Someone once asked me “ is there really a need for a ghostwriter agreement ? Does that defeat the essence of ensuring the writer is ghost ?

Yes . There is need for a ghostwriter agreement. The ghost writer agreement not only benefits the ghost writer , it also benefits the entity hiring the services of such ghost writer.

Typically, ghost writers get stripped of the moral and economic rights to their works . This simply implies they do not get credited for what they have written neither do they get royalties or any other financial gain asides the one off payment made to them.

Putting an agreement in place between the ghost writer and the entity requiring the services doesn’t defeat the relationship as there are clauses like confidentially and non disclosure which ensures the transaction and terms of the agreement doesn’t get out to third parties.

Getting a one off payment as a ghost writer might not be the best move these days. Negotiating royalties off the sale and exploitation of the work you have ghost written in addition to the advance payment is a better move .

In circumstances where you can’t access your royalties , there are several options that can be explored to ensure You get a good pie of the musical or literary work when it becomes extremely successful. These are called “ MILESTONES”

It is possible to negotiate a milestone clause to get a certain payment if the song goes platinum , gets a sync placement on a major cable network or gets performed at specific events like the Super bowl for instance etc

You can also negotiate a milestone clause to get a certain payment if the book gets adapted into a movie, sells one million copies etc

Imagine ghostwriting a billboard no 1 record that sells 30 million copies and You got paid a one time fee of 5 thousand dollars only. That will be heavily shortchanging yourself .

A ghost writer agreement will help cover salient areas of your relationship with your client such as compensation , ownership and control , credit, responsibilities , warranties and indemnities , dispute resolution , copyright , libel etc

It also helps to address issues like indemnities if there is a claim that the work infringed on someone’s else copyright , can the author activate a clause and bring up the ghost writer to be responsible .

.There will also be a miscellaneous section for items such as media rights, licensing and sequel rights.

A ghost writer agreement clearly drafted to favour you is essential for you as a creative to effectively maximize your talent and craft especially if you delve in the ghostwriting world. You will need all the protection you can afford .

Ensure you seek expert advise and get a ghost writing agreement in place for your ghost writing services

Cc lalasticlala, Dominique

Cc lalasticlala