The Complete Guide to Interviewing and Hiring a Ghostwriter

Hiring a ghostwriter can be a great way to get your book written without having to do all the writing yourself. But finding the right ghostwriter requires asking the right questions during the interview process. Here are some of the most important things to cover when interviewing potential ghostwriting candidates:

Have They Written Books Before?

The first thing you’ll want to find out is if the ghostwriter has experience actually writing and publishing entire books – not just samples or excerpts. Ask them how many books they’ve written, both as a ghostwriter and also any published under their own name This will give you an idea of their experience level Look for ghostwriters who have successfully taken a book from concept to published product.

Will You Get to Review Samples of Their Work?

Any experienced ghostwriter should be able to provide samples of previous writing, even if they need to anonymize it first Reviewing samples will allow you to get a feel for their writing style and abilities. Look for samples that showcase different writing styles, not just one voice. This shows their versatility

What is Their Process From Start to Finish?

Make sure to ask them to walk you through what their end-to-end process looks like from initial research and interviews to delivering a completed manuscript You want someone who understands all the steps involved, not just writing They should discuss things like initial interviews with you, developing an outline, checking in regularly on progress, incorporating feedback, fact-checking, editing, and more.

Do They Use Non-Disclosure Agreements?

Reputable ghostwriters will have clients sign an NDA to protect confidentiality. This is standard practice, so be wary if a ghostwriter does not mention using an NDA. You can also request to see a copy of their standard NDA and have your attorney review it.

What Are Their Credentials?

While there are no official ghostwriting licenses or certificates, it’s still good to ask what qualifies them to provide ghostwriting services. Have they taken classes or received a degree related to writing? How long have they been working professionally as a ghostwriter? The more education and experience they have, the better.

How Strong Is Their Understanding of Your Topic?

Gauge how familiar your potential ghostwriter already is with your book’s topic. The more knowledgeable they are, the less time you’ll have to spend explaining it to them. If they don’t have experience in your specific niche, make sure they are confident in their ability to quickly get up to speed through research.

Who Owns the Copyright?

One key question to ask is who will own the copyright once the book is completed. Typically with ghostwriting, the copyright belongs to the client. But you’ll want to verify this with any ghostwriter before contracting them.

What Are Their Rates and Payment Terms?

You’ll want to know how much it will cost to hire them. Most ghostwriters charge either per word, per page, or per hour. Get rate quotes for writing as well as their rates for other services like research, interviews, editing, etc. Also discuss payment terms – many will require a deposit upfront with the remainder due upon completion milestones being met.

When Can They Start and How Long Will It Take?

Ask potential ghostwriters when they can begin working on your book and how long they estimate it will take from start to finish. You want to get an idea of their existing workload and availability. But beware if they promise extremely quick turnarounds without first seeing an outline – that may be unrealistic.

Will They Sign a Formal Contract?

Reputable ghostwriters will offer you an actual contract detailing the full scope of services, rates, delivery timeline, etc. Review the contract thoroughly and have your attorney look it over as well. Pay close attention to any clauses about late delivery, delay fees, cancellations, etc.

How Regularly Will You Get Progress Reports?

Discuss with the ghostwriter how often they will provide progress reports to you. It’s reasonable to expect an update at least once a week. This helps hold the ghostwriter accountable and ensures the project stays on track.

Can They Capture Your Voice and Style?

A good ghostwriter should be able to mimic your natural voice, tone, and style. Ask them to describe how they go about capturing a client’s unique perspective and writing style. If they just assume your voice without much strategy, that’s a red flag.

Who Will Handle Editing and Proofreading?

Find out if editing and proofreading services are included, or if you will need to hire third-party editors yourself. Ideally your ghostwriter will handle basic editing, but expect to pay extra if you want to really polish the manuscript.

Do They Understand Legal Liability Issues?

Some book topics introduce tricky legal issues around privacy, defamation, copyright infringement and more. Make sure your ghostwriter demonstrates an understanding of libel laws and other publishing legalities. The last thing you need is a lawsuit.

By asking the right questions during your ghostwriter interviews, you can feel confident you are entrusting your book project to a true professional. Keep this list handy as you evaluate candidates to find the perfect ghostwriting match.