The ASA is thrilled to publish our Ghostwriting Agreement Package, which includes our Model Ghostwriting Agreement, an editable Word version of the model contract intended to be adapted to your individual circumstances, and an explainer on the practicalities of ghostwriting by Liam Pieper. 

For the first time, our ghostwriting agreement includes generative AI clauses. These include a guarantee that neither the commissioner nor the ghostwriter will use AI to substantially fulfil their respective obligations, unless you agree otherwise. Also included is a template schedule of permitted AI uses that you can use to guide your negotiations. 

The model contract is suitable for ghostwriters who are commissioned by individuals, in circumstances where the ghostwriter relinquishes all copyright in the resulting work. For arrangements where the ghostwriter and commissioner plan to share copyright, please refer to the ASA’s Model Joint Author Agreement, available in the Resources section of the ASA website. This joint author agreement is due to be updated to include generative AI clauses in the coming months.

In the included explainer on the art of ghostwriting, Pieper writes, ‘It’s important to set clear professional and personal boundaries before entering into any agreement.’ Our Ghostwriting Agreement Package will help you set those boundaries and ensure an effective collaboration. 

You can download the Ghostwriting Agreement Package via the Resources section of our website. The cost of the resource is subsidised for ASA members, but please note that you need to be logged into the website to access the member price. 

If you have a specific question about ghostwriting, or any other aspect of the publishing industry, submit a query through our free Member Advice Service. Or, if you have a ghostwriting contract you would like reviewed, book a contract review with our subsidiary law firm Authors Legal. 

Alternatively, if you are interested in hiring a ghostwriter to help you bring your story to life, browse our ‘Find a creator’ directory.