Augh! Help! (Panic! O_O) Ghostwriting Contractual Questions

[Bartholomew]

Ok, so a Lawyer got ahold of me a few days ago... said he had a project for me.

He wants me to write a book for him and wants to know how much I'll charge him.

I've never had a ghostwriting project this big before!

He wants a written agreement; what should this say? I've always worked off of handshakes before now.

He wants to know how much I'll charge him. What's the going rate? I see a few ghostwriters out there charging $25,000+ for full length works, but I feel really awkward giving him that sort of bill.

Whats a fair way for me to determine a price, without it seeming like I'm giving him an arbitrary number? o_o

[JennaGlatzer]

Is this meant to be a self-published book? Or is the lawyer hoping to sell it to a publisher (in which case, if it's nonfiction, is usually sold based on a proposal rather than the whole book)?

[Bartholomew]

Is this meant to be a self-published book? Or is the lawyer hoping to sell it to a publisher (in which case, if it's nonfiction, is usually sold based on a proposal rather than the whole book)?

He's going to self publish and do his own marketing.

The subject is, roughly, how companies can save buckets of cash doing X using his method.

Though it won't actually be selling his services; the idea is actually quite novel and he's the only one who knows how to do it.

So he says. :)

Regardless, the subject matter falls squarely into my strongest style of writing. Thus, he got in touch with me.

[jdkiggins]

Bartholomew,
I'm going to port this to nonfiction books forum.

[Bartholomew]

Bartholomew,
I'm going to port this to nonfiction books forum.

Okay-Doke.

[OneTeam OneDream]

I would just flat out ask him what kind of compensation did he plan on offering you. If its worth your time and effort (or in the ballpark) then you can negotiate. If not, then don't. That's when you'll find out how serious he really is about doing this.

[Janis Love]

We've done ghostwriting for books that are self published and actually did write one for a lawyer. I would quote him an hourly rate based on the complexity of the work. Also, I would estimate the length of time you think it will take you to complete the entire project. People who hire ghostwriters always think in terms of the "starving artist" and usually low ball the compensation. When you quote your price, you should justify it by your expertise in that field, your prior experience and credentials. I would definitely get money up front to start the project to ensure that you don't get burned. You should always use a contract for any writing project to protect everyone involved. That way there won't be any misunderstandings about what is expected it since it is in writing.

Janis

[Silver King]

I see a few ghostwriters out there charging $25,000+ for full length works, but I feel really awkward giving him that sort of bill.
Bart, if there's one thing he'll understand as a lawyer, it's billing. He may not be accustomed to receiving them from writers, but if he's successful, he sure knows how to bill his clients, and I'll bet he doesn't feel "awkward" about the process at all.

Janis Love offers excellent advice upthread. You should also do a thorough search of the forums for more ghost writing tips. I read a thread (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?p=844191#post844191) yesterday that has info on how and what to charge for the service. You'll find valuable comments there from our favorite mom-to-be, who also works as a ghost writer.:)

It sounds like a great gig once the financial arrangements are agreed upon in writing.

I hope things work out for you.