Writing Contracts – Getting Paid, Part 3 of a Series

In Part 2, we looked at the method you’ll use to get the writing done. Next is your pay.

Ah yes, pay! You do deserve to be paid and paid well for your writing. Since I’m usually the one writing the letter of agreement, and since it’s in part a sales document, I label this portion Cost. Of course, with a ghostwriting contract, there’s almost always been some serious discussion of the cost, so this section of the writing contract merely confirms what the client is already expecting.

I make sure I also spell out how I will be paid. In this sample I’m to be paid monthly;
The total cost for this project shall be $xx,xxx payable at $x,xxx on the first of every month for six months, starting (date) until the total amount has been paid.

(Client) acknowledges that if the Book is finished prior to (date) he will continue to make monthly payments until the total $xx,xxx has been paid. Anne acknowledges that if the project extends beyond (date) she will complete the project even though no additional payments are due.

There are many ways to handle how you’ll be paid. You may want 50% up front with the balance on completion; you might want to tie the pay schedule to the writing schedule, like per article or per chapter. Each has its advantages.

I also generally include a clause that spells out what will happen if I don’t get paid and balance with the statement about what will happen if I don’t write. It often reads like this:

Both Anne and (client) acknowledge that if (client) fails to make prompt payments Anne will stop writing. Both also agree that if Anne fails to deliver manuscript in a timely fashion, (client) will quit paying.

What you want to avoid is any vagueness about your pay; both you and your client need to be clear on exactly what is expected.

Write well and often,

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