New and with questions

Hi, ronda! Sorry I can't answer any of your questions, but welcome! You may want to try posting your questions in the Freelance section for more traffic. Good luck with the series!

Hi, ronda!


When you say "you've been hired" it sort of implies that money was already discussed. But since it apparently hasn't been, let's go through your questions:

1. How much should I charge?

Click to expand...

I don't write children's books, but according to the Writer's Market article on "the Business of Writing" the going rate for a work-for-hire (meaning you don't get any royalties, but instead, it's a flat fee) is $75 per hour on the high end, $50 per hour on the low end, and $63 per hour median wage. If you intend to receive royalties, then the advance suggested is $4,000 as a high, $800 as a low and $2,760 median. This is UP FRONT or half on signing, and half on completion. Whatever you work out.

2. Should I have a contract drawn up?

Click to expand...

Absolutely! Without question. I think our own lovely Jenna Glatzer has some articles on what a ghostwriting contract contains. You might wander out to the main AW site and do a quick search.

3. She lives in Australia so am unsure about the legalities there. Should I have one drawn up in Oz and the US?

Click to expand...

Well, you at least need to pick a venue that will be the overriding law. Copyright law flows between countries so that most countries recognize the laws of other countries. But one that satisfactorily deals with aspects of both countries' laws would be a good idea.

4. I really do not have the money to hire a lawyer at the moment, so should I have her draw it up and front the expense?

Click to expand...

Only if you're confident that she's an entertainment attorney and can do an adequate job. But even then, you should really consider having anything presented to you looked at by an attorney that handles copyright law (especially since you're involving multiple jurisdictions.)

5. Does anyone know a good site to go to to get info on drawing up your own contract, or is that even possible?

Click to expand...

It's possible, but not a good idea. However, you might check to see if there are any local authors groups where you live. Often, they have attorneys they can recommend that provide services on a cut-rate basis, or even for free.

6. I would like to know about royalties. Is it common to request a percentage or not?

Click to expand...

It's about 50/50. If you really think it'll be a big hit, then feel free. If you think it'll have so-so reaction, then get up front cash and don't worry about the royalties. But mainly, you want to get some money up front anyway, because only with some financial investment will the person you're working with work to find a good publisher.

7. My name will not appear on the book, however, I had read in the Writers Market that it should appear somewhere in the book. Does anyone know where that would be?

Click to expand...

Ghost writing generally implies that the other person will appear on it. However, you can do something like, "as told to" so that BOTH names appear, such as "By Bob Smith, as told to Ronda Elliot." Etc. Your choice.

I am full of questions, and believe me, once one is answered, it seems that another takes its place. Thank you for all that respond!

Click to expand...

No problem. Hope it helps! Good luck.

This just popped up on another thread, Ronda, and it might really benefit you, so I thought I'd port it over here:

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts branch near you (look it up at http://www.starvingartistslaw.com/)

Click to expand...

You might want to check them out.

Hello, and welcome aboard Ronda. Hope you like it here. Sounds like you're off to a good start.

Triceratops

Ronda. Welcome to AW.

and glad you got your questions answered.

Welcome, Ronda!

Welcome the the boards, Ronda! As you can see, great info.

Hi Rhonda

Welcome, Ronda!