How do I know if your ghostwriting services are the right fit for me and my work?
First of all, I encourage people to speak with multiple ghostwriters before selecting one. You should acquaint yourself with the wide range of services offered, areas of specialization, and personalities out there. Hiring a ghostwriter represents a significant investment of your time and money, and you need to feel 100% comfortable with your writer and confident in his or her abilities. I'm a great believer that everything has to be right before you make the leap: the services, the pricing and payment terms, the production timetable, the working relationship. In fact, if I feel your project would be better suited to another writer, I'll tell you so up front and even refer you elsewhere.
That said, every work I've ghostwritten has been published or is under contract, and if you've got a tight deadline, I can meet it. I also bring a gift for mimicry to the table: your book will sound like you, not me. Because I'm selective in the projects I take on, I'm able to devote my time and resources to you and your project. I'll do all the research and the writing for you so you can get on with whatever it is that keeps you busy.
How much does ghostwriting cost?
The price of ghostwriting varies widely, depending on the kind of work you need and how much research and writing it will require. Obviously, fees increase as the work does. Please contact me at catherine@catherineknepper.com for more specific information on fees. During an initial phone consultation, we can discuss your project and your writing needs, and then I'd send you a proposal detailing the services I'd provide and a firm quote.
It's also helpful to keep in mind that in many cases, the cost of ghostwriting is tax deductible. Check with your accountant to make sure.
What about "hidden" fees, such as printing and mailing costs?
No hidden fees here. I pay for all printing and mailing costs, as well as any telephone charges. The only additional charges you would incur are travel fees if you would like to have an in-person consultation, or if research or meeting with agents or publishers requires me to travel.
Are you flexible when it comes to payment terms?
Absolutely. During our initial phone consultation we'd discuss payment terms in detail; if you choose to hire me I'd then draw up a contract based upon our mutually-agreed-upon terms and deadlines. There are, however, a couple of non-negotiables: I do require a 25% deposit for the Cover to Cover or Full Manuscript services, and smaller projects, such as articles or speech writing, are paid on a 50% up front, 50% upon completion basis. Finally, for Book Proposal Preparation, I've found that the most advantageous fee structure for the client and myself is 50% up front, 25% when a final draft is complete, and the final 25% when agent matchmaking is complete.
There's more payment flexibility with the higher-end services, and I'm perfectly willing to listen to your most creative payment-term ideas! When it comes time to research and write the manuscript, I've worked with clients who chose to pay a third up front, a third at mid-point, and a third upon completion; those who paid 25% up front and the rest in monthly installments; those who gave me a percentage of royalties so as to pay less at the outset; and even one who paid in full upon signing so she wouldn't be bothered with subsequent invoicing. I'm willing to work with you on payment terms that make the most sense for you.
Do you require rights, royalties, or any kind of publication credit?
The short answer: No, no, and no.
The longer answer: All rights to your work are yours and yours alone. As for royalties, I do not require that you include me in the revenue stream, though some clients choose this route because it allows them to commit to a lower up-front investment. As for publication credits, I am amenable to whatever you choose. I can be a "total ghost," i.e. have no credit whatsoever, or I can be credited as a co-author (by Jane Doe and Catherine Knepper) or collaborator (by John Doe with Catherine Knepper). Discounts are available if you choose to credit me as a co-author or collaborator.
Will you sign a non-disclosure agreement?
I'm more than happy to sign an agreement of confidentiality and can provide one for you. Anything you share with me, written or verbal, is 100% confidential.
Can you help me find an agent?
Connecting authors with agents is one of the things I most love to do. I work with a roster of wonderful agents and would love to help you find the right agent for you and your project. Agent "matchmaking" is included in the Cover to Cover service. I'll query up to twenty agents on your behalf, though so far, I've never had to approach that many.
How does the actual writing process work?
First, I work according to your schedule and your availability. If you're an extremely busy business professional, for instance, we can communicate exclusively by e-mail, or if need be, at odd hours. What we'd do is discuss your ideas and marketing needs by phone and/or e-mail, and then I'd be free to start researching and writing. I will turn in chapters to you as I finish them, get your feedback, and revise accordingly. Once all chapters are complete, I'll do a global edit to make sure everything flows as it should and do a final copyedit. You can be updated on your book's progress as often (or as seldom) as you wish.
How long does ghostwriting usually take?
It varies widely. I like to shoot for six to ten months for a book proposal and full manuscript, though some projects have taken as little as four, and some as many as fifteen months. It all depends on how developed your ideas are, how much research is required, and how long the book is. I would give you an estimate for completion at the outset of the project and we would agree upon deadlines at that time.
Shorter works, such as speeches or articles, usually take a couple of weeks, though if you're on a tight deadline I can meet it. Blog posts can usually be written in a matter of days.
Do you ghostwrite fiction?
I'm sorry, I only work with nonfiction projects. Writing fiction is a whole different animal, and I try and keep what little fiction-writing time I have to myself. (I do, however, still occasionally edit fiction.)
Do you work with authors who are interested in self-publishing?
Of course.
Can you provide me with references?
I'd be happy to. Just drop me a line and I'll connect you with former or current clients who can answer questions about my work. You can also take a look at the Testimonials page.
More questions?
If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'd love to talk with you about your project and help you bring your ideas to the publishing marketplace! E-mail me at catherine@catherineknepper.com to ask questions or to set up a phone appointment.