I've been asked to ghostwrite someone's life story, and although I've freelanced before, I wondered what steps I need to take to ensure this is legally binding, and fair to both parties. Surely, this must differ from a normal freelancing job?

Does anyone have any ideas? Or can you point me in the right direction to find out more, please?

If you want to keep the answers off here, I don't mind if you contact me 'offlist' so to speak, through the emailing system here on WW's!

Thanking you in advance,


XXXInniXXX

Whatever you do, you need a contract. I wonder if the Society of Authors or similar can point you in the direction of a "standard" contract ?

If this is going to involve a significant amount of your time (and particularly if it's going to keep you from other revenue-earning work) I would get the contract looked at by a solicitor.

The Society of Authors does have a booklet on - pause to look for it - Ghostwriting and Collaboration Contracts. Free to members, £5 to non-members. Knowing them, it'll have everything you need to know.

http://www.societyofauthors.net/soa/section_page.php4?hp_nav_id=16&urlsection=Publications

My instinctive cautions would be that, as well as making sure you get a reasonable rate or fee for the job, you need to agree what happens if the sales rocket way beyond what's expected, if subsidiary rights are sold, if - per impossibile - it were filmed, and so on.

Emma

Thank you Griff and Emma,

I shall certainly look into the Society of Authors.

Thank you for your help, I do appreciate it. If you, think of anything else, just let me know!

XXXInniXXX

Hi,

I've mailed you with some info from the Writer and Artists Yearbook.

Katerina

Thanks Katerina!

XXXInniXXX