If you have at any time thought about hiring someone to help write your book, probably one
of the first questions that comes to mind is, do ghostwriters get royalties? It is an important and often misunderstood aspect of the publishing world. How many times have you needed something written but could not find the time or ability for it? You might be an entrepreneur or someone in the public eye wanting to tell a story but just do not have the time or the talent to write it; ghostwriters are excellent for that journey. An important
question is how payment and ownership work in this unique writing relationship.
Let’s find out how ghostwriters are typically compensated and whether they will earn royalties for the books they help create.
What Is a Ghostwriter and What Exactly Do They Do?
At the first
level, one can simply answer this question: Do ghostwriters get royalties? To make it clear what ghostwriting actually is, it is best to understand the whole process and get to know the important reasons involved in the activities as well. A ghostwriter is generally a professional hired by the client to do some work for him in writing, whether to write something on their
behalf or without ever taking any public recognition for such work. Usually, by the contract between the client and the ghostwriter, the client takes entire credit as the author, even though the ghostwriter did all or most of the work. Ghostwriters are very often employed in different autobiographies, business books, memoirs, self-help books, and even novels. They do this either by interviewing, taking notes, or using an outline the client might have created. They might, in some instances, even help build the foundation from scratch.
The extent of their involvement can vary significantly, but at the end of the day, it is
their job to write a book that reflects someone else’s vision, voice, and message.
Are Ghostwriters Paid a Flat Fee or Ongoing Royalties?
That’s very well put. The answer to the question: Do ghostwriters get royalties
Completely depends upon the agreement reached by the client and the ghostwriter, which has no one-size-fits-all. Most standard ghostwriting contracts involve the ghostwriters being paid for their work through flat payments. Such payment is agreed upon beforehand, and such an amount would represent time, research, and skill needed to complete the project. Once the payment is made for the ghostwriter, his work is over, and he does not earn
anything else even if the book becomes the biggest seller. Some ghostwriters
might get royalties. Usually, this is where the client is unable to pay a huge
sum upfront or where both parties agree the book has great earning potential.
In this case, the ghostwriter might accept a lesser upfront payment in exchange for a percentage of the royalties post-publication.
When Might a Ghostwriter Receive Royalties?
Under what conditions will ghostwriters receive royalties? While it may not be the rule in
the industry, the exceptions are not unheard. Some cases where this might
happen include joint work on projects where both parties have the same creative
vision; books by celebrities or influencers who will naturally want to see some
big sales; or indie publishing arrangements in which both the author and ghostwriter team up as business partners rather than employer-employee.
Another instance that usually emerges is when the ghostwriter becomes a coauthor; that
is, when both names appear on the cover of the book or in other publishing
credits, it may probably be the case of a negotiated split of earnings,
including royalties. However, this, too, must be put down in writing prior to the start of the project.
Indeed,royalties are not synonymous with income, which comes easily. Most books fail
to recover the costs at which they are printed, and the lucky few that do may
take several months before royalties accumulate into anything substantial.
Thus, ghostwriters have to consider the risks and rewards of opting for royalties rather than a guaranteed flat fee.
Why Do Most Ghostwriters Prefer a Flat Fee?
You may be wondering why ghostwriters if royalties could be in the picture, are not pursuing them more often. This is because a majority of ghostwriters value the certainty of a flat fee, which pays them fairly for their time and work without casting their income into the success of the book.
It can take hundreds of hours to write a book, and if a ghostwriter were to work on a
royalty basis or rely on uncertain sales for compensation, they stood to lose out on fair pay. This becomes even riskier in the case of first-time authors or self-publishing clients who may lack a solid marketing strategy. Simply put, getting paid upfront is often the safest and most reliable way for commercial ghostwriters to work. It guarantees that they can continue to do what they love without having to wait months or even years for revenue that may never come.
Should You Offer Royalties to a Ghostwriter?
So, if you’re finding yourself in need of a ghostwriter sometimes, you might be contemplating whether you should consider royalties in compensation. The right answer would depend on your budget, goals, and expectations.
Consider a proposal based on royalties they can offer to most writers if the budget is on
a shoestring and an individual is already confident that his book will sell. Just prepare yourself that most of those who are quite experienced ghostwriters in this craft usually prefer a flat fee or at least a model where, at first you pay less and then split a bit of the royalty. Ensure that any agreement has been signed in a detailed written contract, with clauses outlining payment, rights of ownership, division of royalties (if applicable), credit or anonymity preferences, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
How Do Contracts Handle Ghostwriter Royalties?
Just as
contracts are binding, so it is for ghostwriters. An agreement involving
royalties it should contain details specifying whether the individual is
treated as a paid work-for-hire (thus having no ownership rights to the work)
or otherwise as a coauthor or contributor.
If provisions
for royalties are established, then the compensation details to the ghostwriter
must be contained, such as when such payments will be received and how such
earnings will be tracked and reported. Other occasions, such as republication,
adaptation into films, or the generation of income through audiobooks or
translations, have to be mentioned in the agreement.
Contracts are
highly technical documents; therefore, it is advisable for both parties to seek
legal assistance before signing one. Clear and transparent information from the
start saves unnecessary confusion or even conflict later.
Final Thought: Should Ghostwriters Be Paid Royalties or Not?
Indeed, some ghostwriters can receive royalties. However, in most cases, the ghostwriters do not receive royalties. Most ghostwriting jobs are usually paid on fixed fees, which usually do work for both the writer and the client. Whenever royalty is concerned, every bit of it must be explicitly defined, fairly structured, and legally documented so that both parties can benefit from it.
When hiring a ghostwriter, you enter into a partnership, as does any good relationship; it is
based on trust, communication, and clear expectations. Whether you pay a flat
fee or choose a royalties arrangement, the ultimate goal should be to produce a
powerful, high-quality book that everyone can be proud of. Call now for ghostwriting services that can breathe life into your book idea and turn it into a gripping suspense-thriller that will hold readers captive. Our professional team knows how to turn your story into one that reflects your very own voice and vision. Let’s create your bestseller together today.
