The Ghostwriting Process: Four Steps to a Completed Manuscript
Alexandra Goodman
Ghostwriter, Content writer, Collaborating Author, and Grant Writer
Ghostwriters are gaining popularity, and for good reason. Many individuals have great ideas and much to say but don’t necessarily have the skills or time to put pen to paper. This is where a ghostwriter comes in handy. While this service is gaining popularity, many are still unfamiliar with the ghostwriting process. We lay out the ghostwriting process in the simplest way possible.
Is There a Ghostwriting Process?
Yes, there is a ghostwriting process. Each ghostwriter provides their service in the way that best serves their creative and productive characteristics, strengths, and preferences. That said, the process of one ghostwriter to the next is often fairly similar.
Literature by Zandra: Ghostwriting Process
Literature by Zandra has broken down the ghostwriting process into four simple steps. These are listed below.
Onboarding
The first step in working with a ghostwriter is completing the onboarding process. This typically consists of signing an NDA (for your protection) and signing a contract (for both parties’ protection). Next, you will complete an onboarding questionnaire or join a consultation session. In the case of Literature by Zandra, you will do both. This ensures that the ghostwriter truly understands your ideas, preferences, and goals.
Material Acquisition and Review
The second step in the ghostwriting process is material acquisition and review. Materials may include notes, outlines, completed writing, research, related articles, photographs, etc. Some projects will have many supporting materials, while some may have none at all. The ghostwriter will review the materials and may request an interview to ask questions and discuss what the ghostwriter has learned. Material acquisition may consist only of interviews with the client to verbally transfer the information needed to complete the work.
Writing
The fun part! Now, the writing begins. Many ghostwriters work on a milestone basis. At the end of each milestone, the ghostwriter submits the work completed for client review. The client can then give feedback and request changes. The ghostwriter and client agree upon what determines a milestone. This may be per chapter, per every so many words, by percentage completed, or based on a preset timeframe.
Revisions
The last step of the ghostwriting process is completing final revisions. At Literature by Zandra, both the ghostwriter and the client read through the work fully. They then meet, share notes, and decide what final changes must be made. Once this step is completed, the manuscript is considered “finalized,” and the ghostwriting process is complete.
After the above four steps are completed, your manuscript will be ready for self-publishing or to be taken to a traditional publisher!
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FAQ
Below are some common questions I receive as a ghostwriter.
Will Ghostwriters Write Blog Posts?
Yes! Ghostwriters provide a variety of deliverables, including books, eBooks and eGuides, blog posts, LinkedIn articles, professional profiles, web content, and more.
What Does a Ghostwriter Cost?
The cost of a ghostwriter varies from individual to individual and possibly even project to project, depending on its demands. The average book costs $20-$40k, while the average novella costs roughly $10k. Ghostwriters are often paid by wire transfer or related means. Ghostwriters request payment on a milestone basis. This can mean per word count, per timeframe, per chapter, or percent completed. Often, the ghostwriter requires a retainer or a portion of the overall dues up front.
Literature by Zandra charges by the hour, requires payment by percentage completed, and requires 1/3rd payment upfront, 1/3rd payment midway, and the final 1/3rd payment when work is complete and finalized.
How Do I Pick a Ghostwriter?
Look for a ghostwriter that can match your style and voice. Ensure the ghostwriter is aligned with your goals and excited about the topic. Do a paid test page or chapter to review the ghostwriter’s work on your specific project before committing to the whole work, if desired.
Do I Have to Sign a Contract When Working with a Ghostwriter?
Yes, any experienced professional ghostwriter will require you to sign a contract. This protects both parties. The contract should outline the scope of work, the payment structure, fees and penalties, rights of ownership, and terms related to enforcing the contract.
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