The term 'ghostwriter' actually explains fairly clearly what a ghostwriter is: just break the word into two -- 'ghost' and 'writer'. Think of the writer as being a kind of ghostly presence in the background. Mostly, ghostwriters are not publicly recognised by the person whose name is on the book or article. The person who hires the ghostwriter gets the credit; the ghostwriter gets paid for doing it – which is not a bad deal!
Some writers are appalled at the very idea of selling their skills so somebody else gets the credit. Others can't understand what the fuss is about: they're more than happy to get paid for doing something they enjoy – that is, writing – rather than going out to work at some other job they dislike.
How to Become a Ghostwriter – and Find Jobs
There are so many ghostwriting opportunities around that writers have several options when it comes to finding work. The first place most writers think to look is on the Internet: it's so convenient to sit at the computer and do a quick search for ghostwriting jobs! And this is a good first step. Sites like Guru.com and Elance.com continuously post freelance jobs for writers. However, that's not the only option when it comes to searching for opportunities online: writers have often heard about jobs by visiting forums.
What about looking for jobs offline? Years ago, before the internet became something that was accessible from everyone's sitting room, ghostwriters were still in demand. How did writers find these ghostwriting jobs? Simple: they talked about what they did; they networked, and they advertised. For example, they did things like:
- go to business seminars with their 'Ghostwriting Services' business card in hand
- put an ad in the local paper advertising their services
- put the word out through a network of friends, business associates and family
- look for opportunities through Writers' Centres and writers' newsletters
- speak about writing at service club meetings
The Ghostwriting Promotional Kit
Authors know the benefit of having a press kit ready to promote their novels. Ghostwriters should also have a promotional kit ready to send to clients or to hand out at functions.
Naturally, someone who is looking for a ghostwriter will want to be certain that the person he hires can do the job. A writer available for ghostwriting jobs should include the following in a promotional kit:
- details about relevant writing experience (articles, non-fiction books, novels - anything that attests to the writer's expertise and professionalism)
- writing samples (in a range of styles – several sample articles on different topics; an example of copywriting such as a sales letter; a sample of fiction if this is part of the writer's skill set)
- details of the fees charged (hourly rate or a per-project basis; indicate if this is open to negotiation depending on such things as research required)
- details of when/how the work is invoiced (20% deposit on an agreement being signed; further percentages for agreed milestone such as first chapter, first section, first draft etc)
- contact details including email, phone number and website home page
Ghostwriting is a tempting career path for writers who enjoy writing about a variety of subjects and for a range of clients. Many ghostwriters have developed such a good relationship with one client that they end up doing most of their work for that person on a permanent basis -- for example, a business professional on the speaking circuit who needs to create a steady flow of back-of-room products to sell; an internet marketer who needs constant content to fill a website as well as related e-books and e-courses to sell.
It's also possible to start out in a small way, then join forces with others and become part of a team to offer a wider range of services. As an example, take a look at Ghostwriter Extraordinare, who not only do all kinds of ghostwriting but also offer a book trailer service, helping authors to promote their work.
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