How to choose the right ghostwriter

If you were asking someone to speak at an event on your behalf you would spend some time checking that they were the right person to represent you and it’s no different with writing.

Whether you need help writing a book, blog or brochure you and your brand need to cut through the blah blah to be seen, to stand proud and show the world you have interesting things to say.

Hmmm, you reply, go on then tell us how to do that.

Why of course, here are some areas to look for when choosing a ghostwriter

Work out what you need

A ghostwriter can be used for just about every kind of written work so to be sure you get the best out of their skills work out what you want. Do you have an end goal? Is it to write copy for a website that is crystal clear or is it a series of articles that are on a specific subject that you haven’t got time to research?  What is your budget? How long have you got to deliver the written work? 

These are all the things you’ll need to consider to make sure you get what you want and by being clear in your own mind what the outcome is that you want, you’re more likely to get it through the ghostwriter.

Have they done this before?

Whilst ghostwriters don’t need to know every industry inside out they should have worked with a range of different brands so that you can see they are flexible in both style and content. Experienced ghostwriters can spend as much time researching as writing so that the information written in your voice is fresh, accurate and accessible for readers.

Ask what a ghostwriter has done that is similar to what you are asking for and see what new perspective they think could be given just for you.

We need Proof baby

Don’t be afraid to ask for references from past clients. The ghostwriter often has to sign a confidentiality agreement so they can’t show you everyone but if you need to know that they understood a brief, researched thoroughly, wrote well and delivered on time and within budget then don’t hold back in asking to speak to someone they have worked with.

Take a look at what they’ve done

Ask for some examples of their writing to see if it’s the kind of content of work that you would like some help with. Ask to see some published features or samples of chapters that they are able to share with you or if you need web copy or a press release written see if they can send you a couple of examples so that you can see what they’ve worked on.

Do you get on?

Even if it’s just comms by email, you will be spending some time with the ghostwriter so be sure you get on with them. Once you’ve established that they can write, ask if they are giving you the time that you need? Do they understand the pressure you are under? Are they prepared to talk to you about your cute pooch (answer: yes every time)? Sometimes you just have to go with your gut – they need to be both professional and personable so you can relax you’re in safe hands.

All about the comms

We know how quickly days turn into weeks so it’s really important that you are working with a ghostwriter that keeps communicating clearly with you and lets you know what they are writing and when you will see a draft. Make sure that they email you regularly and record any meeting that you’ve had so that you both know what was agreed.  If you have to chase and are still getting tumbleweed then they may not be right, you’re too busy to do that, which is why you hired them in the first place eh?

Your budget

Depending on how much research is needed, the length of what has to be written, how many hundreds of people need to sign it off and when you need it by will make a difference to the fee of a ghostwriter. 

They rarely charge per hour because it’s difficult to quantify, you’re paying for their years of experience in writing so it’s more likely you’ll get quoted a flat fee.  Make sure you are both clear and in agreement of what the payment and copyright terms are and be prepared to pay some money up front as a deposit for the work. If you are still unsure don’t hold back in asking to see a copy of the contract so that you can talk it through before signing anything.

Ssssh

A good ghostwriter understands that they are working as you. Some people are very happy to say that they’ve hired someone to help them write because they either don’t have the time or ability to do it themselves. Others will take that information to the grave. So if you want to be absolutely sure it’s kept quiet ask the ghostwriter to sign a confidentiality agreement.  This will include the terms and how long the agreement is for. Plus the – eek – consequences of breaking it (this would be very silly of the ghostwriter because they’d probs never work again).

So in a nutshell in making sure you get the right ghostwriter for you, remember it needs good communications, proof that they can actually write, clarity about payment and budget and someone you think you could work with.