How to Hire a Ghost Writer and Tips for Working Together

A ghostwriter provides written content without requiring a byline or taking credit for the work. When you need written content, a ghostwriter can help you with everything from tweets and blog posts to articles and full-length books. But how do you know if you should hire a ghostwriter? Here are some hints to help you decide.

Should You Hire a Ghost Writer?

You should hire a ghostwriter if:

You are pressed for time

Often, busy professions run out of time to accomplish the many tasks set before them on any given day. Producing quality content, which means written work that imparts useful information in an engaging manner, does take time. Sure, you might whip up an article or post in a few minutes if you’re in a jam, but the end result is likely to be far less than stellar. Sometimes the solution to a lack of time is simply hiring a ghostwriter who has the availability to help you put your best foot forward. The time you save? Put that to use for tasks only you can handle.

You should hire a ghostwriter if:.

Writing is not your forte

Most people have at least some talents and skills of which they are proud. If writing is not one of yours, there is absolutely no shame in hiring a professional ghostwriter to get the job done. By doing so, you ensure that you put forth well-crafted written content that gets your point across and helps you meet your goals. And remember, hiring a ghostwriter doesn’t necessarily mean handing someone else the reins. You can share your notes, ideas and opinions with the writer so that the finished piece is a true reflection of you and your business. Just think of it this way: if your car breaks down and you aren’t skilled with car repair, you call on a mechanic for help. A ghostwriter is your word mechanic.

You should hire a ghostwriter if:

You have to write about a topic that doesn’t excite you

It would be great if every aspect of your business thrilled you, but there will be some topics that just don’t bring you joy. In such a case, you may better serve your readers by choosing a ghostwriter to bring life to your topic.This way, your lack of interest won’t result in a boring and ineffectual article. A skilled ghostwriter is typically talented at researching assigned topics and striking just the right tone to interest and engage readers.

You should hire a ghostwriter if:

The topic at hand is beyond your expertise

While you can research a topic and write about it, this takes time–time that could be better spent on other aspects of your business. Likewise, some topics may prove so challenging that you feel unsure of your ability to explain them correctly. In such a case, a ghostwriter can save you hours of research and ensure that your written content is clear, engaging and accurate.

How to Work with a Ghost Writer

The most important part of working with a ghostwriter is hiring the right one. Though you can find many websites that advertise ghostwriters and make it easy to hire one with very little effort, this is not the time to rush in without care. Instead, take the time to find the best person for the job. Once you do, establish a clear and fair working relationship to keep the writer happy and the words flowing. Here’s how.

Evaluate and Plan

Before you even start looking for a ghostwriter, evaluate your needs. What types of writing projects are you planning? How often will you need help? What tone do you want to strike? How quickly will you need the work completed? What are your short- and long-term goals for your written projects? By carefully considering your needs, you can create a profile of the type of ghostwriter you want. The answers to these types of questions can also help you convey your needs to the person you hire.

Conduct Interviews

Many people find ghostwriters online and hire them without conducting an interview. This can prove a serious mistake. An interview provides a chance to share your plans with a potential hire and determine whether she seems genuinely interested in your projects. It also provides an opportunity to determine whether you will be comfortable working with a writer. You don’t want to discover that the writer you’ve hired is uncooperative or rude when you are facing a deadline. Additionally, an interview provides an opportunity to learn more about the writer’s niche and experience. Remember, you don’t have to conduct interviews in person. Employ the Internet (Skype or GotoMeeting, or Facetime on your Mac/iPhone) and telephone to make interviewing convenient, especially when the writer is located across the country.

Review Samples

As with most careers, some writers are better at their craft than others. When you hire a ghostwriter, you want the best you can afford, and you’ll need to review your prospect’s samples to determine whether he or she can meet your needs. Ask to see a portfolio of work, or at the very least, a few samples of written work similar to the types of projects with which you need help. Also, contact the references the writer provides, and ask not only for opinions of his or her talent, but also for an evaluation of their reliability and promptness.

Create a Contract

It is easy to start a business relationship with just a handshake; even a virtual version, but this may not prove the best option for your business. In the event that something goes wrong, having an agreement in writing is worth its weight in gold. Even if your business relationship proceeds without a hitch, a written contract can help you avoid misunderstandings and keep your projects on track. What should it include? Among the critical inclusions are deadline, payment and work ownership terms. Be sure to spell out policies concerning the cancellation of work and rejection of submissions as well. Additionally, many ghostwriter contracts include non-compete and non-disclosure clauses.

Work for Success

Set your ghostwriter up for success by providing clear instructions for each project. While some details may seem obvious to you, your ghostwriter may see things differently. Providing details prevents mistakes and disappointment. Scheduling is important as well. Give your writer deadlines that allow enough time for revisions if necessary. Avoid changing your deadlines for earlier dates. If you ask for work earlier than planned, this places unnecessary stress on the writer and may lead to sloppy work. Last but not least, pay a fair rate. You really do get what you pay for.

Hiring a ghost writer may be the solution you’re looking for to keep your content marketing on track. Be sure to read more on how to hire the right writer for your content.