So you’ve managed to land a ghostwriting gig, you’ve spoken at length to your client and you know what they want and when they want it by. Off you go to write. You put in many hours researching the topic to find all the relevant details and get as much information as you can. You then spend your time writing it up, reviewing it – making sure to check and double check any facts or figures you’ve quoted – and then hand it over.

The client hates it. It’s not what they wanted. Cue a lot of angry, frustrated discussions as you both try to work out a way to remedy the problems. What happened? Where did it all go wrong?

I’ll tell you where; no open communication between you and your client. Sure you asked all the right questions up front, you knew what needed to be done, and you both agreed to it. But the harsh reality of it is this: things can and will change. The only way to avoid the headaches is to maintain a constant and open dialogue between you and your client.

So how do you make the most of that open dialogue?

Here are 6 ways to get you started.

1. Set Some Time Aside For Review

An easy one to start with. This can be a period of time; e.g. every Tuesday or after a certain goal; e.g. every 10 pages of work completed.

Open up that communication channel and solicit feedback from your client for the work you’ve completed thus far.

2. Encourage a Thorough Review

What you don’t want to happen is this: The client skims your work and “ok’s” it. At the end of the project they read it thoroughly and then point out all the mistakes.

Not only is this frustrating, but it’s also a poor reflection of you in their eyes and can actually damage any potential for repeat work.

Make it easier for the client to review your work by using software that tracks any changes. Beyond that make it clear that any changes made after the review will cost extra. The incentive to save money is usually enough to make sure your work is reviewed properly and in a timely manner.

3. Be Open To Criticism

If you follow the advice given in the previous two points you are practically inviting criticism. Do however keep in mind that your client’s perceived image and reputation rests on the words you write. They may even be directly responsible for making money for him or her.

Prepare yourself and their words won’t sting half as bad as they otherwise would.

4. Speak Your Mind

You are a wordsmith; ply your trade. You don’t just write words, you structure them. Don’t be shy about providing your client with ideas and suggestions for how to best structure their work.

Communication is a two way street and just as you are inviting criticism from the client, so too should you critique their ideas.

5. Avoid Scope Creep

By now you should be well on your way to providing the best possible product for your client, but this policy of open discussion can amplify a common problem with larger projects, scope creep.

Again, you are the expert when it comes to the written product, that’s why you’ve been hired in the first place. Stamp out the flames of scope creep before it destroys your work (and your sanity!). Remember the trick from point 2 about financial incentives?

6. Go That Extra Mile

Tom Peters is quoted as saying that the “formula for success” is to:

…under promise and over deliver.

Just be tactful about it.

Conclusion

The 6 tips above not only maximise your potential to provide the best product possible but will also build your confidence. In turn you will also notice an increase in client respect and trust, which can only be brought about through open communication.

Do you use open communication effectively? What tips can you add to the above? Have you noticed any other benefits brought about by open communication? Please comment below.

If you struggle to find the right words, hire a successful ghostwriter to pen them for you.

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