Writers can find many freelance writing opportunities ghostwriting. Although it can be financially rewarding it requires more than the simple ability to write.
Ghostwriters are, as the name suggests, people whose identity is unknown to the public. People who pay for ghostwriting services have certain expectations. The most important is confidentiality – a professional ghostwriter can never reveal or take credit for the books that they have written. However the relationship between a professional writer and their client is crucial to any project's success.
Here are some tips to bear in mind. Broadly speaking, they fall into three main ares:
- Listening
- Being aware of warning signs
- Striking a balance
Listening
Being a good listener is one of the most important attributes a ghost writer can have. Being interested in the subject in hand will help any freelance writer to do a better job. The ghostwriter can arrange opportunities to listen by:
- Interviewing
- Recording conversations
- Reading the subtext
Interview
Where possible interview the client and talk to them. It helps to establish a personal rapport. It is also the fastest way to clear up misunderstandings or to ask for explanations and clarifications. Ghostwriters should also take advantage of the opportunity to interview a client to examine the needs of each client carefully before accepting the job. Sometimes if a ghostwriter gets the feeling that a client is going to be “difficult”, then the best tip is to be prepared to walk away.
Record Conversations
As well as ensuring accuracy in your research, recording all conversations gives ghostwriters the opportunity to listen to their clients and observe speech patterns - especially useful for autobiographies or memoirs. But be careful about the danger of parody! Ghostwriting should never aim to “ape” the speech patterns of the client.
Read the Subtext
Be alert to what is between the lines when clients describe what they are looking for. Some people find it hard to express themselves - that’s why they are employing ghostwriters to do it for them, after all. So it’s important that the ghost writer sublimates his or her own preferences and really listens to the wishes of the clients, in order to deliver the product they desire and are paying for.
Being Aware of Warning Signs
There are certain phrases uttered by clients at which ever ghost writer should hear a warning bell go off, Beware the following phrases:
- “I could do this myself, but I just don’t have the time”: this person will be breathing down the ghostwriter’s neck wanting to change and edit every word.
- “This shouldn’t take very long” – this person does not respect the time and effort required to write well.
- “This should be an easy job for you” – this person does not respect the talent and ability required to write well.
- “Some research required” – this person has had an idea for a book, but has little or nothing else, they will expect the ghostwriter to do everything from scratch.
Striking a Balance
Ghostwriting is all about striking a balance in many areas. For example:
- Advising a client, whilst avoiding railroading them into anything.
- Taking a client’s wishes on board whilst avoiding sublimating or compromising yourself.
- Accepting a lower rate for the job in the current economy whilst avoiding becoming "slave labour".
Value Your Own Talent and Ability
A professional ghostwriter knows how to be true to their own writing standards, whilst at the same time adapting their style to the clients wishes. Sometimes, however, writing jobs require the writer to write for a market that they do not personally respect. The danger here is that if a freelance writer’s heart isn’t in the job, then their writing can fall into a parody of a writing style, which satisfies no-one.
Value Your Time
A professional ghostwriter knows that in a today’s marketplace, they will have to be prepared to bid competitively for work, but they should never undersell themselves, or the client will not respect them. If a client isn’t prepared to pay a rate for the writing job that the freelance writer finds reasonable, then the writer must be prepared to turn the job down.
The Perfect Partnership
A client who respects the professionalism of the ghostwriter and a ghostwriter who is sensitive to the needs and wishes of the client, makes the perfect ghostwriting partnership.
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