Of course you have questions!
How does this work? How much does it cost? How long does it take? What about copyrights? What about contracts? Can you help me write, rewrite, or finish….? What in the heck is ghostwriting, and do I need it? Do I need a writing coach? What if my idea is dumb?
We’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions below. But if you don’t see the answer to your question here, don’t be shy. Just ask us!
How does the process work?
This is oversimplified, but in general the process looks like this:
- You contact us (SSW) about a project. We then email back and forth a few times or talk on the phone to discuss the details of your project and to see if we are a good fit. Rapport is important.
- In the next conversation, we talk about outlines, deadlines, schedules, and fees.
- We sign the contract and you send us all relevant documents, research, sources, etc.
- SSW writes a detailed project proposal that defines the direction and scope of the project.
- Once the project proposal is approved by you, SSW will draft a long outline of the project with our thoughts and ideas for your input and review.
- SSW sends you a draft of the project for the normal rounds of edits and minor revisions.
- SSW inputs the edits and revisions and sends you a finished text and all the files.
What can clients expect?
SSW has the experience and ability to perform the services you need, and we will carry them out in a professional and timely manner.
We write custom, original text according to your specifications and in the tone and voice you prefer.
Our business ethic is based on fairness, transparency, cooperation, and mutual benefit. We offer friendly (and non-judgmental) service, with excellence as our goal, and at a fair and reasonable price.
What is ghostwriting, and do I need it?
Check out our page on ghostwriting.
Is there a contract?
Click the link to read our operating contract. If you have questions, please ask.
Who owns the copyright?
When the project is finished, the copyright and ownership is automatically transferred to you when we receive final payment. You will own the total product including intellectual property rights, text, graphics, and other data (unless someone else owns them), for your own use only.
How much will it cost?
Our fee structure is flexible: we can charge by the project, by the hour, or by the word.
Most of our clients have been pleasantly surprised by our affordability!
In one of our initial conversations, we will find the best solution to fit your needs and your budget. But there are there are too many variables to state a number or flat rate.
Here are just a few variables that influence pricing:
- size of the project
- the scope and detail level
- amount of research involved
- the definition and style
- number of people on the client’s side who are decision-makers
- the deadline
What is a writing coach?
If you are you a Do-It-Yourself type and you want to write your own stuff but need a little advice, then a writing coach is for you!
We will coach you through the writing process and share with you the tricks of professional writers. Along the way, we will help you define the scope of your project, get organized, stay focused, and cross that finish line! A writing coach is your sounding board, encourager, editor, and guide. We can help guide to you to good content, perfect grammar, and defined style.
And, if you need a daily kick in the arse to get your project done, we will do that, too.
Can you help me finish my book? blog? project?
We get this questions a lot! YES, we probably can help you finish. We can help you by finishing it ourselves or by coaching you through the process. Let’s talk about it.
Is my idea dumb?
Probably not. 😊
In all of our years of ghostwriting, we have yet to run into a truly lame idea. Many (or most) ideas that we hear need some honing, some tinkering, and some editing, but this doesn’t make them bad ideas.
Everyone has doubts and feels vulnerable when they put their new ideas or creations out into the world. Running the risk of feeling dumb is part of the creative process. So if you feel unsure, this is absolutely normal.
How you write about your idea can be dumb though. (Sorry!)
For advice on how to write text that isn’t lame, check out our on-going blog series on writing well.
Short and Sweet Writers 