With so many options available, it can be tricky to find an online writing or editing service that you can trust. Ask the following questions when comparing companies to make sure you pick a reliable firm for all your needs: Not all cheap things are bad, but when it comes to writing a book, you get what you pay for. A good writer will spend hundreds of hours on your project and has the expertise to produce a high-quality book—so beware of anyone trying to do it too cheaply. It is important to know who will own the rights to your book once it is finished. Make sure that you, as the author, will retain all rights to your work. Be cautious of ghostwriters who request partial ownership of your content. You should always pay for ghostwriting services in installments and never 100% upfront. After the initial deposit, you should make subsequent payments only if you’re happy with what the ghostwriter has written up to that point. This way, both you and your writer have a clear understanding of when milestone payments are due. Confidentiality is key. This book is YOURS, and unless you want otherwise, the ghostwriter’s name will never appear on the final manuscript.