Look online, and it's easy to find jobs for freelance writers. The only problem is that many of these jobs offer less money and no bylines. Should freelancers ghostwrite?
Should freelancers ghostwrite? There’s a lot of work to be had out there, but are the offers tempting enough for writers to start forgoing bylines for money? As a writer it’s important to establish some recognition - a style, a voice, a history. But as a freelance writer, it’s important to make enough loot to pay the bills. Where should freelancers draw the line when it comes to ghostwriting?
Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting is a time-honored tradition that many have made use of. Ghostwritten work is evident in novels, articles, blog posts and even the most mundane text one might find on the Internet or in print media. In short, ghostwriting is everywhere. And for every piece of ghostwritten text out there, a writer exist who didn’t get the pleasure of putting their own name on what they wrote. Some of these writers may even know the trauma of seeing someone else’s name attached to their words. For many freelance writers this sounds like a terrible horror story, but it’s not all bad. Each one of them, after all, did get paid for what they wrote. Ghostwriting has its drawbacks, but also obvious rewards. Often, ghostwriting gigs pay a bit less than writing which does offer bylines - but ghostwriting does pay.
Forgoing Bylines for Money
Ghostwriters willingly give up the opportunity to attach their name to a piece, for a price. Many ghostwriting gigs found through online job boards are for short projects and articles, content which appears on Web pages. Some ghostwriting assignments, however, are much more high-profile and high-dollar. Many celebrities who present books to the public use ghostwriters, and it’s not at all uncommon for them to do so. Ghostwriting can in fact become a viable career for many talented writers, but it is often a task which comes with little, if any, recognition.
Should Freelancers Ghostwrite?
Writing is not an easy path to pursue. Almost anyone who has dabbled in writing is familiar with the sting of rejection and unflattering criticism. It is very difficult to put one’s words out there and have them be anything but well-received, yet this is the reality every writer has to face.
For some, the anonymity of ghostwriting may be something of a balm, a way to write without having to face the comments and criticisms of the world at large. For others, missing out on the opportunity to claim and showcase work may create missed writing opportunities.
Every writer is different, and all freelancers want different things out of their careers. The reality of ghostwriting is this: there are some who want to do it, some who hate to do it and some who do it because they can find no other writing work. Every writer should be aware of the ups and downs of ghostwriting, and make their decisions accordingly. Should freelancers ghostwrite? All writing should only be done if it makes the writer happy - it’s just that simple.
