Ghost Writing Project

Independent Contractor Agreement (Work-for-Hire) This Independent Contractor Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between: 1. Project The Contractor agrees to create an original English-language manuscript tentatively titled: "Vietnam Through Its Flavors" (or another mutually agreed title) The work is intended for publication and sale to an international audience, particularly English-speaking readers interested in Vietnam's food, culture, people, and travel experiences. 2. Scope of Work The Contractor agrees to provide: A completed manuscript of approximately 110–120 pages in English. Content covering Vietnamese food, culture, daily life, local experiences, and practical insights for international readers. Revisions reasonably requested by the Client during the development process. Approximately 5–10 original visual assets, consisting of: Original photographs taken by the Contractor, and/or Original illustrations created by the Contractor. The Contractor is encouraged to incorporate personal experiences, cultural insights, and authentic local perspectives. Exclusions Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the following are not included: Book cover design Marketing materials Promotional graphics Translation into other languages Additional illustrations beyond the agreed quantity 3. Timeline The project is expected to be completed within approximately two (2) months from the Effective Date. The parties agree to work using milestone submissions according to the schedule previously discussed. The timeline may be adjusted by mutual agreement. 4. Compensation The Client agrees to pay the Contractor a total fee of: USD $650 Payment shall be made through agreed milestones as follows: Milestone 1: Outline approval and sample chapter Milestone 2: Midpoint manuscript submission Milestone 3: Final manuscript and delivery of agreed visual assets Specific milestone amounts may be allocated by mutual agreement through Upwork. 5. Revisions The Contractor agrees to provide reasonable revisions requested by the Client during the project. Material changes outside the agreed scope may require additional compensation. 6. Work-for-Hire and Copyright This project is a work-for-hire arrangement. Upon full and final payment: All rights, title, and interest in the manuscript; All text; Original illustrations; Original photographs; Characters created specifically for this project; Design elements created specifically for this project; and Any other deliverables produced under this Agreement shall transfer exclusively to the Client. The Client shall own all worldwide copyrights, publishing rights, derivative rights, adaptation rights, and commercial rights related to the work. The Contractor retains ownership only of pre-existing materials not created specifically for this project. 7. Credit The Client is not obligated to provide public credit. However, if mutually agreed, the Client may include acknowledgements such as: "Written for Tokyo Paul with support from The Phuong" "Special thanks to The Phuong for writing and creative contributions" The wording shall be determined by mutual agreement. 8. Confidentiality The Contractor agrees not to disclose unpublished materials, drafts, business information, or project details without the Client's consent. 9. Originality The Contractor represents that: The submitted work is original. The Contractor has the right to transfer ownership of all deliverables. Any AI-assisted content used has been substantially reviewed, edited, and verified by the Contractor. The work does not knowingly infringe upon the rights of third parties. 10. Independent Contractor Status Nothing in this Agreement creates an employer-employee relationship, partnership, or joint venture. The Contractor is acting as an independent contractor. 11. Termination Either party may terminate the Agreement upon written notice. Compensation shall be paid for milestones satisfactorily completed prior to termination. Ownership of completed and paid-for deliverables shall transfer to the Client. 12. Entire Agreement This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes prior discussions regarding this specific project.