A Guide To Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting offers new opportunities for freelance writers. And the best thing about it is that there are different types of ghostwriting to suit different skill levels. Here is a guide to ghostwriting opportunities for freelance writers, as well as guidance on what writers might earn in this area.

Ghostwriting is all around us but we don't always know it is happening. The truth is that most celebrities and sports personalities don't write their own biographies. Writing is not their strong point – they prefer to focus on the things that earned them fame and fortune in the first place. But many people still have a story to tell – and that's where a ghostwriter can help. A ghostwriter writes your life story so you don't have to.

There are lots of ways ghostwriting can work. Some freelance writers prefer to interview the people they are writing about to make sure that they get all the information they need. Others let the person being interviewed tell their story and only ask questions when necessary. And in today's virtual world, you don't have to be in the same room or even the same country to write someone's life story. It can all be done by email.

Where To Find A Ghostwriting Job

Of course, before you get to that point you have to find a ghostwriting job. Don't worry, there are lots of them out there. All of the freelance job sites such as Elance, Guru and freelance have projects from people looking to get some help with writing. They are not all celebrities – in fact, most of them are not – but they still want your help. I've had approaches from people as diverse as a Zimbabwean farmer and a drug addict turned preacher. All of them thought their story was relevant to other people and wanted to publish it.

As a ghostwriter, you will have to decide whether you want to help people get their book published or whether you just want to write it. I prefer to do the writing and let other people worry about publication but there are many ghostwriters who include pre publication services as part of the package.

What To Charge For Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting a book can be quite well paid, though many people are shocked by what ghostwriters can charge. Writers Market estimates that $5,000 is the minimum that freelance writers should charge for a ghostwritten book, while upwards of $20,000 is reasonable. If it seems a lot, think about this. It will take four to six months to write a 120,000 word book – and you won't be able to do much of anything else.

If writing a book does not appeal there are other ghostwriting opportunities available. You may be able to write for websites and get paid to write online. Just like celebrities, website owners may not be gifted with words and may need content for a new site or blog written quickly – or regularly. This is good steady work, though the pay can be low. A regular blog posting can pay $5 to $10 apiece and ghostwritten articles can pay anywhere from $4 for 500 words to $20 or more. It depends on the client and your experience. The more ghostwriting you do, the more you will be able to charge – as long as you don't price yourself out of the market.

Getting Started As A Ghostwriter

To get started as a ghostwriter, get yourself a website or blog and create a profile that lists your areas of writing expertise. Put up some sample content. If you don't have any, make it up – but make sure it is appropriate for your niche. Then go to writers' sites and forums and take part in the conversation, linking to your site wherever you can. Sign up with a freelance work agency and apply for some of the ghostwriting opportunities. You may have to take a low paid writing job to start with, but you will soon be able to make a decent living and become a successful ghostwriter.

~Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall has worked as a writer and journalist for 20 years and now freelances successfully, working from home as a ghostwriter and web content writer. She is passionate about writing and has taught and mentored several people to help them develop successful freelance writing careers.