How to Become a Ghostwriter for Beginners?
Do you know creative writing and want to become a ghostwriter?
Are you interested in bringing someone else’s ideas to life with your writing skills? Well, that’s a good decision because with the digital world evolving the need for high-quality valuable, and informative content is more than ever.
That’s where a ghostwriter comes in. From blogs to eBooks, web copy, social media posts etc they deliver exceptional content that resonates with the audience.
However, the question is: How to become a ghostwriter as a beginner and is it worth it?
Are you thinking the same yet haven’t found anything useful that could help you?
No worries! I got your back.
Below I will walk you through the tips that can help you kickstart your ghostwriting career along with the top reasons why it is worth it and how much you can earn while working as a ghostwriter.
So come on! Stop scrolling and get started with the blog!
What Is A Ghostwriter?
I am sure you already know what a ghostwriter is and that’s why you have chosen this career. However, for the straight record here is a brief overview.
A ghostwriter is a person who writes content like articles, web copy eBooks, blog posts, social media posts – you name it. However, they use different names and aren’t credited for their work.
Now you must be thinking if you don’t get credit who does?
Well, it is either your client or a business owner you worked with. Furthermore, a ghostwriter isn’t allowed to share the work online unless you have permission.
This comes to the second question: Is it actually worth doing if you don’t get to showcase your work? And how to market the services?
Well, I’ll get to this in a bit.
First, understand that since your work might not get published under your name you can charge higher than the standard rates. (Isn’t that amazing).
You can earn a pretty good amount.
Anyone can hire a ghostwriter. The only key is you should know how to deliver content that resonates with your client’s ideas and goals.
How Much You Can Earn as a Ghostwriter?
When kick-starting your career as a ghostwriter you must be wondering how much you can earn. Well while it depends on your experience gigs, clients and other factors most ghostwriters usually earn up to $20000 to $100000 per year. Here is a breakdown of the cost:
- Per word: Some ghostwriters charge per word which can vary from $1 to $3 words.
- Per Hour: If you are charging per hour it can range from $30–$200.
- Books: Since book writing is time-consuming ghostwriters usually charge $5000–$100000.
- Blog Posts and Articles: As a ghostwriter, you can earn up to $150–$500+ for different blog posts, articles, and web copy.
Hence this is why ghostwriting is such a lucrative career.
Becoming A Ghostwriter – A Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners
How to become a ghostwriter for beginners?
Well, becoming a ghostwriter is not that simple. Ghostwriting is not all about being able to write well. You should know how to deliver content that connects with your audience and compels them to take action.
Furthermore, knowing how to market yourself as a ghostwriter is essential to earning a good amount.
The good news is by following some essential steps you can start your career as a ghostwriter. Come on! Let’s have a look at them:
1. Read Read and Read
Ghostwriting is not confined to one tone or format. In fact, from contemporary novels to business eBooks, web copy etc. you get to work on various things.
However, it is not possible if you aren’t aware of the difference between each. Therefore, always read and expand your knowledge.
That’s what most writers do.
Expose yourself to different literature and build a habit of reading. Furthermore, stay updated about industry trends, formats, and insights.
2. Start as A Freelancer First
Since it is just the start of your ghostwriting career working as a freelance ghostwriter is the best idea.
This will help you polish your writing skills and creativity before stepping into the corporate world. From different magazines to books, articles, etc. you can explore various domains.
Furthermore, you can even self-publish your writings on platforms like Medium. It is the best way to show your writing to the world.
Also, freelancing can help you build a professional network and boost confidence.
3. Experience with Long-Form Content
While working on small blog posts and articles can help you establish a career as a ghostwriter, experiencing long-form content can help you make a killing.
Therefore, try working on long-format content like business books articles magazines, etc. You can even consider becoming one of the top children’s book authors in USA. The reason? It can help you make a healthy living. Also, you can polish your writing skills and develop a consistent tone. Furthermore, working on long-form content requires extensive research which can boost your subject-matter understanding.
4. Write in Different Writing Styles and Voices
As a ghost writer, you must know how to adapt to different literary writing styles and tones. It helps boost versatility and also develops flexibility which every ghostwriter should have.
Here is how you can experience different writing styles and voices:
- Read and explore different writing styles
- Furthermore, work on exercises that have various tones.
- Study different authors and their work to understand their writing styles.
5. Start Your Book
Do you have some interesting ideas running in your mind and you want to share them with the world?
Well, why not start your book? Many ghostwriters are book writers too. This not only helps bring your creativity to life but also helps you polish your writing skills.
Furthermore, by working on a 10000 to 20000-word book you learn the entire book writing process like brainstorming, outlining, editing, etc. Another perk is that you build your writing voice which can later help you adapt to the other’s tone.
So if you have some ideas cooking up I would suggest you start working on that book. From fiction to nonfiction it can be anything.
6. Market Your Services
Are your writing skills polished enough? Are you reading to get your first client as a ghostwriter? Well, it is time for you to market your services as ghostwriters for hire. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to start. But the question is: How can you market your services to attract potential clients?
Well, come on! Let’s find out about this in detail in the next part!
How to Market Yourself as A Ghostwriter?
Having good writing skills is not enough to get started with your ghostwriting career. You should also know how to market yourself as a ghostwriter.
If that’s what you are worried about don’t be! Here are some tips that can help you spread the word about your services:
- Having a solid portfolio is key to attracting potential clients. Therefore, ensure you have one ready. You can even build your own website. This not only helps build credibility but also ensures clients can visit, read, and review your samples.
- Ever heard of guest posting? Well, you can try doing that. Look for different websites and blogs that allow you to publish your work on their websites. To do it effectively choose a credible platform, read their guidelines, and ensure the content is high-quality.
- If you have existing clients, they can be your starting point as a ghostwriter. So reach out to them.
- Cold Pitching is another great way to market yourself as a ghostwriter. You can reach out to individuals or businesses interested in your services. Furthermore, personalise the pitch, tell them why you are the best option, share samples, and ask for a follow-up.
These are the complete tips for marketing yourself as a ghostwriter. However, are you still wondering if becoming a ghostwriter is actually worth all this?
Come on! Let’s find out!
Becoming A Ghostwriter: Is It Worth?
Yes! In today’s competitive world where delivering high-quality content is necessary for businesses, becoming a ghostwriter is worth every hassle.
Whether as a blog writer or children’s book author offering your services as a ghostwriter can take you places.
Here are the top reasons why you should consider it in the first place:
- One reason ghostwriting is a lucrative career is the pay which is read above. You can earn a handsome amount ranging from $20000 to $50000.
- Furthermore, ghostwriting helps develop writing and research skills. Also, it boosts your knowledge and expertise.
- Apart from this, it is a flexible field which means you can work anytime from anywhere without any hassle.
- Another perk is you get to explore interesting topics.
Wrapping Up!
Are you ready to ghostwrite? Well, that’s all the things you need to know if you are looking to start your career as a ghostwriter. Remember ghostwriting is a rewarding career that can help you earn a lot while helping others bring their ideas to life. To kickstart your career make sure to work as a freelancer first. This will help you gain expertise. Furthermore, expand your knowledge, market your services and experience with long-form content.
So what are you waiting for? Follow the strategies in this blog and unlock the incredible path of ghostwriting.