You Own Everything
As the author, you should have complete ownership of the project. A good ghostwriter knows their place is behind the curtain and contractually cedes all rights to whoever’s name is on the cover.
I’ve had deals where I get a small percentage of royalties or a bonus if the book hits certain sales levels, but that’s separate from ownership, it has nothing to do with getting credit.
A Ghost Should Be a Ghost
There’s no reason for anyone outside publishing circles to know you’re working with a ghostwriter, unless you don’t mind. I wrote a blog about J.R. Moehringer, who ghosted Prince Harry’s Spare. Moehringer wrote a piece in The New Yorker about his experience, and Harry was fine with it.
Another high-profile example is David Goggins’s Can’t Hurt Me, one of the best-selling books of the last 20 years. Goggins is open about Adam Skolnick ghosting the memoir, he even let Skolnick narrate the audiobook.
Still, a good ghost is perfectly fine being anonymous.
NDAs are Standard & Permanent
With authors who have publishing contracts, I always sign non-disclosure agreements.
NDAs last in perpetuity and cover all personal details shared during our collaboration, including anything that doesn’t make it into the final book.
NDAs are smart if your book’s getting published.
Example Contract
If you’d like to take a look at a standard ghostwriting contract, download or view our “Ghostwriting Agreement” below.
