avatarMarcus Musick

Summary

Ghostwriting is a profession where writers create content credited to someone else, often involving diverse topics and requiring adaptability to various niches and clients.

Abstract

The article "What is it Like to be a Ghost Writer?" provides a behind-the-scenes look at the ghostwriting profession, emphasizing that most online content is produced by these often-unrecognized authors. The process involves following content briefs, including keywords, and meeting word counts. Ghostwriters may specialize in a niche or be generalists, adapting to topics ranging from IT to HVAC systems. Payment varies significantly, with beginners advised to aim for 8 to 10 cents per word. The main benefits of ghostwriting include the enjoyment of writing without the need for public recognition, while the drawback is the lack of content ownership post-payment. The article also discusses the challenges of finding clients and suggests using platforms like LinkedIn and personal Medium profiles as portfolios.

Opinions

  • The author has extensive experience in ghostwriting, having worked in the field for over seven years.
  • Ghostwriting requires a balance of skill and adaptability, as writers may need to cover a broad range of topics.
  • Building a portfolio on platforms like Medium is crucial for attracting new clients.
  • The pay range in ghostwriting is vast, and the author advises against working for clients offering very low rates.
  • While ghostwriters do not receive public credit for their work, they can take satisfaction in the writing process and financial compensation.
  • The article encourages engagement and sharing of experiences from other ghostwriters or those interested in the field.

What is it Like to be a Ghost Writer?

A behind-the-scenes look at the ghostwriting process

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A ghostwriter is a fancy term for writing content credited to another individual or business.

The majority of articles on the internet are ghostwritten. These authors work behind the scenes without any extra accolades.

Overview of the Ghostwriting Process

I’ve been a ghostwriter for over seven years. Nearly all of my content has someone else’s name on it or the name of a company.

All I do is follow a content brief, include any necessary keywords, and get close to the recommended word count.

What Happens Once You Submit an Article?

Once I submit the article, it will take a few days to get approved, and the client will take care of the rest.

Some clients pay twice a month, while others pay monthly.

I also keep track of everything on a calendar. Each day includes the work I’ve completed and also future deadlines I need to meet.

You Can Be a Niche Writer or Generalist

Some writers prefer to focus on a niche, while others are more generalists. My primary niche was IT, but it soon expanded to many other topics.

A few random topics I’ve written about include home improvement, HVAC, parking lot maintenance, insurance, and sports. If you work for a marketing agency, expect to write about a wide range of topics.

You will often write about the same thing each month. Eventually, these topics will become second nature, and you won’t need to do much research.

How Do You Find Clients for Ghostwriting?

Writing as a ghostwriter is the easy part. Finding clients is where most people struggle. A few writing platforms are available, but it’s not easy to stand out and they often don’t pay great.

Searching for clients/marketing agencies on LinkedIn is one method. You can also do some research online to see if any agencies are looking to hire writers.

Once you find a company, you can use your Medium profile as a portfolio to showcase a few of your articles.

How Much Can You Get Paid?

The pay for ghostwriting can vary drastically. I’ve seen pay as low as 2 cents a word, and I’ve seen others make up to $2 a word.

You can also work at a fixed rate. Hourly is another option, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

If you are starting out, it’s a good idea to ask for pay between 8 cents and 10 cents per word. I would avoid trying to write for cheap clients because they are often too picky and are miserable people.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting is a great career choice if you enjoy writing and you don’t want any of the limelight. You can focus on the writing process and get paid for your work.

The main drawback of ghostwriting is that you don’t own the rights to the content you create once you get paid for it. That’s why places like Medium are great for building your portfolio to show to future clients.

Wrapping Up

Feel free to let me know your experience with ghostwriting or if you are interested in learning more about it. It’s always nice to hear from different perspectives, and I’m happy to answer any questions.

All thanks go to Josh Hinton for giving me the idea to write this article!

Ghostwriting
Freelance Writing
Content Writing
Writers Life
Freelance
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