Hi there: I've been a lurker forever, but now find myself needing some input. Does anyone know of a place to get sample ghostwriting contracts? A new project has come up -- ghostwriting a full book -- and I haven't handled anything of this size previously. I have copywriting contracts, but think that the fees involved and the time input on both ends necessitate a legitimate contract. Those of you who have ghostwritten books previously -- did you consult with a lawyer first? Did you use a generic contract (and where did you find it)? Any help would be appreciated. Nancy
- Status
sunnysd said:
This is tough. I don't know how you're going abut it, but I only ghostwrite when there's already a contract and a publishing deal in place. You can feel differently, but I believe this is the only legitimate form of ghostwriting. I don't think it's fair or very honorable to ghostwrite something for Joe Blow, have him pay you out of his own pocket, and then never find a publisher for the book. To me, this isn't ghostwriting at all, it's simply taking money.
Now, this means there's already a contract when I ghostwrite, and it's one I or my agent can negotiate up or down with. But when I do the writing, the person I'm ghosting for will have his book published, and will earn at least as much money as I do, and probably more.
This also means I don't know if there are any sample ghosting contracts out there.
Ghostwriting resources
But what if there is no contract and someone has asked you to write their autobiograhphy- and they have no money? - Do you have to take a risk and write the synopsis, proposal and first three chapters and submit it to an agent/publisher in the hope they will take it on and give you both a contract? In which case, you must have to negotiate your own fee and contract before you shop it around or do all that work for free? Oh, and when submitting to a agent or publisher - does one write on behalf of the author, as the author? Or do you declare you are the ghostie and give the expected details, plus your own credentials?
Anyone know of any resources that will answer these and so many other questions?
But what if there is no contract and someone has asked you to write their autobiograhphy- and they have no money? - Do you have to take a risk and write the synopsis, proposal and first three chapters and submit it to an agent/publisher in the hope they will take it on and give you both a contract? In which case, you must have to negotiate your own fee and contract before you shop it around or do all that work for free? Oh, and when submitting to a agent or publisher - does one write on behalf of the author, as the author? Or do you declare you are the ghostie and give the expected details, plus your own credentials?
Anyone know of any resources that will answer these and so many other questions?
Five years later, I find myself in this member's predicament and in need of a sample ghostwriting contract, along with answers to the quoted questions.
Please help.
Last edited:
Thanks for your reply.
An unrepresented entertainer has asked me to write his memoir. My plan is to write a proposal and query letter and to submit that package to agents. I will need a ghostwriting agreement once the book is sold; however, in the meantime I need an agreement for my writing the proposal and query letter.
I've actually two questions: How much should I charge for the proposal and query letter ($2,000?), and where can I find a sample agreement setting forth the terms for writing the P&QL?
Finding writers' contracts is harder than counting hens' teeth.
Thank you.
An unrepresented entertainer has asked me to write his memoir. My plan is to write a proposal and query letter and to submit that package to agents. I will need a ghostwriting agreement once the book is sold; however, in the meantime I need an agreement for my writing the proposal and query letter.
I've actually two questions: How much should I charge for the proposal and query letter ($2,000?), and where can I find a sample agreement setting forth the terms for writing the P&QL?
Finding writers' contracts is harder than counting hens' teeth.
Thank you.
I'm surprised you aren't a slew of questions about your intended project. However, since your only interests seems to be locating sample agreements and finding out what to charge for writing a proposal and query, I say be very, very careful when putting together the agreement. One way or the other you are going to have to spell out things which will affect the larger agreement. You can find books at the library, book stores and on the net that have all types of sample contracts, but I don't know of any specific ones to recommend or have I ever seen any that only cover the writing of a query and proposal. How much should you charge? -- as much as you can get and feel -comfortable taking. How much of your time do you anticipate it taking -- everything included?
Well I've already spent about five hours building his platform (blog and website), and the actual writing of the proposal and query will probably take another 35 hours = $50.00 per hour.
Sounds fair, you think?
Sounds fair, you think?
- Status