Subscribe and Download the "A Ghostwriter Needs a Contract for Every Project" PDF eBook Today!

2/18/2022

by Cris Yeager | DIGITAL MEDIA GHOST | GHOSTWRITING

Any ghostwriter worth his or her salt knows that the only way to protect both parties involved in the writing process is to have a well-defined contract written up before any work begins. A contract outlines everything that needs to be done, by whom, and when the project will be delivered by, among other things. Without an airtight contract defining these things, thereâ€™s no telling if you or your client will end up happy with the final product â€” and odds are you wonâ€™t. Download this free eBook today and discover why every ghostwriter needs an ironclad contract for every project he or she takes on!

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Before starting any new ghostwriting job 

The client should summarize the project in writing to cover all bases and eliminate doubt. Both parties should make sure to include all details, including the word count and deadline. The client should also provide any research materials or drafts of other work to ensure clarity and full understanding on both sides. Finally, you should draft your own contract with help from one of the sample contracts listed below to make sure youâ€™re getting exactly what you want out of the project. Also, remember that sometimes writing gigs can get backed up or canceled without warning. Because of that, itâ€™s important to ask about payment upfront so there are no surprises when it comes time to pay an invoice â€” unless that surprise is a pleasant one for everyone involved in the process. 

The basics of the contract 

A thorough contract will help to protect both parties involved in the writing process. You want to make sure your contract has terms and conditions that will help you protect your work, as well as profits. When searching for the ideal contract for ghostwriting, you want to make sure it covers all of the basics: A clear title page and table of contents to highlight organization, introductions, acknowledgments (if appropriate), disclaimers (again, if necessary), and copyright information. The purpose or intent of the contract should be made clear in an introductory section. Here's what to include:

The copyrights of any completed work
Decide on what kind of content will be produced
How the relationship between the ghostwriter and  author will work
Information about the type of writing being requested
A schedule of milestones with dates of expected completion
A clause detailing the terms of negotiation
Determine which pricing method fits best to your writing project
Clearly state the length of the project
A contingency plan to help avoid common pitfalls
Create an escape clause 
Set deadlines for payments
Have all available contact information in place

Here are some more key points of what a good contract needs. But...keep in mind, this information doesn't even break the surface. Download the eBook to learn everything! 

Will I need revisions on a contract? 

As a ghostwriter, if you donâ€™t see revisions or edits in your work â€” including the writing process of the contract â€” something is wrong. Contracts are living documents that should be amended over time as projects progress. If one party needs more or less control than originally agreed upon, then revise it before moving forward. 
Once negotiations are complete, amend your contract to include anything that was agreed upon â€” including edits and corrections.

What happens if the project gets canceled? 

An escape clause allows both parties to escape from a project or contract if necessary. Escape clauses are especially useful in situations where you need to cancel a project because of an emergency or unforeseen circumstance. You can outline what constitutes an emergency, how long you have to cancel, and how much money youâ€™ll be paid in that instance. Another option is to create an out in your contract. This will allow you to back out of your end of the deal without penalty if anything about your situation changes â€” if, say, your client decides they donâ€™t want to pay you anymore or your schedule unexpectedly fills up. Don't forget to include safeguards for your client as well. 

Final thoughts on ghostwriting contracts 

A good ghostwriting contract will include all of your questions and concerns, as well as create an environment that allows you to work without fear. When working with clients who may not understand their own contracts, it is especially important to have yours reviewed by someone whose advice you trust. Have a lawyer look at your contract if youâ€™re worried. Most importantly, always remember: Both parties should leave any ghostwriting project feeling happy with how it went and knowing they were fairly compensated for their efforts.

There are many things to consider when creating a ghostwriting contract. While not legally binding, a ghostwriting contract can give you and your client better peace of mind by laying out rules and working expectations upfront. The contract should cover all aspects of communication, payment terms, and copyright protection in addition to project completion deadlines. 

A good ghostwriting contract will also create an atmosphere that encourages trust so that you can keep focused on meeting client needs. The people you work with will become your clients' references and may make recommendations based on their experience with you. Whether they say good or bad things about your writing is irrelevantâ€” what matters is that they had an amazing experience overall and appreciated working with you just as much as you enjoyed working with them!

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