Ghostwriting sounds mysterious, doesnt it?
Sadly, most ghostwriters dont have much time to solve mysteries with a band of neighborhood children.
Instead, ghostwriters usually only keep one secret: The identity of the person they work for.
But this lucrative freelance-writing field comes with plenty of challenges.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help… ## WhatIsa Ghostwriter Anyway?
Peoplehire ghostwritersfor a variety of reasons.
Some professionals have compelling stories, but want help telling them.
Some dont see themselves as natural writers and want to work with someone who has experience.
Some are adept at writing, but just dont have time to do it.
Did you know?
Many ghostwriters specialize in full-length books, frequently nonfiction titles like memoirs and how-to guides.
My ghostwriting specialty is content marketing like blog posts, white papers and research analysis.
Sometimes its a little bit thrilling.
Ghostwriting short content may involve a 10-minute conversation as your client dashes between meetings.
Then its up to you to do some research and deliver a draft.
You may also turn this content around on a regular schedule for a client who has a retainer agreement.
If youre working on a longer project such as a book expect to spend many hours with your client.
Rather than approaching your sessions like question-and-answer interviews, think of it more like a conversation between friends.
How to Become a Ghostwriter
Networking is essential for success as a ghostwriter.
Her first ghostwriting gig came through her agent for her own writing.
That agent knew a well-known person who had gotten a book deal, but was too busy to write.
Turner took the persons outline, interviewed them, and drafted chapters.
After her first project, she networked with publishing acquisitions editors to build her ghostwriting portfolio.
Jodi Lipperrecalls a similar experience.
She first considered ghostwriting after working at a publishing house and also writing her own book series.
The deadline was far from ideal, especially because Lipper had a newborn and a toddler at home.
But I saw it as a way of proving myself, so I took the job, she says.
Lipper has worked with the same editor again, and that agent still represents her, years later.
So can making sure its easy to find you.
Or updating your professional website to be sure that your ghostwriting experience is highlighted.
Another long-running client came through an organization Id freelanced for, managing its social media accounts for several years.
How Much Do Ghostwriters Make?
So, what can you earn as a ghostwriter?
Unfortunately, this is where it gets fuzzy.
Some authors continue lasting relationships with ghostwriters.
Surprisingly, some of the best opportunities to raise my rates have been with repeat clients, Lipper says.
If you work on projects shorter than books, you’re able to still set project-based rates.
Meanwhile, ghostwriters working on full-length books may charge $20,000 to $50,000.
Your earning potential sometimes depends on how well you’re free to multitask.
For some, thats one.
Theyll take one project and work on it until its done before taking on another.
Others, like me, often juggle multiple projects as long as they are in different stages of production.
Other Important Stuff No One Really Tells You
Ghostwriting is far from a solitary practice.
And then theres actually getting the material to work with it doesnt appear magically.
The research and interview portion of the job can be tiring.
[Some ghosts think] their job isjustto do the writing, Lipper says.
Thats only half the job.
The other half, which is arguably more important, is getting the material out of the author.
This is where the listening skills come into play.
Some ghosts ask, Whats your story?
and expect the author to narrate a book.
But if youre a team player, ghostwriting may be your freelance-writing sweet spot.
Your Turn: Would you ever work as a ghostwriter?
Who would you love to write for?
Lisa Rowan is a writer and producer at The Penny Hoarder.
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