Learning how to hire a fiction writer for your project can be a daunting prospect.
Working on a book with another person means that you’re going to be sharing thoughts and opinions, solving problems, and trying to mind-meld — all at the same time. It all adds up to a pretty intimate experience.
In this article, I’m going to show you some of the ways you can hire a top-notch fiction writer for your projects.
Let’s get started…
Who is a Fiction Writer?
According to Encylopedia.com, Fiction writers compose short stories, plays, and novels using imaginary characters and events. They specializes in creating imaginative and non-factual stories, often set in fictional worlds or using fictional characters.
Furthermore, they use their creativity and writing skills to craft narratives that entertain, provoke thought, or evoke emotions in their readers. Fiction writers can work in various genres such as fantasy, science fiction, mystery, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction, and more.
Example of a Fiction Writers?
Examples of fiction writers include:
- J.K. Rowling – Known for the “Harry Potter” series, which has captivated millions of readers worldwide with its magical world and memorable characters.
- Stephen King – A prolific author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy novels, including “The Shining,” “It,” and “The Dark Tower” series.
- Jane Austen – Famous for her classic novels such as “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility,” which explore themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th-century England.
- George R.R. Martin – Author of the epic fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” this inspired the hit television series “Game of Thrones.”
- Agatha Christie – Renowned for her detective fiction featuring iconic characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, with novels such as “Murder on the Orient Express” and “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.”
- Toni Morrison – A Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her powerful and lyrical prose in novels like “Beloved,” “Song of Solomon,” and “The Bluest Eye,” which explore themes of race, identity, and trauma.
- Neil Gaiman – A versatile writer who creates works spanning various genres, including fantasy, horror, and graphic novels, such as “American Gods,” “Coraline,” and “The Sandman” series.
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Why hire a Fiction Writer?
Hiring a fiction writer can offer numerous benefits, depending on the context and goals of the project. Here are some of the reasons
Fiction writers are skilled at crafting imaginative and original stories, characters, and worlds. They bring fresh perspectives and creative ideas to the table, making them valuable assets for projects that require innovative storytelling.
They excel at capturing readers’ attention and creating compelling narratives that entertain and captivates either through novels, short stories, scripts, or other forms of media.
Furthermore, fiction writers are experts in the art of storytelling. They can work across various genres and formats, adapting their skills to suit the needs of different projects. Whether it’s writing a fantasy novel, a sci-fi screenplay, or a mystery short story.
In addition, most fiction writers are dedicated professionals that take their work seriously. Their commitment is second to none, like meeting deadline, adhering to project requirements, and delivering high-quality work.
Therefore, hiring a fiction writer can help ensure that the content is engaging and enjoyable for the target audience. Also, they will handle your project professionally and with care.
Duties and Responsibilities of Fiction Writers
Here are some common duties and responsibilities of fiction writers
#1. Idea Generation and Story Development
Fiction writers are responsible for coming up with original story ideas that is interesting and well-written. Developing plots and creating engaging characters that keeps pages turning and eyes fixed on the screen for a long time. This involves brainstorming, outlining, and planning the overall structure and direction of the narrative.
#2. Writing Drafts
Fiction writers write the first drafts of their stories, focusing on translating their ideas into written form. They use their language skills, creativity, and storytelling techniques to craft compelling prose that captures the essence of the story.
#3. Revision and Editing
After completing the first draft, they revise and edit their work to improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality. This may involve rewriting passages, refining dialogue, fixing grammatical errors, and addressing feedback from editors or beta readers.
#4. Research
Depending on the genre and subject matter of their writing, fiction writers may need to conduct research to ensure accuracy and authenticity in their storytelling. This could involve studying historical events, scientific concepts, cultural practices, or other relevant topics.
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#5. Character Development
Fiction writers are responsible for creating well-rounded and believable characters that readers can relate to and empathize with. This includes developing characters’ personalities, motivations, backgrounds, and relationships within the story.
#6. World-Building
In genres such as fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, fiction writers often engage in world-building to create immersive and vivid settings for their stories. This involves designing landscapes, cultures, societies, and rules that govern the fictional world.
#7. Collaboration
Fiction writers collaborate with editors, publishers, agents, and other professionals throughout the writing and publishing process. This includes incorporating feedback, negotiating contracts, and working together to ensure the success of the project.
#8. Meeting Deadlines
Also, they meet deadlines for submitting drafts, revisions, or other deliverables related to their writing projects. This requires effective time management, organization, and discipline to ensure timely completion of work.
#9. Promotion and Marketing
After publication, fiction writers are involved in promoting and marketing their work to attract readers and build their audience. This could include participating in book signings, author events, social media campaigns, and other promotional activities.
#10. Continuous Learning and Improvement
As a fiction writer, you need to be committed to sharpen your craft and improve your writing skills over time. This may involve attending workshops, taking writing courses, reading widely in their genre, and seeking feedback from peers and mentors.
Tips on How to Hire Fiction Writers
Step 1. Define your project goals
Before you put any of your hard-earned resources into this project, be clear with what you want to achieve. This helps you explain your objectives and goals to your ghostwriter in the easiest way possible.
To define your projects, find clear answers to the following:
What will your project do for readers or consumers?
Do you want your book to teach readers something valuable or life-changing? Do you want to entertain them? Or do you want to awaken them to a different perspective or shock them with an alternate reality? Are you hoping they’ll be changed in some way or make different choices as a result of your book?
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What will your project do for you?
Are you looking to expand your outreach, increase your credibility or brand yourself or your business? Do you want the book to open doors for speaking engagements? Is your ultimate goal to make the fiction list for the Sunday Times? Give some real thought to how you want this book to benefit you — that will be an important factor in determining the book’s value and who writes it.
Step 2. Know Where to Search for Fiction Writers
Next, you need to find fiction writers — which is easier said than done! Ghostwriters aren’t the simplest professionals to find. Matchmaking companies like our WritersGig, are excellent places to begin your search.
Check the ghostwriting marketplace and list three to five top choices. Then, read the profiles and look at the projects listed. Pick two or three best fit for you.
Reach out to your top two choices, provide a succinct description of what you want and need for your project. Allow for some back and forth so the writer has a clear grasp of the project before quoting a fee.
Step 3. Assess the Fiction Writer’s Skill Level
The best professionals in this field have strong writing and storytelling skills, keen problem-solving skills, and the ability to process and organize large amounts of information.
The cream of the crop can also capture the author’s true voice. Whether your project requires the best in the business or just a strong writer, will depend on your goals.
If you have a trusted editor or literary agent, ask him or her to weigh in on any potential ghostwriter. You’ll be able to tell great writing from writing that stinks, but a professional in the field will be tuned in to some of the finer nuances that make a big difference.
You can also make an assessment based on what you like and what sounds good (or reads well) to your ear.
Looking for a professional fiction writer?
Over 100 of the best fiction writers are on WritersGig. Sign up for free to meet them!
Learn how WritersGig can help you craft a beautiful book.
Step 4. Look at the Fiction Writer’s Previous Works
I’m not talking about stalking them on Facebook — though you may find some interesting info there! I’m talking about ghosts’ track records:
- What they’ve written; and
- How long they’ve worked as professional writers.
The second question is easy enough, but the first is trickier. So, chances are that the fiction writer you’re considering hiring has work they can show you or tell you about as well as work that they can’t mention. This is because they may have received an instruction not to reveal some of their works.
There are still ways that you can get a sense of the work that writers have done by checking out their websites. They should have some published acknowledgments they can share with you.
Step 5. Check whether the writer can capture your voice and style
An experienced fiction writer who has written more than a handful of books or scripts can typically match a variety of writing styles and voices.
That’s why seeing what the writer has already written may be a way to test whether they can write in your own voice and style.
Knowing whether they can speak in your voice will allow you learn if they can be the best fit for your project.
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Step 6. Discuss the Details of the Process
Most ghostwriting involves communication and cooperation between the author and the writer, but the amount of both depends on the author’s needs and the ghost’s process.
Some writers will spend a great deal of time with the author at the outset of a project, gathering information, asking questions, reading and processing research or conducting interviews, and then disappear for months as they draft the chapters, showing the author the chapters in batches or possibly the entire finished book.
Others work with authors on a chapter-by-chapter basis, gathering information and delivering drafts as they proceed. And there are all sorts of variations that fall between these two examples.
What’s important is that you understand the process the fiction writer uses and ensure that it’s compatible with your work style.
It is also important for you to determine what role you’ll play when you receive the written drafts.
What methods will you be using to review the work? Will you make your suggestions within the text by using a tracking tool, or will you write your suggestions as comments and allow the writer to implement them? How many rounds of revisions, if any, are included in the ghost’s process?
These are some of what you should consider when discussing the details of the writing process.
Step 7. Discuss Availability and Deadlines
Clearly communicate your project timeline, deadlines, and expectations regarding availability with potential candidates. Also, ensure they can commit to the required schedule and deliver quality work within the specified timeframe.
Step 8. Negotiate Compensation
Discuss compensation, payment terms, and any contractual agreements upfront to avoid misunderstandings later on. Consider factors such as experience, project complexity, and industry standards when negotiating rates.
Step 9. Assess Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential when working with a fiction writer. Look for candidates who are responsive, proactive, and able to articulate their ideas clearly. A good communicator can streamline the collaboration process and ensure mutual understanding.
Step 10. Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts when selecting a fiction writer for your project. Consider factors such as personality fit, enthusiasm for the project, and overall professionalism. Choose someone who you feel confident and can bring your creative vision to life effectively.
Best Platform to Hire Fiction Writers
There are several platforms where you can hire fiction writers, each with its own strengths and features. Here are some of the best platforms to consider:
#1. Upwork
Upwork is a popular freelance marketplace where you can find fiction writers with various levels of experience and expertise. You can post job listings, review proposals from freelancers, and collaborate with writers directly on your project.
See also: Alternative to Barefoot Writer: Get the Best Freelance Writing Jobs
#2. Freelancer
Similar to Upwork, Freelancer is a platform that connects employers with freelance writers. You can browse profiles, post projects, and communicate with writers to hire them for your fiction writing needs.
#3. WritersGig
Writersgig is a unique marketplace for freelance writers with excellent skills. They write creative contents in different niches. It is a great place to find professionals fiction writers with good writing experience.
Furthermore you will have no hassle in finding one for hire within your budget range and get result within a short period of time.
In addition, you can post projects, search for writers base on what you what and communicate with writers easily.
#4. Fiverr
Fiverr is a freelance platform known for its diverse range of services, including fiction writing. You can search for writers based on specific criteria, such as genre expertise or word count requirements, and hire them to work on your project.
#5. Reedsy
Reedsy is a marketplace specifically tailored to authors and publishing professionals, including fiction writers. You can browse profiles of vetted writers, editors, and other publishing professionals, and hire them for individual projects or long-term collaborations.
#6. WriterAccess
This platform is a content creation platform that offers a wide range of writing services, including fiction writing. You can search for writers based on their expertise, industry experience, and ratings, and hire them to create custom content for your project.
#7. LinkedIn ProFinder
LinkedIn ProFinder is a service that connects businesses with freelance professionals, including fiction writers. You can submit a project proposal, receive proposals from qualified writers, and choose the best candidate based on their skills and experience.
#8. Online Writing Communities
Websites and forums such as Wattpad, Scribophile, and Absolute Write have active communities of writers where you can find fiction writers, seek recommendations, and post job listings. These platforms are great for networking and connecting with writers directly.
#9. Literary Agencies
If you’re looking to hire a published fiction writer with a proven track record, you can reach out to literary agencies that represent authors in your desired genre. Agents can help you find qualified writers and negotiate contracts on your behalf.
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FAQs – Tips on How to Hire Fiction Writers
you should look for creativity, originality, storytelling skills, and the ability to meet deadlines and work collaboratively.
Conduct interviews, review writing samples, and assess communication skills and willingness to collaborate.
Specify the genre, project scope, budget, timeline, and any specific requirements or preferences you have.
The Bottom Line
Listed here above are some of the proven tips to help you hire an expert fiction writer for your new fiction project. Ensure to follow them for the best of result and if there’s something else you need to know, you can read more articles here on our blog.
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