More books than you might think are written by ghostwriters. Venerated, bestselling author James Patterson famously maintains a stable of ghostwriters. Relay Publishing, among many others, relies on ghostwriters to produce lots of content quickly.

But what if you’re not already a bestselling author or publisher expected to pump out books every month? What if you have an idea for a story? If you believe in your idea but not in your ability to express it, then a ghostwriter still remains a feasible option. Ghostwriters adapt screenplays to novels, expand short stories to longer works, build upon plot premises and outlines, or create from their own ideas at their clients’ direction.

Find the right ghostwriter

Before you begin the hiring process, think hard about the book you want written. What’s the genre? How long do you expect it to be? Do you have at least a plot summary? Can you provide a plot outline and character descriptions? The ghostwriter will ask these and other questions. In short, the more information you can provide, the better the ghostwriter can tailor the generated content to what you expect and want.

While considering those aspects of your book, also consider the time, effort, and skill you’re hiring. Just like editors, ghostwriters are professionals, and professional skill demands commensurate compensation. However, not every writer’s skill is equal, and you’ll prefer some writers’ styles over others. Request writing samples. Do not ask the writer to write new content for you for free: that’s unethical. Do ask to see the writer’s previous work.

Speak to the writer whose writing style appeals most to you. Does the writer understand the genre tropes? Do you understand the genre tropes? If you believe that the relationship could work out, then negotiate fees.

How much does ghostwriting cost?

Writers set their rates per-word, per-page, or per-hour. Ask if the fee includes content revision and how many rounds of revision. If you require the writer to conduct interviews, perform library research, or other tasks, then expect to pay higher rates. Ask what the writer’s fee includes: don’t assume.

Research shows that the average writer requires three hours and 20 minutes to draft, edit, and polish 1,000 words of content. That time does not include tasks such as research, client meetings, document formatting, sourcing graphics, conducting interviews, transcribing interview notes, etc. For stories for which little if any research is required, consider what would be an acceptable wage. If nothing else, how much would you expect to be paid for three and one-third hours of work? Simple math will quickly reveal whether your project’s budget is worth the ghostwriter’s time and whether the ghostwriter can meet your deadline for production.

For example, if you anticipate your story will be 20,000-word novella, then expect the ghostwriter to need 66 hours to deliver a polished first draft. If you consider a professional hourly wage at, say, $50, then expect to fork over $3,300 for the project. Any ghostwriter who sees a request for bids specifying a 20,000-word manuscript delivered within seven days for the paltry sum of $25 knows that the prospective client does not value her skill or time.

I hired a ghostwriter, now what?

First, review the contract. Ghostwriting projects, especially long-term projects, should be governed by the mutual understanding of a contract that specifies the expectations of both parties. Expectations should include deliverables, production schedule, compensation, transfer of rights, and terms for cancellation.

Second, remember that the ghostwriter is the hired professional: you determine what she writes, not how she writes it. For example, you don’t tell the contractor how to build your house, you hand him blueprints that tell him what to build.

Different ghostwriters work differently: that’s a given. Some may want to engage in extended conversations and take notes before ever starting that first draft. Others might dive right in. The more background information you can provide, the better you can direct the ghostwriter’s efforts. If you prefer more flexibility, that’s okay, too. Just make sure your ghostwriter finds that acceptable.

Third, be prompt. The ghostwriter controls her time and effort, not yours. To meet deadlines for production, the ghostwriter must rely upon the client’s prompt action and response to inquiries, to requests for review, and for approval of content. Exercise professional courtesy. If your procrastination causes the ghostwriter to miss a deadline, then you have only yourself to blame.

Hiring a ghostwriter need not be shrouded in mystery. It’s a professional working relationship that involves give and take between both parties. The ghostwriter benefits by being paid for her work and the client benefits by receiving a well-crafted manuscript. There’s no reason to feel “less than” for hiring a ghostwriter to bring your story to life, just as there’s no reason for hiring any other professional to perform a service better than you could do yourself.

About the author

Holly Bargo is a pseudonym, but really did exist as a temperamental Appaloosa mare. The author and her husband live on a southwest Ohio hobby farm with a menagerie of beasties, including horses. They have two adult children. Holly has written and published over 20 books since 2014 in the fantasy, romance, and western genres. She works full-time as a freelance writer and editor. Contact Holly at (937) 964-5592, send a message to henhousepublishing@gmail.com, or visit her website at www.henhousepublishing.com.