How to Pay Your Ghostwriter
Dealing with money can be touchy, thus it is always best to sort through all monetary expectations from the very beginning. If there is a clash of convictions, you will want to know it before stepping too deep into the project.
Most writers will want additional funds if they are expected to work faster. Like most contractors, your ghostwriter is probably juggling many jobs, especially if they are good and are carrying a reputation with them to match. Though most writers will charge a fee for work that must be done at an accelerated speed, the opposite is also true. Many ghostwriters are willing to make concessions when pricing their work if it can be spread over a longer period.
Once you have agreed on a project price you must agree on your terms of payment and then put it all in writing.
Various Methods for Paying Your Ghostwriter
There is no one size fits all approach, for either writers or their clients. Most writers have a few pre-set methods for payment, and most are willing to work with the needs of their clients, especially in these days of the online freelance writer. Here are a few of the most common fee structures currently in use.
Payment in installments: This is by far the most traditional approach. Few professional writers will start writing without being paid first. Most will require a deposit, many will require half up front for small to medium projects, and some will want as much as a third or more. Most of the time this initial deposit is non-refundable, unless of course the writer has done little or no work, or has in some way misrepresented themselves before the project was initiated. Installments can be scheduled weekly, monthly or are at predefined intervals. For example, if the book is to be split into three payments, you could schedule one at the beginning, one after the completion of X amount of work and the final payment on completion of the project.
Payment in advance: Some ghostwriters will request their full fee up front. This could be for one of two reasons. If the ghostwriter is highly skilled and therefore also in high demand, then you will be paying a premium for that writer’s time. It could be that the writer has had a history of buyers skipping out on their installments, regardless of the quality of work delivered. This has understandably made many online writers quite leery. If your ghostwriter does require full payment and your funds will allow it, make sure you use a regulated payment system such as PayPal. Never prepay with cash under any circumstances.
Payment upon completion: This third option is rare since paying upon completion piles 100% of the risk on to the writer. This situation, however, can work well in certain situations. For example, if you have a standing order for the writer, or some sort of regular production schedule where everyone involved has a clear idea of what to expect. The writer can write their copy, deliver the content and then get paid with routine. Some ghostwriters are also willing to accept a completion payment for short-term projects such as a single written letter or quick edit.
Remember, it is important to show your writer respect and money does indeed talk. Generally, ghostwriters are self-employed and will always appreciate when you pay on time or ahead of schedule. They can also resent it if you don’t. In short, treat your writer the way you would want to be treated.
Ghostwriter Dad
