How to Become a Ghostwriter

August 24, 2007

Ever wondered how those busy celebrities manage to find the time to churn out scores of autobiographies and how to books? Well, they don’t actually write them themselves – they use a ghostwriter. Â

If You Enjoy Writing, How About Setting Up In Business as a Ghostwriter

A ghostwriter is someone who gets paid to write for other people. Once a ghostwriter has written the article, book, speech, etc, and the customer has paid the ghostwriter, the customer then owns sole rights to it, can put their name on it and use it however they choose. The ghostwriter retains no rights and gets no public credit for the work. The good news is, they are usually paid extremely well. If you are a skilled writer, proofreader, etc. ghostwriting could be just the business for you.Â


What skills are helpful? To become a ghostwriter you need to have reading, writing, proofreading, communication and grammar skills. You also need strong researching skills as you often find yourself writing on topics that you have no personal expertise in.Â

What tools are needed? Ghostwriters need to have a computer with a word processing application like Microsoft Word. You’ll need an internet connection and fax machine. Keep a good dictionary and thesaurus handy as well. You will also need to be a good writer. Practise daily and learn as much as you can about your craft.   And get experience in various different types of writing before making a pitch to write a complete biography. The following resource is a great guide:

25 Great Ways to Make Money as a Writer

How do you get started?Â

To start a ghostwriting business you need a website. You can use a site builder or hire someone to build it for you. Your website needs to clearly define your services available, your rates, etc. The next step is to find some clients. Take a little time to research your competition and find ways to stand out above them. Don’t expect to have a website up and running one day and the next to be swamped with work, that’s not reality, although there is a big demand for skilled ghost writers among the internet marketing community.

Online networking groups are a great way to get out there, advertise you, and start building some relationships. There are freelance sites that allow clients to post projects for you to bid on. Some of these sites require a paid membership from you to participate.

Building up your business will take time and a little elbow grease. If you have the desire to be your own boss, be home for your family then that motivation should keep you going even in the slow times.



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Posted by cathlawson | Filed Under Ideas 

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