During your initial interview with
a potential ghostwriter, both of you will have a lot of questions. While many
of those questions will pertain to your specific project, the five questions
below should be asked no matter what your book is about.
Question 1: What is your availability?
Some ghostwriters work on more than one project at once, and before you even start discussing your project, you’ll want to know whether the ghostwriter can work on your timetable. Before meeting with a potential writer, draw up a rough schedule and assign dates to important pieces of the ghostwriting process such as interviewing, reviewing materials, drafting, and revising. Most writers need at least three or four months from signing on to a project to having a strong manuscript ready. In some cases, the writing process can take up to a year. Decide when you want to have the manuscript ready, and make sure that time frame works for your material, your personal schedule, and your potential ghostwriter.
Question 2: What kind of experience do you have in my field?
The more experience and education a writer has in your field, the easier it will be for the two of you to craft a book. You won’t need to constantly explain the theories, jargon, or nuances of your topic, and the writer will be able to craft your material into a well-written book that will appeal to your intended audience. If you want to create an innovative new business book, try to find a ghostwriter who has written in the business genre. I should also note that a lack of expertise can be bolstered by interest and enthusiasm. If a writer is willing to go the extra mile to learn everything about your field, direct experience may not be 100 percent necessary.
Question 3: What is your writing approach?
This is a broad question, but you will want a specific answer. It is important to learn whether your writer is very independent or whether he or she will want a great deal of input from you. Does the writer like to check in daily, weekly, or monthly? Does the writer create the entire manuscript in one go or work chapter by chapter? Does the writer like to create many drafts and many revisions? You should pair yourself with a writer whose working style meshes with yours.
Question 4: Why do you think you are a good match for this project?
While the vast majority of ghostwriters are not mercenary wordsmiths, there are a few out there who are. Just because someone can create a pretty turn of phrase does not mean you should hire him or her for your book. Ask a potential ghostwriter why he or she is interested in working with you. You should expect an answer that combines interest in your topic, a love of writing, and enthusiasm for bringing the end product to the audience. If your writer is invested in the process, he or she will be more likely to believe in your book and in you, and the book will be better for it. Even though you will compensate a writer for his or her services, your project can still be a labor of love.
Question 5: How much will it cost?
Yes, this is probably one of the most important questions you can ask. Most ghostwriters work on a project-by-project basis and do not have flat fees for their services. Each book is different, and a good ghostwriter knows that many variables can add or detract time and effort from the project. Go into the interview with a budget in mind, and see what you can do with that money. A more expensive ghostwriter is not always a better ghostwriter, but you will want to be sure to budget for quality work.
Question 1: What is your availability?
Some ghostwriters work on more than one project at once, and before you even start discussing your project, you’ll want to know whether the ghostwriter can work on your timetable. Before meeting with a potential writer, draw up a rough schedule and assign dates to important pieces of the ghostwriting process such as interviewing, reviewing materials, drafting, and revising. Most writers need at least three or four months from signing on to a project to having a strong manuscript ready. In some cases, the writing process can take up to a year. Decide when you want to have the manuscript ready, and make sure that time frame works for your material, your personal schedule, and your potential ghostwriter.
Question 2: What kind of experience do you have in my field?
The more experience and education a writer has in your field, the easier it will be for the two of you to craft a book. You won’t need to constantly explain the theories, jargon, or nuances of your topic, and the writer will be able to craft your material into a well-written book that will appeal to your intended audience. If you want to create an innovative new business book, try to find a ghostwriter who has written in the business genre. I should also note that a lack of expertise can be bolstered by interest and enthusiasm. If a writer is willing to go the extra mile to learn everything about your field, direct experience may not be 100 percent necessary.
Question 3: What is your writing approach?
This is a broad question, but you will want a specific answer. It is important to learn whether your writer is very independent or whether he or she will want a great deal of input from you. Does the writer like to check in daily, weekly, or monthly? Does the writer create the entire manuscript in one go or work chapter by chapter? Does the writer like to create many drafts and many revisions? You should pair yourself with a writer whose working style meshes with yours.
Question 4: Why do you think you are a good match for this project?
While the vast majority of ghostwriters are not mercenary wordsmiths, there are a few out there who are. Just because someone can create a pretty turn of phrase does not mean you should hire him or her for your book. Ask a potential ghostwriter why he or she is interested in working with you. You should expect an answer that combines interest in your topic, a love of writing, and enthusiasm for bringing the end product to the audience. If your writer is invested in the process, he or she will be more likely to believe in your book and in you, and the book will be better for it. Even though you will compensate a writer for his or her services, your project can still be a labor of love.
Question 5: How much will it cost?
Yes, this is probably one of the most important questions you can ask. Most ghostwriters work on a project-by-project basis and do not have flat fees for their services. Each book is different, and a good ghostwriter knows that many variables can add or detract time and effort from the project. Go into the interview with a budget in mind, and see what you can do with that money. A more expensive ghostwriter is not always a better ghostwriter, but you will want to be sure to budget for quality work.
Great article!
ReplyDeleteI hope you don't mind my sharing my opinion on one point. I think a ghostwriter doesn't need experience in a given field to excel. I find that when I don't know anything about an area, especially the jargon, I am in tune with the average person, who will be reading the book I write for my client. I know what terms need to be defined and what concepts need more explanation.
I do think that the ghostwriter should have experience in the genre, though. I wouldn't suggest that a fiction writer be hired for a business how to book.