How to Hire a Ghostwriter on Upwork

In this blog post you’ll learn how to hire a ghostwriter on Upwork

You choose to hire a ghostwriter after an extended period of consideration.

It doesn’t matter what content you’re looking at creating or why you need a ghostwriter in the first place; the number one rule is to never skimp on quality.

You ask why?

Well, you get what you pay for when hiring a ghostwriter.

Don’t be afraid to splash out on a good one.

After all, you want the best content from your ghostwriter and don’t want them cutting corners, especially when hiring one for a book project.

What is Upwork?

Upwork is a digital platform that provides a marketplace for freelancers and clients to connect and collaborate.

Launched in 2015, Upwork evolved from a merger between Elance and oDesk, two leading online platforms in the freelancing world.

Today, Upwork offers a wide range of services spanning more than 70 work categories including software development, creative & design, writing, marketing, and consulting, among others.

Upwork’s story is a unique one, involving the amalgamation of two pioneering freelance platforms.

The history of Upwork stretches back to the early 2000s when the internet was beginning to influence the way we work.

The journey began in 1999 when two friends, Stratis Karamanlakis and Odysseas Tsatalos, who were living in different parts of the world, wanted to work together.

To overcome the geographical barrier, they developed a digital platform to collaborate, which eventually laid the foundation for oDesk.

oDesk was officially launched in 2003, and its central premise was to allow companies to hire, manage, and pay remote workers just like in-person employees.

Meanwhile, in 1998, Beerud Sheth, Srini Anumolu, and Sanjay Noronha founded Elance as a technology for supporting virtual work.

Originally, Elance started as a platform for freelance professionals to find work in a wide array of industries, including engineering, operations, sales and marketing.

Both Elance and oDesk evolved as key players in the freelance marketplace, becoming popular hubs for freelancers and clients.

They played crucial roles in shaping the gig economy and redefining the conventional workspace.

In December 2013, the two companies announced their decision to merge in a bid to pool resources and offer an even broader platform for their collective user base. After the merger, the joint entity continued as Elance-oDesk for a while.

However, in 2015, the company decided to rebrand itself to reflect its aspirations better and to eliminate any confusion associated with the combined name.

Thus, Elance-oDesk was rebranded as Upwork.

The new name was meant to reflect the company’s mission to connect businesses with talent and help people break free of traditional work paradigms.

Upwork has since grown to become one of the largest global freelancing websites, offering a wide range of categories from graphic design and content creation to software development and marketing.

The platform has also incorporated various features such as video call capabilities, in-built work diaries, and secure payment channels to facilitate collaboration and trust between freelancers and clients.

It has been a major player in the shift towards remote work and the expansion of the gig economy, making work accessible beyond geographical barriers.

How does Upwork work?

At its core, Upwork serves as a bridge between clients looking to hire for certain projects and freelancers seeking those job opportunities.

Clients post job listings detailing the scope of work, skills required, budget, and deadlines.

Freelancers can then bid for these jobs, submitting proposals that outline their skills, experience, and budget.

The platform supports different types of work engagements such as hourly work, fixed-price projects, and long-term contracts.

It also offers various tools and features to facilitate communication, project management, and secure payment processing.

Upwork charges service fees to both freelancers and clients for the convenience and safety of the platform.

Why is Upwork significant?

The rise of Upwork and similar platforms mirrors a larger trend towards freelance and remote work in the global economy.

Here’s why Upwork holds significance:

Access to Global Talent: Through Upwork, businesses can access a global pool of talent, unhindered by geographical limitations. The platform democratizes work opportunities, allowing freelancers from any part of the world to showcase their skills and engage with clients.

Flexibility: Upwork offers flexibility for both freelancers and clients. Freelancers can choose projects aligning with their skills, interests, and schedule, while clients have the flexibility to scale their team as needed, engaging freelancers for specific projects or during peak work periods.

Cost-Effective: Hiring freelancers can be more cost-effective for businesses as they can save on overhead costs associated with full-time employees, such as health insurance, office space, and equipment. Freelancers, on the other hand, can save on commuting costs and can also choose projects that align with their desired income.

The Future of UpWork

Upwork, along with other similar platforms, is reshaping the future of work.

It enables the gig economy, a labor market characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.

According to a report by Upwork, nearly half of the American workforce could be freelancing by 2027, highlighting the shifting dynamics of work.

However, it’s important to note that while platforms like Upwork offer numerous advantages, they also come with challenges.

Issues like job security, benefits, and fair compensation remain areas of concern for freelancers.

Upwork represents a new paradigm in the world of work, embodying the principles of globalization, digitization, and flexibility.

As we navigate this evolving landscape, it will be interesting to see how platforms like Upwork continue to shape the future of work. Stay tuned!

Should You Even Be Hiring on UpWork?

Before diving into the process of hiring a ghostwriter, consider if you should be outsourcing at all.

Ghostwriting isn’t for everyone.

If you think it’s the same as hiring a freelance writer, it isn’t.

Ghostwriting is a more intensive process that requires you to find the best writer who emulates your voice and can write as if they were you.

Ghostwriting doesn’t come cheap.

For instance, if you’re looking for someone to write your business correspondence, you’d have to pay at least $100 per hour.

If you want to have your autobiography ghostwritten, expect to pay a few thousand dollars.

The same goes for fiction titles, i.e., novels, short stories, etc.

Our point is you can’t confuse a ghostwriter with a freelance writer. Freelance writers are hired to write copy for websites, blogs, brochures, etc. But on the other hand, ghostwriters produce highly specific content, mostly long-term writing projects.

Where You’re Supposed to Look for Ghostwriters

Word of mouth is the fundamental way to find the best ghostwriters.

Why?

The quality of work is guaranteed when you use word-of-mouth references.

However, plenty of online resources will help you find and hire a ghostwriter if this doesn’t float your boat.

But don’t get us wrong – the fact that you’re searching for a ghostwriter online instead of personal recommendations doesn’t mean you’ll end up with subpar prospects.

You can tap into many talented writers on the web who’ll deliver top-notch work quality.

One of these options is Upwork – a platform that allows you to find and hire freelancers for various gigs, including ghostwriting services.

Why Hire a Ghostwriter From UpWork?

Upwork is the world’s largest global freelancing platform, with an extensive list of freelancers across different industries.

You’ll find ghostwriters specializing in different niches, i.e., fiction, business writing, copywriting, and more.

With millions of registered users on the site, finding someone suitable for any ghostwriting job is relatively easy.

The platform’s main proposition is that you’ll never see a congested market where everyone tries to win the same job. When you post a job on Upwork, you get access to an extensive talent pool of individuals willing and able to take on your project.

Upwork provides you with access to freelancers from different parts of the world.

This means that you can select someone based on their expertise and cost.

Depending on how much you’re willing to pay, you can even hire a ghostwriter from outside the country (the company is based in California and Chicago).

Determine the Type of Content First

Before you start searching for a ghostwriter, determine the type of content that needs to be created.

List out what you expect from the writer and how much time you need them for.

It’ll help you spot any potential problems before they happen and save yourself some time.

For example, you must be explicit about what you’re expecting from the ghostwriter.

Do you want them to write blog posts across a specific timeframe? Do you envision a time when you meet and discuss the direction of a book writing project?

These should all be specified in the beginning; the last thing you want is to hire a ghostwriter and then end up disagreeing on the scope of the work.

Written Contract

Never give your consent on a verbal agreement with a ghostwriter.

This should go without saying, but you must see that the contract is in writing and both parties agree on its terms.

The contract should be clear about what’s expected of the ghostwriter (deliverables), payment structure, and any other requirements you deem necessary.

This step could be time-consuming, but it’ll save you lots of hassle down the line.

The Writer’s Portfolio

Once you’ve narrowed the search to a few top ghostwriters, look at their portfolios.

You expect the ideal candidate to show past writing projects that align with your needs. Ask them about their experience and what makes them the right fit for your writing project.

See if they have any reviews from previous clients. The more you know about your ghostwriter, the better off you’ll be.

How to Hire on Upwork

And since we’ve gone through the intangibles of hiring a ghostwriter, let’s discuss how to hire them.

Step 1 – Figure out a budget.

Estimating the project cost before doing anything else makes perfect sense for two reasons: it helps you determine the type of ghostwriter you can afford and allows you to negotiate a fair rate.

Remember that the market rate for a ghostwriter depends on their writing experience, skill level, and the project’s complexity.

But it doesn’t mean you can’t find a good one for an affordable rate.

If you’re clueless about what a “fair rate” means, do some research first.

Check out the going rates for ghostwriting services.

You can get this information from similar job posts.

List the time needed to complete the job and then multiply it by the market rate.

Don’t limit your search to Upwork ads when doing some comparison shopping. Instead, consider other freelancing sites.

One crucial tip is to never go with the cheapest option, especially if there’s a significant difference from all the other rates.

You’ll want someone who can deliver quality work, not just a cheap service.

Step 2 – Be as detailed as possible when creating the job description.

If you already signed up for an Upwork account, the next step is creating a job post.

Don’t be overwhelmed by this since Upwork has a streamlined process to guide you in creating a job description.

But then again, the platform doesn’t do everything on your behalf – you still need to provide details about the job.

The more detailed the job post, the better. Include your budget, type of content needed, and deadline.

Don’t forget to incorporate any revisions or other details you expect from the ghostwriter.

The purpose of the job description is to let would-be applicants know if they’re the right fit.

The right fit entails weighing if they’ll be happy to do the job based on the description and if they’re even skilled enough to do it.

A detailed job description will invite the ideal ghostwriter who matches the description.

It’ll save you lots of time screening applicants and filtering through irrelevant ones.

And while it must be detailed, it doesn’t mean you should include things that are too personal.

Stick to the job description, and don’t (literally) write a book when describing it.

So, the two key attributes of an effective job description are detailed and straightforward.

Pro Tip: Avoid flooding your job description with bullet points or a long list of expectations. Instead, use short sentences to get your point across. Present it in paragraph form, as it’ll be easier to digest.

Upwork offers two routes in searching for prospects, and both make sense if you’re hiring a ghostwriter:

• Project Catalog – This route is ideal if you’re looking for a specific writer. Here, you can post a job with a fixed price (hence, the term project). You’ll fill in the indispensable, i.e., deliverables and skills required.
• Talent Scout – This feature is intriguing when you use it to hire a ghostwriter. For one, Upwork will do the heavy lifting on your behalf, which means a bunch of recruiters will scour the platform and generate some promising leads. They’ll match the job description to potential ghostwriters who might not have applied for the role yet.

Step 3 – Do a comprehensive assessment.

Once the possible candidates have applied, review their applications.

Don’t be too hasty in selecting a ghostwriter; take your time to assess them.

Examine not just each writer’s application but also their portfolio and reviews from previous clients.

If you’re having trouble deciding who to choose, create a list of criteria for each applicant and then rank them based on the criteria.

This strategy allows you to compare and contrast each candidate against one another easily.

Remember that you’re searching for a ghostwriter and not just any writer.

As such, it’s imperative that you look at the quality of their work and make it the topmost priority.

It’s also a good idea to ask for a sample if possible. You can get this from their portfolio or request they write one before hiring them.

Creating a shortlist is an integral part of the assessment. But how do you narrow down your options? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Is their writing style suitable for my needs?
• Do they possess the necessary experience to manage this project?
• Are they capable of meeting the timeline I’m aiming for?
• How do their rates compare with other applicants?
• Can I expect a pleasant and productive experience while working with them?

The good news is Upwork has this “rating” feature where you can distinguish one prospect from another using certain tiers. This feature is an efficient way to assess all the applicants rather straightforwardly.

Step 4 – Don’t skip the interview.

For most people, the interview is characterized by cold feet and sweaty palms.

But interviews are key in assessing your ghostwriter’s suitability for the role; thus, don’t skip this step. Conducting one will help you get to know them better as well as verify their credentials. In a way, the prospects get the best chance to vouch for themselves.

Video or phone calls are the most common forms of interviews, but you can also do it through email if video conferencing isn’t an option.

Set a date with your ghostwriter and ask them relevant questions about the job’s scope.

As for you, it’ll be an opportunity to ask questions or explain what kind of output you expect from them.

It’s the “feel out” process.

It means you can measure a ghostwriter’s personality based on their answers.

You want to work with someone you can get along with, so it’s crucial to consider this factor.

Again, trust your gut feeling and ask yourself if the candidate is a good fit for the job.

Step 5 – Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate!

Now that you’ve chosen your ideal ghostwriter, it’s time to negotiate their rate.

As mentioned, don’t settle for the lowest price, as it most likely indicates less-than-ideal work. Don’t stray from the initial budget you set, either.

If you do, there must be a good enough reason, such as the ghostwriter having previously written a similar project.

At this point, you can also discuss other details like how often and when they’ll submit their work or whether revisions are included.

But don’t forget to add these conditions to your contracts.

Be open to negotiation and compromise between the ghostwriter’s rate and your initial budget.

Make sure both parties are content with the rate.

While you’re open to negotiation, remember that you won’t get the best work if you’re paying too little.

It’s an industry practice to pay for quality writing. So, be willing to sacrifice a little if it means getting top-quality content.

Consider looking into other compensation alternatives, i.e., bonuses and incentives, especially if it’s a long-term partnership. Doing so will motivate your ghostwriter and make them more committed to the project.

Step 6 – Hire.

Once you’ve got all the details ironed out, all you need to do is click “hire” from the chosen ghostwriter’s proposal.

Upwork automatically generates a contract offer, where you can pay your “ghost” in the most convenient way.

It’s time to hit the ground running with your ghostwriter and be on the lookout for success.

You’ve chosen Upwork, and we admire that choice. The platform is arguably the most reliable in the industry, provided you’ve followed these steps to a T.

Last Thoughts On Hiring A Ghostwriter on Upwork

hiring a ghostwriter on Upwork can be a smooth and efficient process if done correctly.

Begin by clearly outlining your project requirements, scope, budget, and deadlines.

As you sift through proposals, pay attention to the freelancers’ previous work, feedback from past clients, and their level of understanding of your project. Conduct interviews to assess their communication skills and overall fit for your project.

Keep in mind that a successful ghostwriting project goes beyond just good writing skills—it’s about finding a professional who understands your vision and can bring it to life through their words.

As with all business engagements, clear and consistent communication is key to ensuring a successful collaboration.

Upwork’s range of tools and features can support you throughout this process, providing a secure, efficient, and flexible platform for hiring and managing freelance talent.

Further Reading

How To Become A Ted Talk Speaker 

Publishing Trends in 2022

How To Write A Book Proposal 

How To Hire A Ghostwriter 

Hybrid Publishing Vs Self Publishing