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In 1996, Hillary Clinton, the former First Lady and 67th US Secretary of State, published a book, “It Takes a Village.” The book became the talk of the town for the message it delivers. The Clinton name, however, was embroiled in yet another controversy. The ghostwriter, Barbara Feinman, who helped complete the book, received no credit. 

Not to discourage the authors who wish to enlist the services of a professional ghostwriting agency, but it is imperative to select the right ghostwriting agency, or you may end up facing an unfortunate situation. Many books in the list of “New York Times Bestsellers” are ghostwritten, but you do not know about them. Hemmingway Ghostwriters says that two of their clients made it to the list, but they are not at liberty to disclose their names since they have signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement with them. 

How to Find the Right Agency Offering Professional Ghostwriting Services?

Selecting the wrong ghostwriter can be a pain and may cause reputational damage. This is where professional ghostwriting services come into play. 

According to Hemmingway Ghostwriters, anonymity is something that all of their clients prefer, and this is what they provide. According to the company’s representative, this is why they haven’t mentioned any details about their ghostwriting team or successful authors. Since they have been in the business for quite some time – it is reasonable to assume that there’s some substance to their claim. 

So, if you plan to hire a professional ghostwriting agency, read the following carefully. We have covered some key factors you should consider before hiring a ghostwriter or a ghostwriting agency.

Heroes Within the Shadows

But first, let’s understand what ghostwriting is. Simply put, say you have a burning idea that won’t let you rest until you’ve shared it with the world. Perhaps you want to compile your whole life story in 300 pages, or maybe you wish to tick “Write your cookbook” off your bucket list. Ghostwriting gives you the luxury and resources to bring your ideas and vision to life. And if your story is impactful, you may even make it to the best sellers list.  

Ghostwriters possess the intellectual assets necessary to transform your ideas/stories into captivating narratives for the world to consume. All you need to do is vividly express your idea and what you aim to achieve with the book and watch the ghostwriter breathe it to life.

Did you know that ghostwriting is about 60% of the total content industry? 

This is because professional ghostwriting services provide the opportunity to curate your content for a mass audience. You don’t need to be a naturally gifted writer for your content to be seen by the world and potentially monetized, as this influx of content is gaining popularity, giving rise to many ghostwriting agencies for you to choose from.

That being said, as convenient as the idea is, one shouldn’t blindly hire a ghostwriting agency without taking into account all the factors mentioned below:

1. Clientele:

While hiring a professional ghostwriting agency is to ensure anonymity, some people still drop reviews without mentioning the ghostwriters’ overall contribution. They may allow the company to use the titles published under their names instead of a discount. And this should be the first thing you should look at. 

Pay attention to the reviews on their website or other online platforms; look out for elaborate descriptions to understand whether the agency is for you. Writing requires good communication and attention to intricacies for the book to be ready for publishing. You must ensure the agency you’re collaborating with knows what they are doing. 

2. Portfolio:

The second most important factor is the portfolio. As mentioned above, authors sometimes authorize ghostwriting companies to showcase their titles for marketing purposes only. Do look for diversity in the portfolio. They will surely have something to show you if it’s an established company. Most agencies have a team of writers with expertise in various genres, from fiction to biographies and memoirs, so they should have at least one book from each genre. 

If you can’t find any diversity in their portfolio, then ask the company to write a small sample for you before signing up or paying. This is a surefire way to ensure you hire the right ghostwriting company. That being said, paying attention to the quality of the content they are churning out and whether it matches the voice you are looking for is vital.

3. Pricing:

This is a deal-breaker for most upcoming authors. Not everyone is Hillary Clinton, for sure. Where pricing is naturally a top priority, it should be compared to the quality one would receive for the cost. Remember, cheaper doesn’t always mean better, especially for something as specialized as ghostwriting.

4. Clear Terms and Contract:

Pay close attention to the contract terms and conditions. It should highlight the scope of work, payment structure, timelines, revisions offered, and the rights. Since you will potentially be making money off your work, it is crucial to note each clause carefully and whether the agency is clear with its propositions.

5. Confidentiality:

Ultimately, the purpose of a ghostwriter is to be discreet, maintaining high-level confidentiality. Note that a well-reputable agency will emphasize strict policies to protect the ideas and information of the client. If you’re not getting absolute confidentiality, then it’s a major red flag. Be very clear if you want to allow the company to use your title or published book for marketing purposes. If there are any clauses that you disagree with, strike them out.  

Is There Any Company That Fits the Bill? 

The simplest answer: Yes, there are many. From the company, Hemmingway Ghostwriters, whom we contacted to gain insights about this industry, to many others who will surely fit the bill. All you have to do is do your homework before investing any money.