Who owns the copyrights? 

At AFS Wordstead, all credit goes to the client, unless otherwise specified in the contract.

Do you do all the work yourself? 
Yes. This is not a ghostwriting or editing company by choice. Moreover, for some years now, it’s been my policy not to outsource projects, especially involving ghostwriting or rewriting. If I should have to hire another writer for your project, I would inform you beforehand, tell you exactly who will be your writer and how I plan to oversee that person’s work. Either way, I am always available for consultation.

What is the procedure from start to finish? 
Hiring and working with a writer is a simple enough process. For me, however, producing the copy is a more complex process. I work faithfully with my clients until the final version is ready for submission to a publisher/agent, for self-publication, on a web site, in print, or for distribution to a private audience. When you hire me to ghost, rewrite or edit a work, there is a trial period that allows you—the sole owner of your work—to determine if I am the right professional for the job. During that period I will forward a first submission to you consisting of roughly 15 pages (if it’s a book). If my work so far meets with your approval, we will proceed according to our agreed schedule. If you are dissatisfied, I will try my best to work out any problems you or I may identify. If you remain dissatisfied after that, you may withdraw from the project and you’ll be charged for the work done only at an hourly rate.

What kind of ghostwriting or editing contract would I be signing? 
Our agreement would stipulate the terms and conditions; submission and payment schedules; conditions of withdrawal; my professional competence; owner of the copyrights; and the originality of what I will produce for you. Incidentally, this agreement may contain a bit of “lawyer lingo,” as contracts in this field usually do, but don’t be put off. It’s pretty straightforward. (I would be glad to send you a sample agreement for your perusal. Just remember not to sign it yet!)

How could I be sure that my project and our relationship will remain confidential? 
The ghost writing, rewriting or editing agreement we sign will stipulate strict confidentiality. I promise to adhere to standard privacy practices with respect to every aspect of our transaction. That I will exercise my profession to the fullest of my ability should go without saying. My reputation depends on how well I fulfill any and all promises I make to my clients.

How do you determine the fees you charge? Will there be any hidden charges? 
The total fee or rate will, in the main, depend on: (1) the complexity and scope of the work I do for you; (2) whether or not I will need to do research beyond the basic requirements. We will know and agree on most of what I will do for you, give or take a few minor, non-chargeable tasks. But you will never be charged more than what our agreement stipulates. If, on the other hand, you request additional work not foreseen in our agreement, we would have to agree on its scope and the total charges before I proceed. Your permission, preferably written, would be required. You will always be in control and have the final say in everything that goes into your work.

How do I send you my prewritten manuscript for rewriting or editing? 

You may send it either by e-mail as attached document(s) or by regular mail. I will need your forwarding address, telephone (and fax numbers, if necessary) from our first contact, along with any other relevant information. If you use regular mail to send me your documents, a computer disk (CD) may be requested. If you use e-mail, it may become necessary to regular-mail a CD, if the Internet transfer unexpectedly squelches your document’s codes and formatting.

Which software should I use? 

Most of my work is done in Microsoft Word. Occasionally I use Corel WordPerfect and other word-processing software, upon request. Scripts are typed in FinalDraft, one of the most widely used in screenwriting and plays.

Do you accept rush jobs? 

It’s always better to receive sufficient prior notice. I’ll do my best to accommodate your needs, but I will always let you know my timeline and then stick to it. Short-term projects may force me to hire other writers with the necessary skills to maintain my quality of service. In that case, I may have to charge you at 1.5 times the normal rate.

Will you help me publish my work?

I don't publish or represent authors and for one reason: I want to offer only what I do best—namely, written content. If you want to self-publish your work, select a publisher or find an agent to help you do that, I strongly recommend you hire the right people for the job. Specialization is one of the most important signs of competence. Services that combine unrelated tasks (e.g., writing and publishing) are less likely to be good in any of them. Nevertheless, I am willing to help you maximize your chances for publishing success, without charge and only as a courtesy—my last contribution to your success. In that spirit, if you like, I could edit your query letter or speak with your agent. I want you to have a fair shot at seeing your work read by as many people as possible. I am just not in the representation or publishing business.

I may have a client or two to refer to you. Is it worth any credits in my account? 
Certainly. Any new client you refer to me will earn you a special credit discount. My business depends on word-of-mouth and on a solid reputation for excellence!

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Glossary

Following are definitions that you may find helpful as you navigate through this site:

• Ghostwriting
  Ghost writing is any original work created by one person and based on an idea , outline, notes or other material supplied by another person, normally the client.
  

• Rewriting
  The complete revision of a prewritten text (same copyright conditions).
  
  
• Editing
  Various levels of textual changes and improvements in grammar, syntax, voice, style, etc. All editing changes are incorporated directly into the text, comments and suggestion highlighted in red and may be summarized in a brief report (for book-length projects).
  
  
• Copywriting
  Writing for business or promotional purposes—for example, advertisements, web material, generic letters, or any other promotional copy.
  
  
• Screenwriting
  The creation of dialogue, plot, characters and script instructions intended ultimately for a stage, film, television, or radio production.
  
  
• Critiquing
  The critical analysis and assessment of a work. A ten- to fifteen-page report containing a critique and some suggestions for improvement, if any, are provided.
  
  
• Translating
  Rendering a source text into a target text expressed in another language using the the proper linguistic resources to ensure accuracy of meaning, voice, style, etc. (unless otherwise stipulated by the original author).