Table of Contents
1. What is ghostwriting, and what is a ghostwriter?
2. What is a freelance ghostwriter, and what do they do?
3. Why should you consider becoming one?
4. How do you become one?
5. What is a typical rate for ghostwritten books?
6. What kinds of fees can they ask for?
7. How do you come to a fair agreement about a writing project?
8. Final recommendations
1. What is ghostwriting, and what is a ghostwriter?
Ghostwriting, also referred to as ghost writing, is the term used define the writing produced by writers-for-hire who take payment, but none of the credit for the work produced. The writing may include book manuscripts, short stories, scripts for TV shows, screenplays for films, or music, lyrics and soundtracks.
A ghostwriter, or ghost writer as it is often written, is the name of the writer who the original writer, or author, hires as a freelance writer to produce copywriter work for a fee. The original writer or author takes all the credit for all the new work produced, including all the writing produced by the ghostwriter.
They are usually paid in advance of completing the project, and receive their payment as a “work for hire” job. This job is unique in that even though they are the primary writer, they assume none of the credit for their work.
This may sound odd, illegal or unethical, but it’s a common practice. When someone wants to create new copy for a website, a ghostwriter may be hired to rewrite it. In fact, there are many similar jobs such as writing ad or business copy, or supplying new or rewritten material for personal or professional use.
In short, they are is hired primarily as a professional freelance writer, in order to produce high quality copy writing, and so that the writing reads professionally and smoothly.
2. What is a freelance ghostwriter, and what do they do?
A freelance ghostwriter is often the only source you may find to craft sparkling, well-written website or other professional copy for decent, low cost fees.
You can hire one to bring this about, either as a contracted employee, or as a freelance writer paid specifically for the job at hand. Inquiring into their services can lead you over to freelance writers, or to a commercial publishing house which uses in-house ghostwriters.
Ghostwriters can be work for hire to write books for people. In such cases, the author of the book is the person who hires them, not the ghostwriter, unless the book author chooses to share credit. In this case, the ghostwriter may be listed as a coauthor or the “editor” of the book, and this is generally also mentioned on the acknowledgements page.
Sometimes, “As told to ….” is used, with the name of the ghostwriter listed on the book cover. This may occur when well-known ghostwriters are used by either famous or newbie book authors, or for advertising purposes.
3. Why should you consider becoming one?
This particular form of writing can certainly be lucrative. Even when the economy is slow, there is always room in the writing profession for a new freelance ghostwriter. Once you learn how to handle its ins and outs, it can become a sustainable career. In the end, you must also deal with your clients as a professional ghostwriter, editor, marketer or publisher should.
4. How do you become one?
In order to become a professional ghostwriter, you should first gain experience as a freelance writer. This may include having books published under your own name, or expertise at writing website and other types of copy for individuals, groups and businesses.
5. What is a typical ghostwriting rate for books?
Book ghostwriters often work for high sums of money. However, with competition standards increasingly set by third world countries such as India and China, and bidding service agencies looking for the lowest bid on writing projects, this is not always true.
But in many cases, honest editing or writing fees of $3,000 to $35,000 are charged by a professional book ghostwriter. These fees range depending on whether the work in question involves book editing, doctoring, rewriting, coaching or providing ideas and notes.
The rate charged also often depends on the total world length of the finished manuscript. Costs and fees may be charged either hourly, per word, or per segment of the entire project. They are hired by a book author to produce exceptional quality, polished and expert writing. This may involve three to six months of work on a single project. They are generally hired for the quality of their work, not for the “name game” or notoriety of a famous book author.
6. What kinds of fees can they ask for?
Ghostwriters may choose to take more affordable fees when a book is likely to sell widely, as they may also earn fees from the net profits of the work.
For example, they may be paid $10,000 during the course of completion for the book manuscript. This amount might come entirely from a book publisher advance. They may also get 5-15% of the net profits as the book is sold over time, potentially with a ceiling cap on what the they are able to earn.
Ghostwriters are professional writers and editors, so if you are planning using their services, you should be prepared to spend at least some money under most circumstances
The net percentage from book sales fee is often used when the book is:
- by a popular celebrity or well-known individual
- about a timely or newsworthy event
- guaranteed to be commercially (not self or indie) published
- certain to sell at high profits
Business books for elite firms may also fall into this category. Sometimes, the ghostwriter may take a lower fee if credit is shared with the author. Again, this is suggested solely when the book is likely to sell, or the ghostwriter wants to include his or her name on the cover for reason of better sales, prestige, credit, or possibly advertising for them.
7. How do you come to a fair agreement about a writing project?
There are many kinds of deals a ghostwriter can “cut” with a book author to produce a fair agreement for both parties. This process should involve drafting a proper, legal writing contract with the author.
It is of course of utmost importance that this contract is fair and the terms and conditionally are mutually agreed upon by both parties. In most cases, full copyright for all original material in the book is assigned to the author, no matter whether the book writer or the book author has created it.
8. Final recommendations
Answering the question what is a ghostwriter, no matter what you already know, should entail your fullest possible research and concern.
About the Author
I’m Karen S. Cole, book ghost, editor and marketer since 2003. Hire a professional to write or edit at Ghost Writer, Inc. GWI has 200+ ghosts, editors and marketers, including 1000s of industry contacts. Call (425) 205-9707 – leave a detailed message anytime!
