Ghostwriting Contract

[Donald O'Donovan]

Hello again,

A person wants to hire me as a ghostwriter. I've searched the Internet for a sample contract, but no luck. I have a sense that a contract is essential. I am afraid that I'll finish the project and then the client will ask for rewrite after rewrite after rewrite and I won't get paid. I am hoping to find a contract that will deal with this issue (and others).

Anyone know where I can find a sample contract?

Thanks!
Donaldo

[Jeanne Gassman]

Check the Writers Weekly site. Angela Hoy may have posted something about work-for-hire contracts. The link:

<http://www.writersweekly.com>

The most important thing is to get partial payment up front. Most ghost writers ask to be paid in three installments: The first payment at the signing of the contract; the second payment when xxx amount of the book is delivered; and the final payment when the final pages are delivered. You should also include a statement about the number of changes you'll accept before charging more. For example, you may say the client is entitled to request changes xxx # of times or request changes for xxx # of pages. After that, there will be additional charges, usually per hour or per page.

Hope that helps.

Jeanne

[Gary Kessler]

At one time sample ghostwriter contracts could be found at the following places. You'll have to the research on whether these sources still exist, though:

The Canadian Writers Union at <http://www.writersunion.ca> sold a pamphlet by Marian Hebb, "Ghost Writing," for Canadian $9.

A sample is contained in Business and Legal Forms for Authors and Self-Publishers, from the Allworth Press (2000).

And a discussion what should be in a ghostwriting contract was available, at least at one time, at <http://www.freelance.about.com>.

[Donald O'Donovan]

Ah! This is exactly the issue I'm concerned about, i.e., how many rewrites. Perfect. Additional charges, you betcha!

And I will go to the site.

Thank you, Jeanne!

[Donald O'Donovan]

Gary,

Thanks very much for your response. I'll do some snooping at the sites you recommend.