Are you considering partnering up with a ghostwriter for your upcoming writing project soon? If so, you may have a lot on your mind, especially if this is your first time trusting someone else with your content.
While ghostwriters are professionals who do not need spoon-feeding to get the job done, you still may want to be involved in the project. After all, content created by these ghostwriters will represent you or your company at the day’s end.
Generally, working with a ghostwriter is a very smooth experience, but keeping some important things in mind always pays off. Keep on reading to find more.
- Communicate Clearly
Whether you want to be involved with the ghostwriter through every step of work or just want your approval to be asked on important milestones, communicating your wants and desires with these professionals is very crucial.
Clear communication is key to ensuring that you and the ghostwriter you hired know their roles and limitations in the writing project. This approach ensures that there are no misunderstandings in your professional partnership with a ghostwriter.
- Set Clear Boundaries
If you are considering working with a ghostwriter, you cannot expect them to know your boundaries to begin with. Remember that they may not know your business or personal preferences like other people closer to you might. You may need to have a detailed discussion with them to set your boundaries.
Establishing clear boundaries is key to ensuring that you and your ghostwriters understand their responsibilities. All ghostwriters understand the importance of boundaries for their clients and are very respectful of them.
- Draw Up a Contract
No matter how recommended a ghostwriter is, you need to draw up a contract before hiring a ghostwriter on board. While most ghostwriters understand the rules regarding anonymity, payment terms, and ownership rights, a contract reinforces the important factors of this partnership.
A legal contract is binding and ensures that everyone understands their obligations. You can add all terms that are important to you and your ghostwriters. Before signing the contract, make sure that both parties have thoroughly read and signed the contract.
- Have Frequent Discussions
Ghostwriters are professionals who will likely not nag you with a lot of questions. However, that does not mean that you leave every aspect of your project up to them. You cannot undermine the importance of having detailed discussions with your ghostwriter before they start writing.
For example, if you hire an experienced memoir writer, they will only be able to match your needs when they know all about you and your preferences. Otherwise, your memoir may not have the charm of uniqueness.
These discussions can provide the ghostwriter with direction and all the necessary information to create content that meets your preferences. The more information you provide, the better equipped the ghostwriter will be to deliver quality work.
- Maintain Open Door Policy
While you may not be able to practically maintain an open-door policy for your ghostwriters at all times, the least you can do is to remain available for clarifications. Ghostwriters are humans just like you and may have some questions to ask.
If you are too busy in other endeavors, you can provide them with your email address. You can respond to these emails at your convenience. If it is a bigger discussion, you can schedule a meeting with them to clarify any confusion.
- Give Them Some Space
As the client, you have the final say in your project, and there are no twos about it. Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes clients make is to undermine the creativity and expertise of their ghostwriters in order to establish their authority.
At every step of the way, you must remember that ghostwriters are experienced professionals. By imposing your thoughts, you may undermine their potential. Of course, you cannot call it a collaborative effort if you do not have input from others involved in the process.
You must respect the expertise of a ghostwriter to create a collaborative environment for them. They should be able to speak their mind freely. Having an open mind in this aspect allows you to boost the potential of your project.
- Provide Structured Feedback
One of the biggest benefits of working with a ghostwriter is that these professionals understand that whatever they write is not the final word. They ask their clients for feedback and welcome creative criticism to improve their projects. However, things can get complicated if the feedback and revision process is not structured well.
You must define clear guidelines for providing feedback on drafts, including specific areas for improvement or changes. Your ghostwriter should not only make these changes but also incorporate these guidelines for work ahead. This way, you can ensure that the final draft of the project meets your vision for ideal content.
- Make Timely Payments
Whether you are working with a freelance or an on-site ghostwriter, maintaining a positive working relationship holds a lot more importance than is perceived by many. The most important thing you can do to maintain a long-lasting and satisfactory working relationship with your ghostwriter is to make timely payments.
Make sure you carefully handle the compensation of your ghostwriters. Make sure that you do not use the payment terms in your contract easily. You must remember that the contract is legally binding for both parties involved.
- Appreciate Their Efforts
Who does not like to be appreciated for something great done by them? While you may think that timely payment is enough to keep a ghostwriter motivated, you may be mistaken. Just like any other professional, ghostwriters also want to be appreciated for their skills. A simple thank-you can do wonders to build mutual respect and trust.
In addition to appreciating their efforts, it is never a bad idea to provide these ghostwriters feedback and creative criticism. A healthy balance of creative criticism and appreciation can make even the most sought-after ghostwriters interested in working with you.