Most of us aren’t natural-born writers, so sometimes we must look to the experts for help. Whether you’re thinking about creating a book or blog or trying to build your social media following through better content, it can help to hire a ghostwriter. They’ll take care of everything from conceptualizing to writing, editing, and sometimes even posting.
The catch is this: only some ghostwriters are cut out for the job. Plus, chances are whatever you’re trying to produce is so personal and essential to you that it feels like your baby — and you don’t want to pass your baby off to any stranger.
First things first, you want to interview a few for the role. You can find them locally in your area, through word-of-mouth from friends/colleagues, or a simple Google or LinkedIn search.
Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few writers, ask these questions.
Questions to Ask your Ghostwriter
1. What do they know about the subject matter?
While your ghostwriter doesn’t need to know your topic from A to Z, if they’re starting from scratch, the project will likely take longer to research and thus be more costly.
You’ll need to know their knowledge base to understand how long it will take.
2. Have their books been published?
Many people write books that never get published, but you want someone who has done that. The publishing experience comes with its hurdles, so try to choose someone with experience in publication.
3. Can you see samples?
Just like we all speak differently, various writers have varying writing styles. Of course, a great ghostwriter can adopt different types based on the client, but seeing some samples of their work can help zero in on the competition.
When you look over the samples, assess whether they were able to adopt different voices or styles of writing because this will inform you whether they’ll be able to adopt yours.
4. What does the cost breakdown look like?
When hiring a ghostwriter, you’ll want to ask all of the questions related to their cost breakdown and payment expectations, including:
- How much they charge
- How is the rate calculated
- What’s included with their free
- Is it possible for the fee to increase over time
- When is payment due
- What does their end of the contract include
5. How do they communicate throughout the process?
Whether you’re looking for a more hands-on or hands-off role throughout the process, it’s crucial to understand how your ghostwriter will communicate with you.
Will you have weekly/monthly check-ins? Or will they be on their own to work on your project until the first deadline? Asking this question can give you a better idea of what to expect.
6. What is their timeline for finishing the project?
This is a tricky question because it can be hard to predict at the beginning stages. However, asking this can give you a sense of their availability, if they have other projects, and approximately how long things will take.
For example, with my book clients, my turnaround time is 90-days. But, on the other hand, my Master, your Manuscript Program is 120 days when I work with my book coaching clients.
7. Do they have testimonials from past clients?
If you’re not choosing a ghostwriter from someone who’s already been recommended, ask if they can provide some testimonials. While they may be anonymous (and you can run the risk of plagiarism), it can give you a sense of how many clients they’ve worked with and how their experience was working with a said ghostwriter.
Below, are the questions your ghostwriter should be asking you!
Since the rise in popularity of online content, it has become imperative for brands to become experts at creating and posting content. But what if you’re not a content expert?
That’s where ghostwriting comes in. Rather than trying to become a content master yourself, you can hire someone to do it for you. This person can work closely with you to help find your unique voice, match your tone, and write the types of content you want.
Here, I’m focusing on the questions they should ask you, because it can help ensure you find the right match to entrust with your writing project.
So whether you’re looking to hire a ghostwriter or are a ghostwriter looking to be hired, these questions can help ensure you find the right partnership.
1. “Why now?”
There could be any number of reasons as to why someone is now looking for a ghostwriter, but this question can help them discern your wants and needs.
2. Who and what is your market?
When it’s your brand or company, you know your market best. A potential ghostwriter can research it on their own, but it’s much more beneficial for them to get the in’s and out’s from you — the expert!
3. What are your publishing plans?
No matter if you’re looking to publish a book or if you’re publishing online content, there can be a lot of competition. If you’re planning to self-publish or if you’re using a literary agent or larger publisher, there will be different time expectations that your ghostwriter should be aware of.
4. What kind of format will your book be?
Will your content be solely written word, will it include graphics, and who will be in charge of that? Your ghostwriter should have a strong understanding of all of their responsibilities, especially if that includes photos/graphics.
5. What do you expect from me?
You want to have a good rapport with your ghostwriter, which includes them understanding your overall goals, and how much you expect them to handle. This includes how often you want them to check in with you, if you want to see drafts throughout the process, and more.
Resources
What type of Content Creator are you? Take the Quiz! – 4 different types of creators, which one are you?
Email: catherine@catherinenikkel.comNeed help telling your story in your own voice? Let’s make it happen. Schedule a consultation with me here
