How do you outsource your e-books?

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Simo

Hi Warriors,

How do you outsource your e-books?

Specifically:

How do you select your writer?

Do you make your ghostwriter sign a document handing over rights to you after completion?

What successful systems have you developed, outsourcing e-books?

As always, your feedback is appreciated.

Cheers,

Simo

I haven't outsourced any ebooks myself, but you should really look into the Philippines. It's cheap and they are as good as native english writers...

But then again, haven't outsourced any ebooks myself yet, but when I do, thats something I'll look into.

I know that this don't answer any of your questions, but you might find it useful anyway

Thanks

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Simo

14 years ago

Hi hjalte81,

Thanks for your feedback.

I am aware of the "where" and understand there are some great value/quality writers to be found there (Philippines), as well as on this very forum.

I am looking more at the mechanics of the process and any insights fellow warriors can share.

Thanks again,

Simo

Thanks
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pwnzor 14 years ago

Just go to the warriors for hire section and find a writer.

If it doesnt work out.. remember that for the next time and move on. Once you have someone you like try and stick with em!
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travlinguy

14 years ago

Simo...
You'll find lots of different arrangements out there. I take a casual, yet cautious attitude when it comes to the agreement. Whatever the assignment may be, whether writing an article, an ebook, a sales or landing page, editing... whatever, I keep the chain of email where I make first contact and find out exactly what the client wants as well as all other correspondence.

Then I write a comprehensive proposal based on my understanding of the stuff covered in the email. The proposal states the details, which include my approach or perspective on the writing, the timeline, the ownership details (for almost every assignment I take the client owns the material outright upon final payment), the terms of payment, everything... For large assignment, there is usually some phone conversation or IM communication.

If the client accepts the terms spelled out in the chain of email and pays, that means s/he agrees to the terms and there have been court cases decided on just such agreements.

I'm not big on signed contracts, non-compete or non-disclosure agreements. I had a huge assignment last year all worked out and the client dropped a non-compete contract in my lap at the last minute. Had I agreed to that I wouldn't have been able to legally write a single word on that topic for five years and he wouldn't budge on that point. I felt that to be ridiculous and walked away. Anyway, I hope I've helped to answer your question. Good luck.

[ 1 ] Thanks

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Simo

14 years ago

@Alexa Smith

Alexa, thanks heaps for your feedback. That is a really good point about previous work and experience. I see that outsourcing begins with step 1.... Utilising good recruitment/screening practices!

P.S I note your warning & the absence of sarcasm!

@travlinguy - I really appreciate you giving me some insight as to what you look at from a writer's perspective. That's really valuable, and really cool of you to share. Thanks so much

Thanks

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ivanm

14 years ago

I've outsourced over 10 ebooks. Usually I tend to have a different writer per niche.

I use Elance.com for my ebooks. Here is a template I use:

Ebook Template

Title:

Ebook writer wanted for 10 page ebook in the *insert niche*

Overview:

I am looking for someone to write a 10 page ebook who is also willing to commit to further projects once this project is complete.

This project you are bidding on is for the creation of a 10 page ebook in the *insert niche*.

I am looking for someone who is fast, efficient, has English as their primary language *change if different*, delivers on time, provides value for their work, has very clear communication, and is willing to take on more work once this project has been completed.

Project details:

The project details are as follows:
10 page ebook
This ebook is part of a larger project and is the basis for the first "chapter" of the book.

Chapter Overview:

The title of the ebook is:
*insert title of ebook*

The title for the chapter is:
*insert title of first chapter*

The overall theme of the first chapter should be:
*insert theme*

Project timeline and additional information:

The project should be completed in *insert timeframe* days after the project has been accepted...

I am very prompt with payment, and clear with communication and detailed in what I expect.

How the ebook should be written:

The ebook should be sent in .doc format
It should be very well researched and clear in its message
It should be written in 10pt Arial font
Pictures should be used if/where necessary to emphasis the wording
It should be 100% typo free and grammatically correct

Further information:

When posting to this bid, please provide:
A sample of written work you have done of a similar nature

And answer this question for me:
Are you willing and able to do more work once this project is complete, if yes, what is your monthly capacity (how many can you do of this sort of quality on a monthly basis)

Always make sure you ask for samples. Try to read through their samples and get a feel for their work. And if your on a strict time line MAKE SURE you tell them their will be a penalty for late work which will usually be a deduction in price.

If you don't do so they will often be late and come up with stupid excuses. I've had two writers who have had their hard drives crash while doing work for me -_-

Good luck!

[ 2 ] Thanks

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J Bold

14 years ago

You could try contacting some Warriors here, who are good writers. Reputation and body of work are key, here. You could also check some outsourcing sites like odesk, getafreelancer, elance and others.

There's more than one way to do it but those are my suggestions.

Thanks

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Money on the Side

14 years ago

I've outsourced several ebooks/books and you'll see that it is tough. They should have a portfolio so you can see a sample of their writing, but you'll also see that it will take some time to find a writer that "jives" with you and understands what you want and what you expect out of them. Once you find that person...don't let them go! I probably went through 30 different writers until I found the one I needed. Since then, she's been my go-to person for all my stuff.

Thanks

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Simo

14 years ago

@Killercopy

Thanks for your advice. I hear where you are coming from re: have a writer that's on your page (pun very much intended)

I am getting the picture that I have to be very concise with my instructions to the person I outsource to.

Thanks
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Money on the Side

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Simo

@Killercopy

Thanks for your advice. I hear where you are coming from re: have a writer that's on your page (pun very much intended)

I am getting the picture that I have to be very concise with my instructions to the person I outsource to.

Definitely...and believe me, there's nothing worse than them taking 2-3 weeks to complete your project, only to find out is is nothing like you wanted. Be precise and check their work regularly to be sure they are on the right track. It might be micro-managing, but it's way better than waiting 2-3 weeks for a finished project that needs to be completely redone.

Thanks

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Simo

14 years ago

@Killercopy

Thanks for that great tip - Milestone check-ins.... that's a time saving (and headache avoidance) tip right there.

Thanks

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Bev Clement

14 years ago

A good writer will also ask you questions to discover exactly what your needs are.

If you are hiring them to write exclusively for you, then copyright shouldn't be an issue. It is normally part of the deal, but some writers would reuse the material. You should ask the question to be safe.

Thanks

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Simo

14 years ago

Hey Bev,

Thank you for dropping by to pass on that great tip. You are right, as a good writer will ask questions to clarify. That can be the difference in getting what you want by paying more to someone who is a professional than paying less and choosing a writer with less experience who perhaps doesn't have a refined system in place to gather feedback from the client.

I am adding the "reuse material" question to the template sheet I am developing.

Great comments - Thanks again Bev

Simo

Thanks

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How do you outsource your e-books?

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