Choosing someone else to write your words, whether for a book or a simple online article, can be quite intimidating. Although good writing skills are critical in a ghostwriter, that’s not all it takes to take your words and present them your way. You need to know that the individual you choose is going to put as much care and concern into your writing project as you would if you were writing it yourself.

If you’re interested in hiring a ghostwriter, consider the following tips.

Communication Skills
Not all writers are good communicators. A writer may be able to research, outline, and compose a great piece, but when someone is writing your words for you, finding someone with whom you can communicate easily is essential. Spend some time talking with the ghostwriter, on the phone if possible, to see if your communication styles connect. Both of you will be immensely frustrated if you cannot communicate well, so investigate this early in your relationship.

Experience
Find a ghostwriter who has ghosted or written works similar to what you have in mind. For instance, if you are looking for someone to ghostwrite a self-help book or memoir, find someone who has already worked on this type of material. And if you are hiring someone to write an online report, choose someone with that experience.

Finding a writer with experience will ensure that your writer knows the style and tone necessary appropriate for your needs. Professional ghostwriters with the right experience will have samples they can send to you that showcase their work, so be sure to ask for these.

Great References
Ask the writer for references and testimonials from past clients, and check them. Find out if the writer has a professional attitude, completes tasks on time and as assigned, and communicates in a timely and friendly manner. Be sure to check the references and testimonials for comments about his or her dedication to customer satisfaction. You want to choose a writer that is focused on producing a finished product that meets your expectations.

Reputation for Reliability and Ability to Manage Large Projects
Not all writers are good about meeting deadlines. As you check references and interview potential writers, look for one that has a reputation for reliability. Find out if the writer is deadline driven. Remember, writing projects, particularly long ones, can drag on for many months, so you need to choose a writer who can and will stay focused until the project is complete. If you are taking bids on a project, this is a great way to judge reliability. If a writer promises to have a bid to you by a certain time, hold him to that deadline. If he is late in providing you with a proposal, chances are he or she will also be late on other aspects of the project.

Finding Your Perfect Ghostwriter
Working with a ghostwriter can be a beneficial and rewarding process, if you have the right writer. With these criteria, you can find the professional writer that best fits your project. Once you have found a great writer, work hard to keep him or her, because his talent will be in high demand!

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