Effective Collaboration - Working With Your Ghostwriter
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by: Bonnie Jo Davis
Using a ghostwriter to craft your free reprint articles and marketing materials is an excellent way to maximize your time and profit. The fastest and most effective way to find a freelance ghostwriter or editor is to post your writing projects on an on-line service like Freelance Work Exchange at http://tinyurl.com/3v69r . This allows interested writers to submit their proposals to you. It makes short-order of a needle-in-a-haystack task.
If you've already posted a writing opportunity, you've probably received several proposals and/or bids from interested writers. Whether you're already working with a ghostwriter or still considering potential candidates, you want to develop a working relationship that is both professional and congenial as well. This will allow you to maximize the benefits of having your own ghostwriter.
Working with your ghostwriter should be an easy and productive experience. After all, removing the pressure of not having time to write and still gaining exposure through marketing with articles is your purpose for even considering a ghostwriter. It may take a few projects and a little time to develop a good working relationship with a regular ghostwriter, but there are several ways that you can help the process along from your end.
- Your ghostwriter is not your employee, at least not in the traditional sense. Remember, freelance writers offer their services on a contractual basis. You can't expect your ghostwriter to drop all other projects to work on yours exclusively, without prior notice. By developing a good working relationship with your ghostwriter you can be assured that they will give your projects priority.
- Be open to suggestions from your ghostwriter. He/she may have powerful ideas that can help you target your audience more effectively. Don't be afraid to ask for his/her ideas or opinions, especially if he/she has been writing for several years. While the subject of an article is always your decision, your ghostwriter may have an article idea that could be very productive for you.
- Offer ongoing and/or continuing opportunities. One of the best ways to guarantee that a professional is always enthusiastic about writing for you is to offer projects on a regular basis. You'll often be able to receive a less than standard rate for services once you've established yourself as a recurring client.
- Mix it up a bit in your writing opportunities. Here's where you get to expand your work and also increase your exposure in marketing with articles. If there are related subject areas in which you are involved offer your ghostwriter opportunities to help you with these as well. Remember that you can ask your ghostwriter to rewrite sections of your web site, proofread your correspondence or write proposals. This helps keep things fresh for the writer when you allow him/her to focus on other subjects or other areas of writing.
- Be flexible. If your ghostwriter delivers an article with which you are truly displeased allow him/her to do some editing before you completely reject the piece altogether. When making directives for specific editing requests try to explain why you are making your request. This can help your ghostwriter learn your particular preferences and help further develop his/her ability to write from your perspective.
- Be reasonable regarding timeframe for delivery of your article. All work takes time and as you already know, so does writing in particular. Try to offer new projects far enough in advance that your ghostwriter has time to produce his/her best work for you. Even if your ghostwriter is an expert in your subject and works well against short deadlines, he/she can usually produce a better article for you if not pressed for time.
- Money talks, but not always the same language. You may be surprised to learn that many professional ghostwriters are more drawn to regular work than a one-time-shot larger payment for writing an article. As I often say, writers are real people with real lives and financial commitments like everyone else. In offering your projects to a different writer each time you'll definitely receive a variety of work, but you won't have much security. By working with one or perhaps two ghostwriters you'll have the benefit of knowing what to expect in their work.
- Don't keep your ghostwriter's name a secret. Sharing the name of your ghostwriter with other people who may have a need for his/her services goes a long way in maintaining a successful relationship. Not only is it the most genuine compliment you can offer, it is also one of the most effective ways of ensuring that you're a valued client. Even freelance writers who have built a regular client base are almost always accepting new opportunities, if only as filler projects during slow times. Sharing your ghostwriter's name demonstrates your value of their work. You can be the first name to whom your ghostwriter likewise makes referrals in your area of business and/or expertise.
- Pay your ghostwriter's fees promptly. Many ghostwriters charge a deposit or in-advance payment on projects that they accept as a standard for doing business. However, some do accept work without a deposit. Whichever agreement you reach with your ghostwriter, it is important that you honor that agreement just as any other contract for professional services by making payment upon receipt of services.
(c) 2004, Davis Virtual Assistance. All rights in all media reserved. Permission for reprint granted to all venues so long as they are opt-in.
About the author:
Bonnie Jo Davis is the author of the e-book: Articles That Sell: Use The Best Kept Secret To Promote Your Business For Free! For more information about Bonnie her e-book visit http://tinyurl.com/5wnmm.
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