How To Select the Right Ghostwriter

When selecting a ghostwriter for your project, there are some simple guidelines you should follow. In your initial contact, briefly describe your project. Specify whether the book you would like written is fiction or nonfiction and whether it presently exists as an idea, outline, notes, rough draft, or some combination of the above. Querying a ghostwriter is much like querying a publisher or agent. You can't obtain much information without offering a summary of your project. Additional information on my policies may be found at William Hammett's Ghostwriting Blog (off-site link).

It's important to talk with the ghostwriter over the phone if at all possible. Feeling comfortable with a ghostwriter's personality and business practices will ensure the likelihood of success for any collaboration. Learn whether a ghostwriter is truly interested in your ideas as opposed to a quick paycheck. Never sign a contract or pay a hefty advance to someone who gives you a sales pitch or makes promises that seem too good to be true."

Ghostwriters may be individuals working for themselves or they may be part of a company. A corporate affiliation, however, does not necessarily guarantee professionalism or the desired outcome for your manuscript. There are many companies that offer ghostwriting only as a sideline to a wider range of services, such as editing or writing speeches, grants, proposals, and technical manuals. These writing services may or may not have experience in producing full-length manuscripts. They often obtain clients, only to hand them over to employees fresh out of college.

Beware of ghostwriters or companies who claim they will act as literary agents. A good ghostwriter will be knowledgeable about marketing and the general climate of the publishing industry, but being an agent is a full-time job. Professional, accredited agents with proven sales records do not offer to ghostwrite manuscripts.

Also beware of companies with slick advertising or graphics that lead potential clients to believe that the writing services were responsible for bestsellers which, in reality, they had no hand in writing, editing, or publishing. A picture or graphic is not always worth a thousand words.

Seek a ghostwriter who has been writing for many years and has the versatility to produce different styles and work in different genres. Experience is important. Always request a free writing sample based on your idea. Also, inquire about the ghostwriter's personal publishing history.

Ghostwriters are usually not able to divulge their client list because of the very nature of ghostwriting, but a good collaborator should be able to offer you at least one solid reference that you can speak to regarding the quality of previous work.

While some ghostwriters may legitimately work on more than one project at a time, you should seek someone who can make your project a priority during the main phase of composition. Once you have chosen a ghostwriter, be prepared to forward any required materials in a timely fashion. Remember that ghostwriters are professionals who are committing their time and energy to your manuscript.

A writing collaboration is built on trust. By adhering to a few simple guidelines, you are far more likely to find the individual who is best suited to translate your ideas into the finished manuscript that you envision.