How to Become a Ghost Writer: A Practical Guide for Beginners

In the age of AI, you might wonder, Is anyone still writing? But the role of ghostwriters in writing is very important and its demand is also increasing on daily basis.

Franz Kafka believed that
“Writing is a sweet, wonderful reward”

What if this gratifying activity turns into a stable income?

How much do ghostwriters make? If you are a talented ghostwriter, you can earn a whopping  $20,000 to over $100,000 per year by writing for clients. In 2024, ghostwriting will be a versatile field for aspiring ghostwriters who want to make some bucks.

Ghostwriters: The Real Authors You Don’t See

What is a ghostwriter? A ghostwriter writes for another person, but the person whose name appears as the author takes the credit. The ghostwriter helps create books, articles, speeches, or even songs without getting public recognition for their work. They usually work behind the scenes, turning someone else’s ideas into written content. It’s like helping someone tell their story or message but from behind the scenes.

For aspiring writers, not having your name on published pieces might seem like a downside. Ghostwriting means your name won’t be on the work. But that’s a good thing! Because of this, you can charge a premium—sometimes up to twice as much as your usual rate for credited work. We will discuss the steps needed to become a successful ghostwriter.

Optimising Ideas: How to Become a Ghost Writer?

Becoming a ghostwriter isn’t just about Writing; it’s about conquering someone else’s voice as your own. It’s like walking a mile in their shoes and then writing to convey the right set of emotions. Extremely gratifying yet mentally daunting. Who knows better than me?

As a ghostwriter, I have to run a series of creative marathons, constantly adapting to new voices and ideas. It’s challenging to pour your energy into something that doesn’t carry your name, but the satisfaction of bringing someone else’s vision to life is worth every bit of effort. If you have a question in mind that how do i become a ghostwriter?, then you should start with these non-requitables.

Your First Move: Become a Freelance Writer

You should initiate freelancing to build a strong foundation for becoming a ghostwriter. Freelance Writing helps you hone your writing skills, create a portfolio, and gain experience working with clients—key steps toward this career. Plus, freelancing allows you to network with others in the industry, which could eventually lead to ghost writing opportunities in the future.

Your Second Move: Long-Form content

Long-form content will prove your worth more than anything else as a ghostwriter. It’s a way of preparing yourself for the ghostwriting opportunities. Long-form content brings out your ability to stay disciplined and focused, which is quite important when it comes to ghostwriting. Long-form projects help you hone your research abilities and study one particular subject for a longer period of time. It helps you to maintain your authority in niches.

Your Third Move: Read Till You Feel Like Sleeping

Good readers eventually become good writers. Reading exposes you to the world of words. Writing helps you become a better ghostwriter in more ways than one. By reading, you’ll get a glimpse into a range of writing styles, giving you a deeper understanding of how different voices and tones can shape content. Plus, you’ll learn about various industries, cultures, and viewpoints, which will serve you well when working with a variety of clients.

Reading also lets you explore different character development strategies, narrative structures, and other important parts of storytelling. At the same time, there is a set number of books to read each year; it’s more about consistency. Whether you read a book a month or a few every few months, regularly disclosing yourself to a myriad of writers will help you grow as a writer.

Your Fourth Move: Write a Book Eventually

Writing your own book takes your writing skills to the next level. It involves managing a large project from beginning to end, giving you insight into the entire process, including outlining, drafting, and revising.

You will never realize the headache and hassles of writing a book until and unless you write one for yourself.

This process builds discipline and commitment, plus it helps you develop your writing voice; it’s basically something that will serve you well as a ghostwriter. By completing a book, you prove to yourself and others that you can handle big writing challenges, adapt to various styles and experiment with different requirements.

How To Sell Yourself As A Ghostwriter?

Here’s the catch: many people are, even though exceptional ghostwriters are not able to sell themselves. Marketing yourself is another criterion for having a successful ghostwriting career. Here are some steps you can follow to ensure a smooth journey.

Create Your Own Website

A professional website is a must when marketing your ghostwriting services. It’s like a stamp of your skills, portfolio, and services. Potential clients can visit your site to learn more about your expertise, read testimonials, and see examples of your previous work. Including a blog where you share writing tips or insights into the industry can also establish you as an authority in your field.

A well-designed website is like a store for clients, as they can get a clear sense of your professionalism and expertise. You can include a portfolio that highlights your best ghostwriting projects, as well as a section with frequently asked questions or a client testimonial page to enhance your credibility. It’s also a space to outline your services, rates, and processes, making it easier for clients to understand what you present and how you can support them with their writing needs.

Guest Post

Guest posting is a way of proving your worth and reaching a wider audience. By contributing articles to reputable websites, you get the chance to show off your writing abilities to potential clients. Choose websites or blogs that cater to your niche or industry to ensure your posts are seen by the right audience. You’ll not only gain exposure but also establish trust and credibility.

Cold Pitch

Why wait for clients to come knocking when you can reach out to them directly? Cold pitching allows you to introduce yourself and your services to a wider audience. Research potential clients, like authors or bloggers, who may need your help, and send them a brief, engaging pitch that explains how you can support their writing goals. Customizing each pitch will give you a better shot at a reply.

Cold pitching also gives you the opportunity to be proactive in your business growth. By targeting clients who may not even be aware they need a ghostwriter, you’re opening up new doors for opportunities. Be sure to keep your pitch clear and concise, highlighting how your skills can solve specific problems they may face. Persistence is key, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get an immediate response—follow up politely, as sometimes it takes multiple touchpoints to get noticed.

Reach Out to Existing Clients

One of the best ways to market your ghostwriting services is by leveraging existing relationships. Don’t hesitate to ask your happy clients for referrals or let them know about other services you offer. Word-of-mouth recommendations are incredibly valuable, and happy clients are often willing to share your work. Keep these connections alive, and they’ll likely bring you new projects in the future.

By using these four strategies, you’ll be on your way to successfully market your ghostwriting services and building a steady stream of clients with time. 

What are the different categories of ghostwriting?

I’ve listed a few niches to kickstart your journey. There are numerous types of ghostwriting but the most common ones are covered below:

Memoir ghostwriting 

Memoir ghostwriting is one of the more challenging types of Writing. It involves capturing personal stories and experiences, which can be tricky because it requires not only skilful Writing but also a deep understanding of the client’s life and emotions.

Additionally, it is considered one of the more expensive ghostwriting services due to the extensive research, interviews, and time needed to produce a high-quality manuscript.

According to Reedsy’s 2023 figures, professional ghostwriting prices vary widely depending on the type of book. Nonfiction books generally cost between $6,500 and $42,000, while novels are priced between $3,500 and $16,000. Picture books are usually the least expensive, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.

Fantasy ghostwriting 

Fantasy ghostwriting is a high-demand niche due to its intricate world-building and detailed storytelling. Rates for smaller fantasy writing projects typically start at $400, with more complex works commanding higher fees. The exact cost varies depending on the writer’s experience and project scope.

Nonfiction ghostwriting

Nonfiction ghostwriting can be quite profitable, particularly if you have a speciality in technology. Gaining expertise in a certain field can enable you to provide in-depth, superior content and increase your fees. Being specialized helps you become an authority in your field and draw in customers who are prepared to pay more for your knowledge.

Most of the time, nonfiction ghostwrites produce bestsellers. My favourite one is Sharon, who is on the top priority list at Reedsy.

Specialized knowledge in topics like software development, data science, or personal finance can also be a major selling point, making your services more desirable.

Review Writing 

Believe it or not, companies sometimes hire ghostwriters to write reviews, not just for their own products but also for their competitors! Some people have made serious cash part-time by writing these reviews. It’s a unique but profitable angle.

Speeches

Writing speeches is probably the hardest of them all. If you’ve got a knack for swirling emotions and creating effective messages, this could be your niche. Some of the most remarkable speeches, whether they’re by politicians or at weddings, have been designed by ghostwriters. It’s rare, but if you’ve got the skills, you could have a lot of influence. 

Medical Ghostwriting

This one’s really for the experts. Suppose you want to become a ghost writer, too, in the medical arena. A little bit of background does a lot for you. Pharma companies often hire medical ghostwriters to write papers, research content, and other health-related material. It’s a high-paying niche, but you need the credentials to back it up.

Ebook Ghostwriting

With the rise of online content, ebooks have become a popular resource for businesses, and many entrepreneurs look to ghostwriters to produce them.

Whether it’s an informative how-to manual or a comprehensive industry guide, ebook ghostwriters are expected to produce content that is not only easy to follow but also offers genuine insights and value to readers.

Ebook writing is required for:

• Entrepreneurs and Business Owners – To promote expertise, build trust, and generate leads through valuable content.
• Coaches and Consultants – To share knowledge, establish authority, and reach a wider audience.
• Authors and Self-Publishers – To publish and circulate work efficiently to niche markets.
• Marketers and Content Creators – To use as lead magnets and grow email lists.
• Educational Institutions – To create informative and convenient materials for students.
• Health and Wellness Professionals – To educate clients on specific topics and offer guides on wellness strategies.
• Real Estate Professionals – To provide informative guides, market insights, and attract potential clients through practical ebooks.
• Non-profit Organizations – To share readable stories, raise awareness, and drive donations with informative content.
• Technology Companies – To simplify not so simple topics, offering guides and tutorials for better customer understanding and keeping them engaged. 

Ghost Writing Jobs for Beginners : A Helpful Guide

Ghostwriting can be a great entry point for beginner writers looking to break into the world of professional writing. As a beginner, it’s important to start small with manageable projects like blog posts or articles. 

These types of assignments help you build a portfolio while learning how to adapt your writing style to fit various client needs. One of the key aspects of ghostwriting is the ability to mimic a client’s voice, which can be daunting at first but becomes easier with practice. 

There are many ghost writing jobs for beginners onplatforms like Upwork and Fiverr. You should look for writing opportunities on LinkedIn also. They can deliver a stable streamlet of projects to help you build experience. It’s also a good idea to connect with potential clients directly, offering to write content like blog posts, eBooks, or articles.

The Boon and Bane Of Ghostwriting

Boon:

1. Provides stable income through long-term client relationships.
2. Offers diverse writing opportunities across various industries.
3. It avoids public attention, allowing writers to focus completely on their work
4. Creates long-term relationships leading to consistent work.a
5. Delivers creative satisfaction by helping clients achieve their goals.

Bane:

1. Lack of public recognition for the work completed.
2. Limited creative freedom due to client specifications.
3. Unpredictable workload with periods of feast and famine.
4. No ownership of the work, as clients retain full rights.
5. Emotional strain from constant adaptation to different client voices.

The Future Of Ghostwriting

AI language models (LLMS) like GPT-3, PaLM, and Claude are truly inspirational when it comes to writing tasks. Give them the right prompts and data, and they can churn out grammatically correct and surprisingly flawless content on nearly any subject on Earth. Sounds like a super power , right? Probably yes. In fields like medicine and science, this could be so phenomenal. 

AI can help with tasks like pulling together research from different sources, analyzing data, generating first drafts from outlines, and even adding citations and references. It’s like having a powerful assistant who can handle the grunt work of Writing, leaving the heavy lifting for a human expert to refine.

For instance, if an AI is trained in medical papers and research, it can create a good first draft of a medical document. A human writer can then refine and perfect it, saving time on the initial draft. However, while AI is useful for speeding up certain tasks, it still has limits. It can’t replace the critical thinking, knowledge, and attention to detail that only a human can offer, especially in the complex fields of medicine and science. AI is a helpful tool, but it can’t take over completely.

Conclusion

Ghostwriting is more than just a profession—it’s an art but the satisfaction of helping someone’s ideas come to life is unmatched. By following the steps laid out in this guide, you’re already on the path to success. 

Ghostwriting has a pretty wide scope and it’s only growing.It’s no longer just about writing books – ghostwriting has spread into almost every area of content creation. Whether it’s for blogs, social media, or speeches for big names in politics and business, ghostwriters are behind the scenes.

They also contribute to scripts, films, and corporate content for industries such as tech, finance, and healthcare. Basically, if there’s writing that needs to be done but the main person doesn’t have the time, a ghostwriter is probably involved. It’s a field that’s constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to work on!

If you are looking for ghost writers for hire make sure to do proper research and read this entire blog , just in case you miss any details.

Contact us now and get professional ghostwriting services from Book Writing Genie.