SAMPLING FROM: How to use a Ghostwriter Effectively
This is a sampling of the content in How to use a Ghostwriter Effectively (M1-S103)
How to NEGOTIATE YOUR OPTIONS in a Ghostwriter Agreement
Helping a writer collect and organise their thoughts into a clear message is a talent rooted in the respected craft of ghostwriting. If you need help creating some content, you might consider bringing on a ghostwriter. A skilled wordsmith can help you out with all sorts of tasks. If you don’t have the skills or time to write a book yourself, you might want to consider hiring a ghostwriter to take care of it for you.
In this lesson, we’re going to chat about the different types of options you might want to think about when it comes to your Ghostwriter Agreement. Just a heads up, the info here isn’t legal advice. It’s more of a nudge to think about chatting with an intellectual property solicitor or attorney. Trust me, it could save you a bunch of money down the line if you find yourself in a dispute.
Questions to Ask Yourself that May Help
It’s really important to ask the right questions before you sign a ghostwriter agreement. This way, you can make sure your creative vision is protected and that your investment is safe too. When you clarify expectations right from the start, it helps everyone understand the scope of work, timelines, and responsibilities. This way, you can really cut down on any chance of misunderstandings or disappointments down the line. Talking about financial arrangements right from the start gives you peace of mind. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying, when those payments are due, and if there are any extra costs or royalties to consider. This helps you steer clear of unexpected surprises and lets you plan with assurance.
It’s also super important to protect your legal and creative rights. It’s a good idea to ask about ownership, confidentiality, and credit to make sure your intellectual property, privacy, and reputation are protected. It’s a good idea to think ahead about possible challenges like delays, disagreements, or early termination. Make sure to clarify how these situations will be managed fairly in the agreement. Asking questions goes beyond just managing risks; it really helps build trust and creates a solid professional relationship. When both sides come together, it’s all about having clarity, respect, and a shared understanding.
In the end, asking detailed questions really helps you feel more at ease. You’re stepping ahead with confidence, knowing your project is set up for success, your ideas are safe, and the final result will truly show what you intended. Basically, asking questions before you sign isn’t just a box to check — it’s an important part of making sure everything goes well and that the results align with what you have in mind.
Scope of Work
- What type of content will the ghostwriter be producing (book, articles, speeches, blogs, etc.)?
- How detailed is the outline or concept expected before writing begins?
- Who is responsible for providing background research, interviews, and source material?
- Is editing and revisions included in the ghostwriter’s role, or will that be handled separately?
- How many drafts or revisions are included in the agreement?
- Will the ghostwriter provide publishing support (query letters, submissions, formatting)?
- Does the scope include promotional materials (blurbs, social posts, summaries)?
- Is the ghostwriter expected to meet with third parties (agents, editors, publishers)?
- Are interviews with the client or other people included, and how many hours?
- What is specifically excluded from the ghostwriter’s responsibilities?
Timeline & Deadlines
- What is the overall timeline for completion of the project?
- Are there specific milestone deadlines (outline, first draft, final draft)?
- What happens if deadlines are missed (by either side)?
- How much time will the client have to review drafts and provide feedback?
- Is there a “rush fee” if the project needs to be expedited?
Payment Terms
- What is the total project cost or fee structure (flat fee, hourly, per word)?
- Are payments tied to milestones or deadlines?
- Is a deposit or retainer required upfront?
- How are additional expenses (travel, transcription, research fees) handled?
- Are late payments subject to penalties or interest charges?
- What payment methods are accepted?
- Is the ghostwriter entitled to royalties, or is it strictly work-for-hire?
- If royalties apply, what percentage and how will accounting be handled?
Rights & Ownership
- Who owns the copyright of the finished work?
- Does the ghostwriter retain any rights to reuse, publish, or reference the work?
- Will the ghostwriter receive credit, partial credit, or remain anonymous?
- If credited, what form will the credit take (co-author, “with,” acknowledgements)?
- Can the ghostwriter use excerpts for their portfolio or promotional purposes?
- Are moral rights waived, or can the ghostwriter object to modifications later?
Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure
- Is there a confidentiality or NDA clause to protect sensitive material?
- How long does the confidentiality obligation last?
- Does the NDA cover all communications or only draft manuscripts?
- What are the consequences if confidentiality is breached?
Client Responsibilities
- What materials, information, or access must the client provide?
- How quickly must the client respond to questions or drafts?
- Will the client provide fact-checking or is that expected from the ghostwriter?
- Who approves final drafts before submission or publication?
Revisions, Termination & Disputes
- How many rounds of revisions are included in the fee?
- What qualifies as a “major” versus “minor” revision?
- Can either party terminate the contract early? If so, under what conditions?
- What compensation is owed if the project is terminated midway?
- Who owns partial drafts if the contract is terminated early?
- Is there a dispute resolution process (mediation, arbitration, court)?
- Which jurisdiction’s law governs the contract?
Credit & Marketing
- Will the ghostwriter’s name appear anywhere on the published work?
- Can the ghostwriter discuss the project after publication (e.g., in interviews)?
- Is the client required to acknowledge the ghostwriter in marketing or PR?
- Can the ghostwriter add the project to their résumé, website, or portfolio?
Other Legal & Practical Considerations
- Are indemnification clauses included (e.g., for plagiarism or defamation)?
- Who is responsible for securing publishing contracts or agents?
- What happens if the project is delayed indefinitely (client stalls, etc.)?
- Does the agreement cover updates, sequels, or follow-on projects?
- Are there exclusivity clauses preventing the ghostwriter from working on similar projects?
- Is insurance required (e.g., professional liability)?
- Is the contract assignable, or must it remain between the two parties?
PDF Workbook Instructions
Download your PDF workbook and save it to your a folder you have created on your computer specifically for saving your ideas, so you can refer to it again and again.
This interactive PDF workbook provides a convenient platform for directly typing and organising your ideas.
Open the interactive PDF workbook in a PDF viewer and type your answers in.
You can print your PDF workbook out (be sure to select· scale size to fit your printer setting) and place them into your ideas binder.
Open the interactive PDF workbook in a PDF viewer and type your answers in.
Want More?
Are you interested in learning more after giving the sampling a go? Are you interested in picking up some new skills and finding out how to assess a Ghost-Writer or Co-Authoring service, along with what a reasonable fee looks like?
How To Use a Ghostwriter Effectively (M1-S103)
If you’re looking for a more focused learning experience, this option could be just what you need.
This course is all about helping you find the perfect ghostwriter or co-authoring service for your book, so you can steer clear of any ownership and intellectual property rights issues. One of the big downsides of ghostwriting is that there isn’t a set process, and each ghostwriter has their own approach. That’s why it’s super important to know what’s really important and what isn’t.
You’ll get 10 lessons that let you learn at your own pace and go over the material as often as you need to really grasp the concepts.