Ghost writing Q&A:

Don't be embarrassed if you know little about ghostwriting. Given the secretive nature of our trade, very few people outside the writing and publishing industry fully grasp how ghost writers operate. Following are some common questions we receive about ghostwriting, along with our best answers ...

Q: What is a ghost writer?

A: A ghost writer is a professional writer -- usually published or otherwise established -- who composes material without taking credit for it. The ideas and concepts underlying the material are not the ghost writer's, so credit of authorship goes to the originator of those ideas and concepts.

Q: How much does a ghost writer cost?

A: It depends on whether we're writing a book, a speech, a screenplay, a cover letter, a resume, or what have you. Feel free to contact us with your specific needs to get a free, no-obligation customized price quote.

Q: How long does it take for a ghost writer to finish a project?

A: Needless to say, project timeframes exist in accordance with project length and complexity. Short ghostwriting projects, such as speeches and resumes, may take less than a week. Longer ghost writing projects, such as books and screenplays, typically require between 16 and 24 weeks of labor.

Q: Can I monitor the ghostwriting process to make sure nothing goes wrong?

A: At E/M Ghostwriters & Screenwriters, we allow two rounds of editorial changes after a first draft is completed. Since first drafts are not always written in chronological order, the process can often seem hairy and confusing, so it wouldn't be useful to have clients' monitor the ghostwriting. In addition, expediency can be threatened within a pattern of regularly supplying new pages to the client, then discussing and editing those pages, then going off to ghost write new pages, et cetera. The best way for us to ensure that we perfectly capture your vision is to establish a clear and thorough set of guidelines before the writing even begins.

Q: Do ghost writers become resentful since they don't get credit?

A: This is a common question, and the answer is no. Since ghost writers have no personal stake in the projects they undertake (aside from wanting to do an excellent job!), they are not inclined to feel possessive of the projects they ghostwrite. Think of ghost writers as adaptors, or channelers, of your substance.

Q: Are ghost writers capable of changing their style to suit my vision?

A: We only hire ghost writers who offer a wide scope of stylistic approaches. Most of our writers have a signature style that they reserve for their own personal writing, and a spectrum of styles that they keep available to those in need of ghost writing projects.

Q: What are my chances of getting published/getting my screenplay made?

A: People pursuing publishers and producers are up against a great deal of competition. Though E/M Ghostwriters & Screenwriters cannot guarantee that any work we produce will be published or produced, to maximize your chances in the marketplace, we always guarantee publishable and/or produceable work. In addition, we guarantee that you will never get your book published or your screenplay produced if those projects remain unwritten!

Q: Can E/M Ghostwriters & Screenwriters help me get my book published/my screenplay produced?

A: For an additional cost, we offer submission services to publishers and film producers. Please let us know in your query if you're interesting in this kind of service.

Q: I love the book E/M Ghostwriters & Screenwriters wrote for me, but my friends don't care for it. Can you rewrite it?

A: E/M Ghostwriters & Screenwriters works to please one party only: the client. The ghost writing process concludes when the client is satisfied.

Q: I changed my mind about the story. Can you rewrite it?

A: Once an initial set of ghostwriting guidelines has been established, those guidelines can undergo no major changes after the process has begun.

Q: Can we sign a contract before the writing begins?

A: Yes. The terms of all ghost writing projects are secured via customized contractual agreements that define all matters pertaining to rights, payment, project timeline, and editorial standards. Feel free to contact us if you wish to look at a standard ghostwriting contract.

Q: How come you sometimes spell it "ghostwriting" and other times "ghost writing"?

A: There's a marketing-related reason for it We'd be happy to explain that when you contact us..

Q: I am an experienced ghost writer. Are you looking to hire any new ghost writers?

A: Our eyes are always open for new assistance. Please contact us with a resume and cover letter to be placed in consideration for employment.

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