Using a ghostwriter to craft your free reprint articles and marketing materials is an excellent way to maximize your time and profit. The fastest and most effective way to find a freelance ghostwriter or editor is to post your writing projects on an on-line service like Freelance Work Exchange at http://tinyurl.com/3v69r. This allows interested writers to submit their proposals to you. It makes short-order of a needle-in-a-haystack task.
If you've already posted a writing opportunity, you've probably received several proposals and/or bids from interested writers. Whether you're already working with a ghostwriter or still considering potential candidates, you want to develop a working relationship that is both professional and congenial as well. This will allow you to maximize the benefits of having your own ghostwriter.
Working with your ghostwriter should be an easy and productive experience. After all, removing the pressure of not having time to write and still gaining exposure through marketing with articles is your purpose for even considering a ghostwriter. It may take a few projects and a little time to develop a good working relationship with a regular ghostwriter, but there are several ways that you can help the process along from your end.
- Your ghostwriter is not your employee, at least not in the traditional sense. Remember, freelance writers offer their services on a contractual basis. You can't expect your ghostwriter to drop all other projects to work on yours exclusively, without prior notice. By developing a good working relationship with your ghostwriter you can be assured that they will give your projects priority.
- Be open to suggestions from your ghostwriter. He/she may have powerful ideas that can help you target your audience more effectively. Don't be afraid to ask for his/her ideas or opinions, especially if he/she has been writing for several years. While the subject of an article is always your decision, your ghostwriter may have an article idea that could be very productive for you.
- Offer ongoing and/or continuing opportunities. One of the best ways to guarantee that a professional is always enthusiastic about writing for you is to offer projects on a regular basis. You'll often be able to receive a less than standard rate for services once you've established yourself as a recurring client.
- Mix it up a bit in your writing opportunities. Here's where you get to expand your work and also increase your exposure in marketing with articles. If there are related subject areas in which you are involved offer your ghostwriter opportunities to help you with these as well. Remember that you can ask your ghostwriter to rewrite sections of your web site, proofread your correspondence or write proposals. This helps keep things fresh for the writer when you allow him/her to focus on other subjects or other areas of writing.
- Be flexible. If your ghostwriter delivers an article with which you are truly displeased allow him/her to do some editing before you completely reject the piece altogether. When making directives for specific editing requests try to explain why you are making your request. This can help your ghostwriter learn your particular preferences and help further develop his/her ability to write from your perspective.
- Be reasonable regarding timeframe for delivery of your article. All work takes time and as you already know, so does writing in particular. Try to offer new projects far enough in advance that your ghostwriter has time to produce his/her best work for you. Even if your ghostwriter is an expert in your subject and works well against short deadlines, he/she can usually produce a better article for you if not pressed for time.
- Money talks, but not always the same language. You may be surprised to learn that many professional ghostwriters are more drawn to regular work than a one-time-shot larger payment for writing an article. As I often say, writers are real people with real lives and financial commitments like everyone else. In offering your projects to a different writer each time you'll definitely receive a variety of work, but you won't have much security. By working with one or perhaps two ghostwriters you'll have the benefit of knowing what to expect in their work.
- Don't keep your ghostwriter's name a secret. Sharing the name of your ghostwriter with other people who may have a need for his/her services goes a long way in maintaining a successful relationship. Not only is it the most genuine compliment you can offer, it is also one of the most effective ways of ensuring that you're a valued client. Even freelance writers who have built a regular client base are almost always accepting new opportunities, if only as filler projects during slow times. Sharing your ghostwriter's name demonstrates your value of their work. You can be the first name to whom your ghostwriter likewise makes referrals in your area of business and/or expertise.
- Pay your ghostwriter's fees promptly. Many ghostwriters charge a deposit or in-advance payment on projects that they accept as a standard for doing business. However, some do accept work without a deposit. Whichever agreement you reach with your ghostwriter, it is important that you honor that agreement just as any other contract for professional services by making payment upon receipt of services.
(c) 2004, Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights in all media reserved. Permission for reprint granted to all venues so long as they are opt-in.
About The Author
Bonnie Jo Davis is the author of the e-book: Articles That Sell: Use The Best Kept Secret To Promote Your Business For Free! For more information about Bonnie her e-book visit http://tinyurl.com/3v69r.
During the past few months I have received many questions... Read More
Ever wonder what an author's life is like? What that... Read More
Writing is a personal and introspective process. To share with... Read More
Human beings seem to be born with a gene for... Read More
PASSED, PASTPassed is the past tense of pass. Past means... Read More
The only way to become a writer is to write.... Read More
Originality emerges from structure. Once you have a story idea,... Read More
Are you ready to abandon your short stories? Before you... Read More
ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number. It is a... Read More
How do you choose a name? Do you put down... Read More
Many of the most effective low-cost marketing strategies require writing.... Read More
Every morning I excitedly get out of bed. Just a... Read More
Long ago, movie directors mastered the technique of creating a... Read More
"Do I send samples, a media kit, or just the... Read More
Reading through a writer's notebook or journal is like discovering... Read More
A well-punctuated approach letter may make the difference between acceptance... Read More
Every part of your book can be a sales tool.... Read More
We've all heard a politician on their soapbox, pushing for... Read More
Dr. Phil's Life Strategies, #1 New York Times Bestseller catches... Read More
Writing is a muscle that needs exercise to stay in... Read More
Sometime one must coax the words out.Each day is a... Read More
People can't believe I did it, but I did. I... Read More
In the words of Aristotle, "happiness is self contentedness helping... Read More
How to Come Up with Fresh Story Ideas When Your... Read More
Mixing and mingling with industry professionals is an opportunity that... Read More
Using a ghostwriter to craft your free reprint articles and... Read More
Compiling a list of the history's ten best writers is... Read More
Questions and answers on writing life experiences for ourselves and... Read More
Whether you are writing a magazine article, composing a press... Read More
Chaos and confusion come when established rules and procedures are... Read More
As a freelance writer, it is important to present yourself... Read More
You're writing a story set in your local city, but... Read More
Yes, you know your subject. You also need to think... Read More
I asked several writers how long it took them to... Read More
During my 25-year career in a variety of professional positions... Read More
There are many ways you can generate ideas you can... Read More
Is it possible to improve your writing instantly? The answer,... Read More
With the expansion and diversion of businesses, manufacturers, and even... Read More
In most aspects of business, we will be expected to... Read More
Almost everyone could profit from enhancing their writing skills. From... Read More
If you are like most writers, you're constantly searching for... Read More
So, the decision is final. I am a writer.Actually, I... Read More
Obtaining the skills for writing good business correpondence is important;... Read More
Be careful when you write.Words you use, sentences you phrase... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?It should.A theme is a one-line explanation... Read More
How to avoid mistakes that undermine your credibilityYou're probably already... Read More
Many writers write for the experience. Others dream of having... Read More
As you set out to create your first niche non-fiction... Read More
Have you ever started a creative writing project with great... Read More
One of the biggest problems that inexperienced writers have is... Read More
Writing |