Everyone has their own way of prepping/skimming new plasterboard. I always do it the way you suggested,,, tape all the joints, fill the bevels in the boards flush,, fill every screw head, then leave the ceiling/walls to dry.
I also, (always) use 2 coats of bonding coat onto new/old boards, then skim with 2 coats of multi, always have,, (plasterboard float and set), it takes longer to do, and costs more to do, but you'll never see any sign of a joint, nor any sign of a screw/nail head, plus it gives you a chance to straighten out any bad, uneven wall etc.
If you're confident you can prep the ceiling the way you suggested, then go for it, but have a word with the plasterer first, telling him your plan. Let's know how you get on.