In Part 2, we looked at the method you’ll use to get the writing done. Next is your pay.
Ah yes, pay! You do deserve to be paid and paid well for your writing. Since I’m usually the one writing the letter of agreement, and since it’s in part a sales document, I label this portion Cost. Of course, with a ghostwriting contract, there’s almost always been some serious discussion of the cost, so this section of the writing contract merely confirms what the client is already expecting.
I make sure I also spell out how I will be paid. In …read more

In Part 1, I talked about the Scope of Work or Goal spelled out in a writing contract.
The next item I include is something I call the Anticipated Method, Including Timing, of the work.
The purpose of this section is to describe how the work will proceed. Since I’m usually ghostwriting a book, it’s here that I explain, roughly, how the client/author will get the information to me. Depending on the situation, I might reference documents the client will provide, or how we will tape and transcribe interviews. I also spell out how many revisions of each chapter I …read more

I firmly believe that every time someone hires me, we should have a contract, or a letter of agreement. I don’t like the term, contract, much because it has all sorts of legal ramifications and seems to put the parties in an adversarial position right from the start. That’s why I use a letter of agreement.
What I want is not so much something I could enforce in court, is a mutual understanding of our mutual goals. Writing for a client really is a two-way street and I want each of us to recognize what is expected. I want our …read more

Sharlene Thomas, BellaOnline’s Career Training Editor has an excellent article called Every Freelancer Needs a Contract.
She’s so right. I can’t count the tales of woe I’ve heard over the years from writers who had no contract or letter of agreement and lost money as a result. Early on I had the same experience myself.
Sharlene goes further and outlines what needs to be covered and provides details. This may be an article you want to bookmark.
Write well and often,

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If you’re a freelance writer or editor you’re dealing with contracts – those tricky agreements where you and your client spell out what you will write or edit and they will pay you for your work.
The first thing to understand is that, whatever writing or editing service you’re performing, you need a contract, or a letter of agreement. Period. The second thing to know is that there is no such thing as a standard contract – everything is negotiable.
Lori Widmer, professional writer and blogger at Words on the Page has some pointers about contracts that are worth considering. The article, …read more