tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post4935874983226086410..comments2023-10-11T09:22:33.136-04:00Comments on Paperback Writer: Going GhostUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-37288923056567852402015-01-21T19:40:38.286-05:002015-01-21T19:40:38.286-05:00Apply for ghost writing jobs until you land one, a...Apply for ghost writing jobs until you land one, and repeat while you make contacts, put your work out there and build a network of clients. Once you have done enough work you'll be able to interest clients who can pay more for an experienced writer.the authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03220786472896283714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-15674944553483207882015-01-21T19:08:45.360-05:002015-01-21T19:08:45.360-05:00How does one get into doing this professionally? How does one get into doing this professionally? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-54176512667561349662015-01-19T18:38:49.411-05:002015-01-19T18:38:49.411-05:00If I'm working for a U.S. publisher I always g...If I'm working for a U.S. publisher I always get a contract signed first (and this is only because I've been burned by U.S. publishers more than once on verbal agreements that they later violated.) Outside the U.S. it depends on the client. Generally I do, but there are a few exceptions where I have worked for the client, trust them and can work confidently on a handshake. <br /><br />I do ask for partial payment up front on certain sizeable projects, especially if I don't know the client. If it's a short/simple assignment for a client I know and trust I may do it for payment on receipt. Again, it really depends on the client.the authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03220786472896283714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-20782910218133407372015-01-19T18:30:10.540-05:002015-01-19T18:30:10.540-05:00Thanks for the name correction -- I can't keep...Thanks for the name correction -- I can't keep my Sandersons straight.the authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03220786472896283714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-3631269731071046422015-01-19T16:11:29.646-05:002015-01-19T16:11:29.646-05:00I use contracts with my clients for my design work...I use contracts with my clients for my design work. Do you also use a written agreement before starting work? Do you ask for partial payment upfront? Maria Zanninihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01604862636922299273noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-87786308967973988442015-01-19T11:25:58.912-05:002015-01-19T11:25:58.912-05:00Brandon Sanderson finished the Wheel of Time. When...Brandon Sanderson finished the Wheel of Time. When I finally invent that dimension hopping carrier, I'm going to find one where Robert Jordan finished it. (Probably it'll be a 27 book epic!)Murgy Troydnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-61915220231709089672015-01-18T11:24:15.483-05:002015-01-18T11:24:15.483-05:00Most NDAs require that the ghost writer not public...Most NDAs require that the ghost writer not publicly claim the work; you can usually claim the work on your resume that you send to any publisher or agent (always get permission from your client first). You can also list the project anonymously (i.e. 100K genre novel for Penguin) and add a personal reference to back it up (i.e. editor: Kerry Donovan). Most clients are fine with you using them as a reference on a resume even if they don't want you to list the project, but again, you do need to ask them first.<br /><br />One way clients and ghost writers are dealing with the no-reference problem is to use aggregate sites for work listings and payments. Clients can often rate your performance on them, giving you an instant reference to go with your profile. the authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03220786472896283714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-69380256384319023632015-01-18T11:11:30.269-05:002015-01-18T11:11:30.269-05:00I don't think any of us can completely escape ...I don't think any of us can completely escape our personal writing style, but depending on the type of project I do try to tailor mine to whatever best serves the client. Very often you will be hired because of your style, so your client may be expecting you to write in it -- and generally your style will likely not be recognized unless you're already famous for it (which is why Stephen King couldn't get away with ghosting his own books.)<br /><br />You can also reinvent your writing style. One time, when I was ghosting way outside my own writing experience, I came up with an entirely new style for the project -- and while it was tough at first to keep it going, after a while it grew on me and I was able to write in it without thinking. the authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03220786472896283714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-48897818715056247422015-01-18T11:05:56.160-05:002015-01-18T11:05:56.160-05:00Hello,
Thank you for this; it's fascinating! ...Hello,<br /><br />Thank you for this; it's fascinating! It's also something I've thought would be fun to do. I grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden, and thought it would be fun to write stories like those.<br /><br />My question is this: How do you keep the terms of your NDA and still have something to show for yourself when you want to apply for the next job?<br /><br />JulieBAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8343238.post-8006139477638899792015-01-18T10:01:28.118-05:002015-01-18T10:01:28.118-05:00How do you keep your personal writing style out of...How do you keep your personal writing style out of your ghost projects? I've read a few books written by celebrities that made me think "wow, this sounds like so-and-so wrote this". Lisa954https://www.blogger.com/profile/15146069849267900155noreply@blogger.com