Aug 7 • 💬 CLIENT COMMUNICATION
📦 How To Set Expectations & Deliverables (So You Don’t Get Dragged Into Extra Work You Didn’t Get Paid For)
Most beginner ghostwriters struggle with one thing:
They don’t know how to say no.
Not because they’re weak—But because they never clearly defined what “yes” included in the first place.
Here’s the truth:
If you don’t set the expectation, the client will.
And their version always includes more than you planned.
Let’s fix that.
Here’s how I set expectations and deliverables before writing a single word:
✅ Step 1: Define What They’re Actually Buying
Don’t sell vague deliverables like:
❌ “I’ll write some content for you”
❌ “I’ll help you tell your story”
❌ “I’ll ghostwrite your book”
Be specific:
✅ “You’ll receive one 1,000-word blog post based on a 30-minute interview call. Includes 2 rounds of revisions. Delivered in 5 business days.”
This removes all ambiguity.
âś… Step 2: Put It in Writing (Every Time)
Use your proposal, invoice, or contract to spell out the scope.
- How many deliverables?
- What’s included (and NOT included)?
- When will they receive it?
- What counts as a revision?
- What’s the final format (Word doc, PDF, Google Drive)?
If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist.
âś… Step 3: Use Simple Language
Don’t try to sound fancy.
Bad:
“Client shall receive proprietary copywriting assets developed in collaboration…”
Better:
“You’ll get 2 email drafts and 1 repurposed carousel post. Each includes 1 revision.”
Clients aren’t impressed by jargon. They’re impressed by clarity.
âś… Step 4: Repeat the Plan Back to Them on the Kickoff Call
One line I always say on client calls:
“Just to confirm: you’re getting [x deliverable], I’ll deliver it by [date], and it includes [revisions/edits]. Sound good?”
This saves you from the “I thought you were also going to…” convo later.
âś… Step 5: Reinforce With a Summary Email
After every agreement or kickoff call, I send a recap email.
It’s short. It’s clear. It sets the tone.
Example:
Subject: Your Project Details 👇🏾
Hey [Client Name],
Just recapping what we confirmed:
✅ 2 blog posts/month (1,000–1,200 words each)
âś… Based on 30-min call
âś… Delivered by the 15th & 30th
âś… 1 revision included
Looking forward to getting started! Let me know if you have questions.
TL;DR:
- Be specific about what they’re getting
- Put it in writing
- Use normal language
- Confirm it on the call
- Follow up with a recap email
Because scope creep is real. And ghostwriters who protect their boundaries stay booked, not burned out.
Want my done-for-you Client Deliverables Template and Kickoff Call Script?
💬 Drop BOUNDARIES in the comments and I’ll send you my Ghostwriter Jumpstart Kit™ — with everything you need to set clear expectations and look like a pro from day one.
Because the best projects don’t start with hype.
They start with clarity.
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📦 How To Set Expectations & Deliverables (So You Don’t Get Dragged Into Extra Work You Didn’t Get Paid For)
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