Write Now Editing

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Editing Services
  • Testimonials
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Copywriting
  • Contact Me

Ghostwriting By Any Other Name by Donna Schlachter

September 19, 2016 by Karin Beery 1 Comment

Help WantedWhat do ghostwriting, work-for-hire, contract writer have in common?  They are all different names for the same process—someone wants a book written and they don’t want to spend the time writing it themselves, so they hire someone—the Writer—to do the work.

My first work-for-hire was through a contact at a writer’s conference. While he wasn’t interested in the devotional book I was proposing, he liked the samples I provided. He was a book packager, and he needed a Writer for a project for a publisher. My second work-for-hire was through the same book packager, who, because of our previous experience, wanted me to write a book in a series for another publisher.

In both cases, the book packager had specifications from the publisher, including the length of each devotional or chapter, Bible versions, layout requirements for each devotional or chapter, and so on. The total contract was broken down into due dates and payments for timely submissions, as well as turnaround times on editing feedback.

My three ghostwriting projects were from various sources and referrals. In one case, the Author had an idea and I came up with the book title, table of contents for each chapter, and wrote each chapter from scratch. In the other two cases, the Authors had a rough draft of the book and an idea of the story they wanted to tell, and I took their draft, edited and organized it, added images they provided, and added creative non-fiction story telling techniques to make the book more readable. In one case, I designed a cover as well.

For me, I have to care about the project before I am willing to invest up to six months in the book. And I also must be willing to work with the person, to set boundaries for what I will and won’t do, and commit to being the lead in the project.

Here are some suggestions:

  1. Always make a contract. Spell out what you will do, what you expect of the Author, schedules, cancellation options, and how you will communicate.
  2. Build in a little wiggle room for life.
  3. Leave time in your schedule for your own writing.
  4. Be honest and upfront regarding what you will write and what you won’t.
  5. Be willing to broach the subject of more money if the Author tries to add in services not included in the original contract.
  6. If you get into the project then realize it isn’t for you, be willing to quit.
  7. Offer a payment plan. If the Author wants to pay up front, I usually offer a 10% discount on the total.
  8. Get payment before the work is done. If the Author cancels the project, they don’t owe you any money and you aren’t left scrambling to get money from a disgruntled Author.

If you would like to see my sample ghostwriting contract, click here then click on the link to the sample contract.

Leave a comment about this post, and we will do a random drawing. Winner receives a print or ebook version of Nuggets of Writing Gold, a collection of articles and essays on the art and craft of writing.

IMG_6534  Juggling the books - smaller—

Donna lives in Denver with her husband Patrick, who is her first-line editor and biggest fan. She writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. She has published four cozy mysteries and a devotional for accountants under her pen name, and a collection of short stories, a book on writing tips, and several devotionals under her own name. She is currently under contract with Barbour Books in a novella collection on the Pony Express. Donna is a ghostwriter and editor of fiction and non-fiction, and judges in a number of writing contests. She will be teaching an online course for American Christian Fiction Writers in March 2017, “Don’t let your subplots sink your story”. Donna loves history and research, and travels extensively for both. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter, and online at: www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com and www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com. Her books are available at Amazon.com in digital and print.
Drawing People to God by the Word using parables of second chances from our second. . . and third. . . and fourth chance God.

RECENT RELEASE: Second Chances and Second Cups – sweet stories about a second-chance God; Broken Dreams, Mended Heart – 21 days to the spiritual healing you’ve always wanted

NEW RELEASE: Broken Dreams, Mended Marriage – 21 days to the marriage you’ve always wanted; I Do – Again – devotions for those in their second or subsequent marriage

WRITING AS LEEANN BETTS: Counting the Days-a 31-day devotional for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial folk

Nuggets of Writing GoldNo Accounting for Murder – book 1 in the By the Numbers series, featuring Carly Turnquist, forensic accountant. Carly has a nose for mystery that gets her into trouble.
There was a Crooked Man – what should be a simple working vacation turns into a mystery involving missing ranch stock and a murder.
Unbalanced – planning a wedding shouldn’t be murder, but with Carly, it is.
Five and Twenty Blackbirds – even Mike’s college reunion attracts murder, and Carly is caught in the middle of yet another mystery.

Due November 2016: Broke, Busted, and Disgusted – who is out to kill Carly’s reputation—and maybe her, too?

WRITING WITH LEEANN BETTS: Nuggets Writing of Gold – a compilation of short essays on writing meant to inspire and educate.

All books available at Amazon.com in print and digital, NOOK and Smashwords.com in digital format

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

www.livebytheword.com

Jer 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “Plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Filed Under: writing Tagged With: ghostwriting

Comments

  1. Donna Schlachter says

    September 21, 2016 at 8:02 pm

    Karin: Thanks for the chance to connect with your readers and to answer some questions about ghostwriting and work-for-hire.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

10 Times You Should Be Sending a Press Release

Download this 2-page, easy-to-read PDF that will show you how often you can get your name out there - don't miss another opportunity to promote yourself!

Enter your email address to sign up and receive your FREE copy today!

ABOUT ME

Editor. Teacher. Novelist.
A passionate lover of fiction, Karin doesn't just write novels, she helps others write their best stories! A certified substantive editor with the Christian Editor Connection, her goal is to help authors to put her out of business by equipping them with the tools they need to become better writers.

Contact Me

Connect

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Copywriting

Karin understood my advertising and marketing writing needs and accomplished the project in record time. She asked all the right questions up front to equip herself with enough … [more]

Editing

Substantive Fiction Editing: A substantive edit looks at the big picture. Start here to tackle the big issues before moving on to the nit-picky details. Substantive edits not only point out … [more]

Author Page

Lover of all things fiction, I also love University of Michigan football, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings, kayaking, gluten-free cupcakes, and my husband.

Resources

Press Release Tool Kit Stop waiting and hoping for people to notice you and your organization! With this Press Release Tool Kit, you’ll learn to apply the step-by-step process I use to … [more]

© Copyright 2015 Write Now Editing · All Rights Reserved · Design by Pink Haired Pixels/Carol Jones Media

· All Logos & Trademark Belongs To Their Respective Owners·