage industry, for example, and you're my client, for the duration of our working relationship, I will not work for any other marketing specialists who focus on the food and beverage industry.  If you're a tax accountant who wants to do a book about off-shore investing, I will not contract with any other tax accountants who want to do projects about off-shore investing.

Will the public find out I'm using a ghostwriter?

Not unless you tell them!  In my standard agreement, there is a confidentiality clause.  This clause dictates that I will at no time disclose our working relationship, unless required to do so by a court of law. 

Do you have references?

I do.  If you're serious about retaining me as your ghost writer, and want to check references, I have a list of references you can check with.  I also have hundreds of articles I've written under my own by-line available for your inspection at any time.