What Is Ghostwriting & How to Get Started?
As soon as there were writers, there were ghostwriters. Behind many of the most famous novels, speeches, and even social media posts is a secret force: the ghostwriter. But what exactly is ghostwriting, and how does it shape the world of written communication?
In this article, we will answer questions about ghostwriting, how to become a ghostwriter, and how to find ghostwriting jobs.
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What is Ghostwriting?
Ghostwriting is one of the world’s oldest professions, and despite losing popularity, it continues to grow at a steady pace. Dating back nearly 5000 years, this job has been the backbone of literature and other written works.
But what is ghostwriting?
In simple terms, it refers to a person writing a book, speech, or any other type of written content on behalf of another person, with that person being listed as the author instead of the real writer. Ghostwriters have been used for a plethora of different reasons throughout the centuries. One of the most famous examples is Star Wars, which is accredited to George Lucas but was actually written by his ghostwriter, Alan Dean Foster.
What Can Ghostwriting Jobs Involve?
Ghostwriting jobs don’t always involve writing an entire piece of literature from scratch. Below are some of the different jobs that ghostwriters may do:
✅ Rewriting: Some clients may already have the outline and the main points of the project but require a more skilled or experienced writer to rewrite it to be more engaging.
✅ Expansion: In some cases, the client may have a bulleted list of facts or a rough idea of what they would like, but need a ghostwriter to expand on the idea to create a more comprehensive piece of written work.
✅ Biographies: Many public figures and other notable individuals hire ghostwriters to assist them in writing their autobiographies or memoirs.
✅ Speeches: Public speakers, politicians, and even wedding toasts may hire a ghostwriter to write compelling speeches that effectively convey their messages and resonate with their audience.
✅ Blogs and Online Content: With the rise of digital platforms, ghostwriters are increasingly sought after by business owners and content creators to create engaging blog posts, articles, and website content.
✅ Social Media Management: Maintaining a strong online presence is crucial for social media influencers and businesses. Ghostwriters may be hired to write interesting and engaging posts, manage content calendars, respond to comments, and help build an online persona.
✅ Academic and Research Writing: Ghostwriters with certain academic expertise or experience are often involved in academic and research writing. They collaborate with professors, researchers, and students to write papers or even entire theses.
✅ Songwriting: In the music industry, ghostwriters play a significant role in writing lyrics for musicians. They collaborate with singers and bands to write compelling and catchy lyrics that resonate with their audiences.
What Skills & Qualifications Do Ghostwriters Need?
According to this article, it is recommended, but not imperative, that any aspiring ghostwriter have the following qualifications and skills:
- A bachelor’s degree or diploma in English, Journalism, Communications, or any other relevant field
- Copywriting experience
- Good writing skills
- Reading comprehension skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Active listening skills
- Good time management skills
- Strong researching abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of desktop publishing, multimedia, and word-processing software
Where Can You Find Ghostwriting Jobs?
Job Finding Aggregators
Platforms that advertise jobs, such as Indeed or Glassdoor, can list opportunities for ghostwriters. Search for keywords like “ghostwriter” or “freelance writer” to find relevant opportunities.
Online Freelance Platforms
Websites like Upwork and Guru are popular platforms where clients post ghostwriting projects for freelancers to work on. These platforms allow you to create a profile, showcase your skills and experience, and connect with clients who are looking for ghostwriters.
Writing Job Boards
Online job boards and aggregators that specialize in writing jobs often have postings for ghostwriting positions. Websites like ProBlogger and Freelance Writing Jobs regularly feature ghostwriting opportunities across various industries.
Literary Agencies
Many ghostwriters find work through literary agencies that represent them and connect them with potential clients. Research and approach agencies that handle ghostwriting projects to inquire about available opportunities.
Networking
Networking within writing communities, author associations, and with professional connections can lead to ghostwriting opportunities. Attend writing conferences, workshops, and industry events to connect with authors, publishers, and individuals who may require ghostwriting services.
Conclusion
Ghostwriting offers a diverse and rewarding career path for those with a passion for writing and the ability to capture the voice and vision of others. Aspiring ghostwriters can embark on a fulfilling journey in this profession with hard work and determination.
For those with a passion for writing and the ability to adapt to different styles and voices, ghostwriting can be the perfect career choice. By following the tips outlined in this article, you should be able to improve your skills and qualifications and effectively find ghostwriting jobs within your chosen niche.
