Eight Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing a Ghostwriter:
Hiring a ghostwriter may seem like a great idea for someone facing time constraints or lacking relevant experience. Working with a ghostwriter can alleviate a significant burden, but finding the right one can be challenging.
If you are unsure how to make the right choice, here are some top considerations.
1. Check Their Published Work
Every ghostwriter who is open to work will tell you the best things about themselves as a professional. They will ensure you that entrusting them with your work will be the best choice you make. However, you do not have to take their word for it only.
The best way to choose the best ghostwriter is to see if their work has been published. Do not just say “yes” as an answer. Instead, take some time to see who published their work.
Even if you consider choosing a ghostwriter who has just started their journey, it is best to take your chances only with the relevant qualifications from prestigious institutions or sources.
2. Read the Reviews
If you want to hire a ghostwriter for your book, you cannot overlook the importance of reading reviews. It is one of the most crucial steps you can take on your journey of entrusting someone with such an important endeavor.
While ghostwriters you consider hiring may not tell you about their weaknesses, you can trust their past clients to be honest. Therefore, it is always recommended that clients read the ghostwriter’s reviews before they are hired. This way, you will be able to make your decision with confidence.
3. Choose a Specialist
You cannot count on the first ghostwriter with good ratings to help you bring out the best in your work. A ghostwriter you choose for your specific project must be a master of their skill. Otherwise, you may be risking the quality and integrity of your work.
You should only hire a ghostwriter who has relevant experience in the same field as yours. For example, if you are considering hiring a ghostwriter to write your biography, you must ensure that they have experience in writing a few biographies beforehand.
Even if the ghostwriter you are considering hiring does not have any experience yet, it is always a good idea to ensure that they have the relevant qualifications to boost the chances of success of your work.
4. Ask for a Sample
If the ghostwriter has relevant experience, one of the biggest favors you can do yourself while hiring them is to ask them for a sample of their work. It is the best way to get a sense of a ghostwriter’s writing style before you hire them.
If your ghostwriter is starting their journey, you can request them to create a short sample from scratch. This way, you can be sure about making the right decision and avoid any regrets about making the wrong choice mid-project.
5. Arrange an Interview
Whether you are hiring a freelancer or an in-house ghostwriter, you must consider meeting with them face to face. After all, ghostwriters need to know you better in order to give a tone, style, and voice to your work.
In addition, ghostwriters are not the only ones who need to know you better. You can also benefit a lot by meeting them in person. The interview experience can give you an insight into the quality of work you must expect from them.
Unfortunately, some companies outsource interviews and writing, which may mislead you and not capture your story accurately. Meeting your ghostwriter face-to-face makes you feel confident about working with the right professionals.
6. Inquire About Editing
If you are seeking the services of a ghostwriter for the first time, you may think that these professionals are responsible for writing and editing your book as well. However, not every ghostwriter provides these services in a bundle. It is an aspect you must inquire about.
Not everyone who is a great writer is also great at spelling, grammar, or other aspects of a book that define its integrity. Therefore, you must ask your ghostwriter about this aspect before hiring them. After all, you do not want any surprises at the last minute.
If your deadline is approaching soon, it is better to hire a ghostwriter who can write and edit your work simultaneously. This way, you can be sure that your work is ready for the perusal of literary agents or publishers as soon as it reaches you.
7. Know About the Drafts
Even if you hire the best ghostwriter, there is always a chance that you will have some suggestions to improve your work once they are done. Hence, before hiring a ghostwriter, it is important to inquire about all about the drafts.
In the end, it is your story, and it must be told the way you envisioned it. Therefore, you must have a conversation about the drafts with your ghostwriter before hiring them. This conversation must lead to how often changes can be requested and when they should be delivered.
Make sure that the conclusion of this discussion is not agreed upon only verbally. Instead, you must make it a part of your contract. This way, you can hold a ghostwriter accountable if they fail to meet the agreed-upon requirements.
8. Communicate Your Deadlines
While most of the work is done by a ghostwriter once you hire them, one of the most important duties that lie on your end is to maintain open communication. Not being able to communicate can lead to confusion on both ends and lead to delayed deadlines.
Clear communication is crucial for a smooth collaboration with ghostwriters. You must set deadlines early and understand your role in meeting them. Clear communication can lead to meeting deadlines without hindering the quality of your work.
In addition to communicating your deadlines and expectations, make sure you also share a preferred medium of communication with the ghostwriter. This way, they will be able to reach out to you any time they have any questions.
