For your information and convenience, here are the most common questions and concerns about having your book written by a professional ghostwriter:
Q: How much is this going to cost me? That depends on many factors, including: the length of the book, how much (if any) material exists, how much research will be required, number of interviews that need to take place, etc. Fees can vary greatly, but the range for a full-length, non-fiction (50,000 – 70,000 word) book is generally $25,000 - $45,000. (Assuming there are no co-author credits or royalty arrangements).
Note: Consider the fact that your book is usually the exclusive, full-time job of the ghostwriter for 6 months or more. (That’s 6 months you don’t have to spend writing!)
Q: What can I expect for those fees? (See “Client’s Bill of Rights,” attached) You’ll get the full-length, completed book you want, written to your specifications, along with 2 or 3 revisions. The client gets the book and the ghostwriter remains completely anonymous. (Some ghostwriters may reduce their fee for a possible royalty split, but that’s much less common).
Q: How long will the book take? Again, it depends on the project. Generally speaking, a full-length book takes 4 – 6 months to ghostwrite.
Q: Does the ghostwriter get a credit on the book? If it’s truly ghostwritten, then no, the writer does not receive any kind of credits. Depending on the arrangement, a co-author or “with” credit could be negotiated. If so, the fee structure usually changes or decreases.
Q: How much will I need to be involved? In most cases, you’ll only need to supply access to you and your information. Weekly phone interviews and occasional feedback/approvals are typically all that is required. A good ghostwriter works independently, providing as much or as little interaction as you’re comfortable with.
Q: What will I need to supply to the ghostwriter? Very simply: time, information and feedback. Weekly interviews may be all that’s needed.
Q: Will the ghostwriter also develop a book proposal? The ghostwriter can create a full book proposal, if necessary. However, this is a major project in itself – and requires additional fees.
Q: What should I look for in a ghostwriter? The best ghostwriters are professional, dependable, discrete, collaborative, supportive and deadline-oriented. Most important, the ideal writer does exactly what he says he’s going to do! Obviously, chemistry and a good “fit” are important.
Q: Will the ghostwriter provide references? A pro will always provide references and will usually come recommended from a trusted source.
Q: Will the ghostwriter help me find a publisher? The ghostwriter is not responsible for getting the material published, nor do they typically provide services offered by agents or publishers.
Q: How does the ghostwriting process typically work? Usually, the client and the ghostwriter have an initial meeting by phone to review the scope of the project. If all parties agree to proceed, the ghostwriter will provide a letter of commitment and/or a contract.
Q: What’s the first step? Aside from reviewing this information, you should have a conversation with your prospective writer and complete the project survey to help provide your writer with an overview of the book.
