How we select our professional writers.

By- Michael McKown

This company is well known, having served thousands of clients since I co-founded it in 2002. Professional writers around the USA are aware of Ghostwriters Central. We even have a page where we announce ghostwriting opportunities.

Announcing openings

Periodically, we buy advertising in places where professional writers will see it. An ad will announce the kind of opening, such as a ghostwriter or screenwriter. The ad will ask about experience, background, whether they offer services commercially, and states they must submit examples of their work.

Our writers are not employees. They are 1099 independent contractors, and in California, one of the requirements to be a 1099 contractor is they must work non-exclusively, so they must offer their services outside of any work for Ghostwriters Central.

Consideration of applications

Does an applicant need to be a college graduate? No. I never completed college, why should I demand it of others? However, and this is no joke, the applicant must know what they’re doing. I will review their educational background. And then I will read their work. I look for storytelling skill. I look for structure. Can this writer get me emotionally invested in the story? If so, then why would I care whether that writer has a high school diploma or a college degree?

Landmines

Reading samples can be exhilarating or tedious. Tedious gets rejected. Typographical errors is reason for rejection. Use of the wrong word will get the applicant tossed. Examples: rain, rein, reign. Affect and effect. Two, to, too. Flak and flack. A pro writer needs to be able to select the right word, and defend its use if need be.

Client work needs to be correct.

Location

We do not consider writers who are located outside the United States, nor do we consider writers for whom American English is a second language. One reason is time zone considerations. The other is expertise with our language. Native speakers grow up immersed in their language and can wield it with great expertise. Non-native speakers will encounter usage problems, including the understanding and use of idioms.

Complaints

I will do a background check using their name and their business name plus the keywords “scam” or “complaints” to see if there have been accusations. I’m aware that you can’t please everybody, so one or two complaints aren’t necessarily disqualifying, but if there’s a pattern, then I will conclude that this writer has issues and must be dropped from consideration. I’m in the business of fulfilling client expectations; I’m not in the business of creating angry clients.

A conversation

Once I’ve completed the above processes, I will speak with that writer. I want to get a sense of their attitude and talk about client service. One thing that often comes up is whether they should be proactive. For example: A client has a partially-completed screenplay and needs to have it finished. The writer looks it over and finds problems that will prevent it from being considered for production. Should that writer just do what the client says, or actively help the client succeed?

The answer is: Be proactive. I tell the writer that he or she is an expert and should bring their expertise to bear with the client. Be honest with the client. Tell them the truth and explain why. Then plot a way forward. It’s possible that honesty will lose us a client, but I think it’s the right thing to do.

The contract and Welcome document

If a writer meets the qualifications, I will send the contract. Not all whom I’ve invited aboard will sign, but that’s the way it goes. After signing, I send the writer our Welcome document. It’s an orientation piece that describes everything from client service attitude to payment terms. It also provides specifications for a photo, to appear in the gallery of writers on every page, but also on our ghostwriting staff page, along with a personal statement.

For new writers, when I ask if they want an assignment, I will remind them to review the Welcome document before contacting the client. After all, they’re acting on behalf of Ghostwriters Central, not on behalf of their own personal business.

Complaints about Ghostwriters Central

What happens if a writer does not deliver excellent work or offers excuses for late delivery? They get replaced and the project is reassigned. That has happened a few times. Do a search for the company name, plus the words “scam” and “complaints.” Since our founding over 23 years ago, there are no complaints or accusations that we’re aware of. And that is nearly unprecedented in the ghostwriting business.

We know we must execute projects correctly and deliver excellent client service. As a result, everyone will be happy. We leave the collection of complaints to our competitors.