How to Become a Ghostwriter

If you love writing but aren’t attached to seeing your name in lights, you may want to become a ghostwriter.

Ghostwriting is a great way to enter the publishing world and see your work in print – fast. There are many ghostwriting projects just waiting for talented writers to take them on. That’s where you come in!

Today, I’m sharing everything you need to know about the wonderful world of ghostwriting, including project options, rate insights, and tips to get started.

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What is Ghostwriting?

Ghostwriters write a vast variety of content, crafting original works for their clients. The catch? The client’s name is credited as the author.

You likely consume ghost-written materials every day without knowing it, from blog posts to email marketing to Instagram captions.

Ghostwriting is almost always anonymous, making this job perfect for introverts or anyone who prefers to avoid the spotlight.

Types of Ghostwriting Projects

There is a ghostwriting opportunity for just about any written material. Common projects include:

Books (fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and more)
Online articles and blog posts
Business content like white papers, reports, and case studies
Marketing materials like emails and website copy
Speeches for executives, celebrities, and politicians
Lyrics for popular music artists
Scripts and screenplays for entertainment companies

Advantages of Ghostwriting Over Traditional Writing

While completely uncredited work may feel counterproductive to some, there are plenty of advantages to ghostwriting over traditional writing.

Gain experience – While breaking into the publishing industry can be a huge hurdle, ghostwriting can help you gain invaluable experience while making contacts in the industry. It’s a great chance to hone your writing skills and earn a living.
Quicker turnaround – Personal projects can be long and tiring. With ghostwriting, you’ll have clear deadlines and expectations, with shorter projects and less emotional investment. This is great for your productivity (and attention span!).
Reliable income – When you’re working on personal writing projects, there’s no publishing guarantee unless you already have a contract in place. Ghostwriting provides you with a reliable income source between projects or as a full-time career.
You can focus on writing – When you’re a working writer, your focus is split between writing, marketing, querying, your next project… the list goes on. As a ghostwriter, you get to focus solely on the craft you love.
Anonymity – We don’t all crave the spotlight. Ghostwriting allows you to maintain anonymity, even after writing widely-read works.
Exciting range – With ghostwriting, there’s a whole world of subject material. You’ll get to research and learn about a range of topics you may never have considered before.

Skills Needed to Be a Successful Ghostwriter

Ghostwriters need a few key skills to be successful in their craft.

Excellent writing skills with strong knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and storytelling.
The ability to transform your tone and writing style to match your client’s needs.
Strong communication skills, with the capacity for collaboration and implementing feedback.
Comfortability with research and interviewing to gain mastery over your subject matter.
Creative prowess to create captivating written works.

How Much Money Can You Make as a Ghostwriter?

Ghostwriters have a lot of salary variance based on their experience, the amount they work, and the types of projects they take on.

Glassdoor reports a salary range of $38K -$63K per year, with the average base pay landing at $49K. Ghostwriters often work with fixed rates, charging by the word, project, or hour.

As a beginner ghostwriter, your rates should reflect your experience level. You can raise these rates as you gain experience.

How to Get Started in Ghostwriting

Decided you want to become a ghostwriter? Follow these steps to begin your ghostwriting journey.

Build Your Portfolio

First, you’ll need some example work to show your skills. Create an online portfolio using a user-friendly platform like Squarespace or Canva.

I suggest trying Canva for your first portfolio. It’s free to use and includes intuitive website-building options.

When you’re ready to invest in a more permanent portfolio, Squarespace is excellent; it comes with built-in templates that make the process quick and painless.

In your portfolio, include writing samples of your best work, client testimonials, and contact information.

Seek Clients

With your portfolio ready to share, it’s time to start building your client base. Ghostwriters can seek work through platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.com.

You can also apply to writing-specific platforms like Reedsy.

Many ghostwriters find success through networking and gaining referrals from satisfied clients or colleagues in the industry.

If you’re lucky, clients will come to you when they come across your ghostwriting portfolio. Use SEO tactics and relevant blog posts to draw traffic to your website.

Finally, you can cold pitch to companies, influencers, bloggers, and more.

Crafting a Great Sales Pitch

Any good sales pitch will include three things:

Identify the client’s pain point.
In a line or two, showcase your experience and unique skill set. Show them why YOU are the perfect person to address their needs.
Give a concrete example of what you can offer, highlighting the value of your work.

Complete your pitch with a “call to action” – inviting them to book a call with you to discuss a collaboration.

Tips for Success in Ghostwriting

Gain experience using freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr.
Hone your skills through Skillshare courses or an ebook bestseller boot camp.
Gather testimonials from satisfied clients and industry professionals.
Craft a quality portfolio to showcase your best work; your writing should speak for itself!
Focus on your client’s voice above all else, studying their style and learning how to emulate it.
Research your topic well, using quality sources over AI repetition.
Remember to abide by all NDAs and maintain confidentiality.
Prioritize time management, using project management tools to keep track of deadlines and maintain professionalism.
Join online writing communities to discuss your trade and seek new opportunities.
Remain flexible in your writing, remembering it’s your client’s word that matters most. Kill your darlings when needed.

Final Thoughts: How to Become a Ghostwriter

Ghostwriting is a fascinating career for anyone who loves to learn, write, and dig deep into a subject matter, all while avoiding the spotlight.

It’s also a great way to dip your toes into the publishing world with all the safety that anonymity provides. So, if ghostwriting interests you, this is your sign to leap!

How to Become a Ghostwriter