Become a Ghostwriter

A ghostwriter is a freelance writer who writes for people but does not retain any rights to the work. Ghostwriting is a freelance service that can prove to be rather lucrative, but if you are looking for recognition of your work, this is not for you. When you ghostwrite for someone you are not able to put your name on the work or take credit for it. Although your writing will not be published under your name, you can still make a rather nice living through ghostwriting. You can learn how to become a ghostwriter by accessing freelance and writing websites and networking with other writers to get leads for clients. You may also approach internet business owners to find clients.

Website owners are prime clients because they want to make money from their websites, but in order to do that they must first attract relevant traffic to their site. High quality content can act as a magnet for prospective customers and, if done properly and distributed correctly, will attract customers to the web site. Not everyone has good writing skills and even if they do, they may not have the time to write, especially the high quality content that is required. That is where you step in. As a ghostwriter, the website owner or publisher pays you a fee to write content for them. Quite often you will have repeat business from clients; particularly if you do an exceptional job for them and even more so if they get results. Content needs to be changed regularly so the need for content is an ongoing thing. You may be asked to write short blurbs like blog posts, larger pieces like articles or even an entire ebook.

What skills are required to become a ghostwriter?

In order to become a ghostwriter you need to be a skilled writer on a wide variety of topics. You must have exceptional research skills; know how to "flesh out" a thought and how to make your copy flow. Additionally, you need to be a sharp proofreader, have a vast vocabulary, have exceptional grammar skills and be able to meet deadlines.

There are not many tools that are required for a successful ghostwriting business. A good computer with word processing software and a reliable internet connection, as well as a comfortable computer chair. A dictionary and thesaurus are musts and you may also want to invest in The Little Brown Handbook which is a guide for writing style, grammar and citations.

A good website will make it easy for potential clients to locate you. You want your site to explain your services as well as give instructions on how to contact you. You may want to include a few writing samples. You can use your website and the hub of your marketing plan to get your business out to your target market. You can find many online resources that will give you ideas and direction.

The more the internet grows, the more demand for quality content will grow and ghostwriters will always be in high demand. In this business you can maintain a flexible schedule while working from the comfort of your own home.

Many aspiring novelists and freelancers work as ghostwriters on the side. In this business you can take on as much or as little work as you want or that your schedule allows. This makes ghostwriting a great moonlighting business for folks who are making transition from full time employment to full time entrepreneur or professional writer.

What's Next

1. Learn how you can become a ghostwriter and start your own ghostwriting business by signing up for the Ghostwriting Success self-study eCourse. For a quick guide on writing for pay check out Writing for Pay by Mom's Talk Biz.
2. Set up your ghostwriting business website? Click here to start your 10-day free trial.
3. Get clients. Learn how you can get instant exposure to hundreds of potential clients for your business by clicking here.