The document provides 8 questions to ask when hiring a financial ghostwriter. The questions cover the ghostwriter's writing process, specializations, industry experience, information needs, writing samples, billing structure, time estimates, and factors to consider when evaluating answers such as writing process, specialization area, industry focus, research abilities, sample work, pricing structure, and timeline estimates. Hiring the right ghostwriter is important to ensure their skills and experience align with the needs of the project.

1. Eight Questions to Ask When
Hiring a Financial Ghostwriter

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What is your writing process?
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What information will you need from us?
Can you show me samples of your work?What type of writing do you specialize in?
What experience do you have in the industry? How do you charge?
Which industry verticals do you focus on?
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Eight Questions to Ask When Hiring a Financial Ghostwriter
How long do you think it will take?
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Print out this page and use it as a guide when you are interviewing a potential ghostwriter.

3. What to Look For in the Ghostwriter’s Answers
Now that we’ve laid out the questions to ask, here are some factors to
consider when evaluating a ghostwriter’s answers.

4. 1. What’s your writing process?
A big part of creating a well-written product is
managing the process. In addition to being a
good writer, the person you hire also needs to
be a good project manager.
Look for a writer who is able to lay out the
steps of his or her process, including
interviewing, outlining, gathering research,
drafting, editing, and designing. The writer
should also be able to explain how he or she
will manage each of these steps.

5. 2. What type of writing do you specialize in?
There is a big difference between writing copy
for a marketing brochure and writing a white
paper that draws heavily on quantitative
analysis.
Most writers tend to focus either on marketing
writing (websites, brochures, social media) or
thought leadership (white papers, e-books,
blogs, and bylined articles). It’s important to
find a writer whose sweet spot matches up
with your needs.

6. 4. Which industry verticals do you focus on?
The financial services industry covers a lot of
territory, and you’ll want to find a writer who
has experience in your specific vertical.
A writer who focuses on private wealth
management may not understand the
nuances of venture capital or investment
banking. Even within asset management,
writing for an audience of retail investors is
very different than writing for institutional
investors. Taking the time to find someone
who already understands your industry is vital
to the success of your project.

7. 5. What information will you need from us?
Some writers are very good at conducting
independent research and tracking down
data. Other writers struggle with this, and
you’ll need to provide the information for
them.
When you’re evaluating writers, think about
how much independent research your project
will require, and whether you want the
research to be on your plate or the writer’s.
You should ask whether the writer is
comfortable doing independent research and
what types of databases the writer has
worked with in the past.

8. 6. Can you show me samples of your work?
When it comes to writing, the old adage is
true: the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
The only way to be sure that the writer has the
depth of financial expertise and writing skills
you need is to read his or her work. By reading
the samples, you will also be able to see
whether the writer’s tone matches your firm’s
brand and unique voice.
You may want to propose doing a one-time
project with the writer before committing to
something more extensive. This can be a low-
risk way to see if you and the writer are a
good fit.

9. 7. How do you charge?
Now it’s time to get down to the brass tacks.
Some writers charge a variable rate based on
hours or word count. Other writers charge a
fixed fee for projects.
There’s no right or wrong way to do it, but it’s
important to have clarity from the beginning.
Often the right billing structure will depend on
a) how well you’ve defined the scope of the
project and b) whether the writer has worked
with you before.
Remember, the value provided by a good
ghostwriter can go far beyond just writing.
The writer may also be developing ideas,
doing research, and managing the project.
These other services will be baked into the
total price.

10. 8. How long do you think it will take?
A major component of the value proposition of
hiring a ghostwriter is accountability. The
writer is on deadline, and the writer’s income
depends on getting projects done.
If you have a firm deadline for the project, be
sure to mention this up front. The writer can
then let you know whether he or she can
meet that deadline.
If you don’t have a firm deadline for the
project, the writer should be able to provide a
estimate of how long a project like this
usually takes.

11. If you have questions about hiring a financial
ghostwriter or the process of working with
an outsourced writer, the team at
Wentworth Financial Communications is
here to help.
Want to learn
more?
(312) 513 2174
info@wentworthwriting.com