Getting Started as a Ghostwriter

So, you’re thinking about getting into ghostwriting. Maybe you’ve heard it’s a great way to make money as a freelancer, or perhaps you’ve been dabbling in writing for clients, and you’re curious about the idea of writing behind the scenes. Whatever brought you here, welcome! Ghostwriting can be a rewarding career path with unique perks—and some challenges. Let’s break down what ghostwriting is, why you might want to pursue it, and how to get started on the right foot.

What Is Ghostwriting?

In its simplest form, ghostwriting is writing content for someone else who will take credit for it. This could be anything from books to blog posts, speeches to social media updates, and more. As a ghostwriter, your job is to capture your client’s voice and message while staying invisible in the final product.

It’s not about stealing credit; it’s about being a wordsmith for hire and helping others share their ideas, expertise, or stories in a way that sounds like them, not you. You’re essentially a professional stand-in, and that’s a lot of responsibility—but also, it’s where the opportunity lies.

Remember, voice is the defining factor in ghostwriting. Simply writing content (a blog, case study, or white paper) for a company is not ghostwriting. That's content writing. When ghostwriting, you are writing in one specific person's voice as them.

Why Ghostwriting Might Be Right for You

If you're like me at all, looking at the benefits of a new venture is first on my list when I'm making a decision. Here are some of the things I love about ghostwriting.

Steady Income and Demand

One of the biggest perks of ghostwriting is the steady demand. Think about it: not everyone has the time or skill to write, even if they have a lot to say. Whether it’s a CEO needing help with a book or a small business owner who wants regular blog content, there’s a consistent stream of people who need ghostwriters.

Because ghostwriting often involves more in-depth projects, you can also charge more than for standard freelance writing gigs. Long-term clients can provide reliable, recurring income, which is every freelancer’s dream!

You Don’t Need to Build a Personal Brand

If the idea of becoming an internet-famous writer doesn’t appeal to you, ghostwriting might be the perfect fit. While many freelance writers build their careers on their own personal brand, ghostwriters can stay behind the scenes and let their clients shine. If you love the craft of writing but don’t feel the need to be in the spotlight, this can be incredibly freeing.

It’s a Great Learning Opportunity

Ghostwriting gives you a chance to write in different voices and styles, which can make you a better writer overall. You might go from writing a motivational speech for an executive one week to working on a thought leadership blog for a tech guru the next. This kind of variety keeps the work interesting and helps you develop a versatile skill set.

And let’s not forget, ghostwriting often involves diving into topics you wouldn’t have explored otherwise. That makes you a knowledge sponge, which can be both fun and invaluable as you grow your career.

Challenges of Ghostwriting

Before you jump in, it’s important to know that ghostwriting isn’t all roses. There are challenges that come with this line of work, and it’s better to be aware of them from the start.

Lack of Credit

The most obvious downside is that you won’t get public recognition for your work. If seeing your byline is important to you, ghostwriting may feel unsatisfying. For many, though, the paycheck is worth the trade-off. It helps to remind yourself that you’re being paid well for your skill, even if you’re not in the limelight.

Client Expectations and Boundaries

Ghostwriting requires you to understand and mimic your client’s voice, which can be a challenge if you don’t have strong communication with them. Some clients are crystal clear about what they want, while others… not so much. If you don’t set expectations and boundaries upfront, you might find yourself in a frustrating situation, constantly revising or guessing what the client really wants.

It’s a Balancing Act

Ghostwriting isn’t always about creative freedom. You’ll need to learn to separate your voice from the client’s voice. Some projects will feel more restrictive than others, and there will be times when you have to write in ways that don’t come naturally. Flexibility is key. If you can adapt and find satisfaction in the challenge, you’ll thrive.

How to Get Started as a Ghostwriter

Ready to take the plunge? Here are a few steps to help you get your ghostwriting career off the ground.

Leverage Your Existing Skills and Portfolio

If you’ve done any freelance writing, you’re already halfway there. While ghostwriting is different from writing under your own name, your portfolio of writing samples can show prospective clients that you have the chops. Highlight pieces that demonstrate versatility—different tones, industries, and formats.

If you don’t have ghostwriting experience yet, don’t worry! You can still use your current work to showcase your writing ability. You might even offer to ghostwrite for a client you already work with to get that first gig under your belt.

Start Small and Build Credibility

When you’re just starting, it’s tempting to jump into big projects like books or extensive whitepapers. But it’s often easier to begin with smaller projects like blog posts, newsletters, or even LinkedIn updates for clients. These shorter assignments allow you to get a feel for writing in someone else’s voice without the pressure of long-term commitments.

Over time, as you gain experience and confidence, you can start pitching larger projects and charging higher rates.

Network with the Right People

Ghostwriting clients don’t always post jobs on typical freelance platforms. Instead, they often come through referrals or personal connections. If you want to break into ghostwriting, networking is key.

Join writer communities, attend industry events, and connect with potential clients on LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to mention that you offer ghostwriting services—you might be surprised how many people are looking for exactly that.

Nail the Discovery Call and Onboarding Process

Ghostwriting involves a lot of trust, so it’s essential to start strong when onboarding a new client. When you’re in the discovery phase with a potential client, ask the right questions:

• What’s the goal of the content?

• Who is the audience?

• What tone and style do they want to convey?

• Do they have examples of writing they like?

This helps you align with their expectations and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings down the road.

A Few Final Tips

Charge What You’re Worth: Ghostwriting is a specialized skill, and it’s often a bigger time commitment than traditional freelance writing. Be confident in setting rates that reflect the value you bring.

Set Clear Boundaries: Make sure you have a contract that outlines revisions, deadlines, and ownership of the content. Clear communication from the start saves you a lot of headaches.

Enjoy the Journey: Ghostwriting allows you to learn, grow, and expand your horizons. Embrace the process and appreciate the unique opportunities that come your way.

Wrapping It Up

Ghostwriting isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy writing, have a knack for channeling different voices, and want to build a profitable freelance business, it’s worth considering. Start small, network strategically, and set yourself up for success by approaching each project with curiosity and professionalism. Before long, you could find yourself thriving in a rewarding and dynamic field, helping others share their stories—while you enjoy the satisfaction (and income) of being a behind-the-scenes storyteller.