Is It a Good Idea to Ghostwrite? – It Might Be

Ghostwriting is based on the idea of being a ghost and disappearing into the work.

When we talk to writers about ghostwriting, they typically have two reactions.

The first is a veiled contempt for not authoring one’s own book. They are not necessarily contemptuous, necessarily. They don’t appreciate the concept of someone passing on an idea and then taking credit for someone else’s work. (Of course, not all ghostwriting is like this—there are co-writers — but this is the thought that often comes up.)

The second reaction is not-so-subtle eagerness. These are usually writers who want to leave their soul-sucking day jobs and see ghostwriting as an opportunity to do what they love (write) while getting paid. They frequently ask how to find ghostwriter gigs.

Why Ghostwrite?

For writers looking for a reliable and profitable source of income, ghostwriting is the most desired option, given the higher return on investment (ROI). While self-publishing requires a great deal of time and work in sales and promotion, ghostwriting frees authors to concentrate on their skills. People who would instead work from home will find this career to be perfect since it allows them to manage personal obligations and make a good living. Many authors find ghostwriting to be a desirable alternative because it frequently entails less stress and fewer marketing requirements.

There are several advantages and disadvantages of ghostwriting. It’s like working in food service; it is something that everyone should attempt since you’ll never look at the process the same way again. (You’ll tip more since you understand how hard the work is. )

If you’re on the fence regarding ghostwriting, here are some pros and cons that’ll help you decide.

The Pros

1. You get paid. (Note: If you will not get paid, then it’s better not to take the gig. You might have heard someone saying, “I have a great idea! Why don’t you write the book based on that, and we can split the profits?” But the reality is ideas, even good ones, are a dime a dozen. If you’re writing, especially for fiction, you’re doing the heavy lifting. So, get paid or walk. However, getting paid — particularly for indie writers who have lost money on self-published titles — is an exciting thing.
2. Your risk is limited. You are solely responsible for the writing. You are not the publisher. Often, your name is not on the book; thus, it does not affect your overall sales record (which traditional publishers still consider when making an offer).
3. You get used to deadlines. If you’ve only ever written for yourself or self-published without following a strict publishing schedule, working with someone else teaches you to be creative under pressure, which is a highly useful skill to have. It can boost your productivity and frequently turns off your inner editor, who now prioritizes the deadline over the amorphous existential dread of writing.
4. You get to practice collaborative writing. Working with another writer is an excellent skill to hone, even if you don’t have a habit of it. You become receptive to feedback. You develop empathetic listening in order to understand what the other person is trying to convey genuinely.
5. You learn to broaden your stylistic repertoire. The aim of becoming a ghostwriter is to disappear within the work. Writing your work allows you to showcase your style and story, but this is about immersing yourself in someone else’s vision and cutting a diamond from their coal. Consider it mental yoga: you stretch in ways you never thought possible, and it winds up limbering up your style as well.

The Cons

1. You might not receive royalties. Most contracts are work-for-hire, which means you are paid a flat fee. If you ghostwrite for a well-known celebrity, they may sell millions, but you will never receive more than the first flat fee. That is the nature of the business.
2. The work may never be published. Some people either try to shop the work after you’ve finished it and it doesn’t get picked up, or they decide not to independently publish it afterward, despite investing in your services. Of course, in specific scenarios, you may appreciate this. Because…
3. The “author” who hires you might not listen to you. Situations will arise in which you may clearly see that the author’s notion for the story does not work. You try to explain it to no avail. You are the pen monkey, and they are the client. Guess who wins?  (Hint: it is not you.)
4. The story isn’t yours. Even if the story works well, there is a twinge when you realize it is not your story. It’s the difference between working for yourself and working at a regular job. For some, the difference between ghostwriting and a regular job is negligible. That creative writing to someone else’s blueprint is just as “soul-sucking” as being held back by The Man in a cubicle farm, retail store, or factory floor.

Is Ghostwriting the Right Gig for You?

Those who want to refine the thoughts of others into well-written works are good candidates for ghostwriting. It requires a level of detachment from the final product, as the writer often does not receive public credit for the work. If a writer finds satisfaction in crafting compelling narratives and enjoys the creative process without the need for personal recognition, ghostwriting can be a fulfilling career.

In contrast, ghostwriting may be difficult for people who are really connected to their writing and want credit for it. It is critical to be able to collaborate with a range of genres and styles while yet preserving the client’s voice and vision. Successful writers in this domain will be those who can adjust to various writing requirements and enjoy working in teams.

Ghostwriting isn’t for everybody.

Neither should it be. It takes a unique personality, a thick skin, and the capacity to bury your ego and slip into another person’s skin. The technique can be rewarding, especially when you’re working with someone who lacks the writer’s gene but has a compelling story to tell. If you’re interested, check out sites like Freelancer.com and services like Book in a Box. The majority of gigs have come from temp assignments or word of mouth.

How to Land Ghostwriting Gigs?

Ghostwriting might be a logical step up from freelance writing. Writing blogs and articles is how many authors begin, and later, they get offers to ghostwrite longer works like ebooks. Developing a solid job portfolio and reputation is essential. Referrals from satisfied clients can result in further possibilities once a writer has finished a few ghostwriting jobs.

Reaching ghostwriter jobs mostly depends on networking. Announcing oneself as a ghostwriter can attract attention because many people have ideas or stories but are unable to put them into writing. Facebook, in particular, can be a valuable tool for drawing in customers. Many ghostwriters find work through their online presence, where potential clients who are too busy with careers or family life can reach out for assistance.

Does Traditional Writing Pay More Than Ghostwriting?

It is possible to make more money from ghostwriting than from regular freelance writing. Even though it might not bring instant fortune, seasoned ghostwriters can charge more. Payment for words might be anything from $1 to $2; innovative work and projects requiring a lot of study will pay more. One writer might easily make $10,000 ghostwriting a 10,000-word novella, for example.

Achieving greater earnings mostly requires developing a portfolio and a strong reputation. Though at first, ghostwriting might just pay for necessities, writers’ earning potential increases with expertise and referrals. While some independent ghostwriters make six figures, this kind of accomplishment usually requires years of hard labor and steady, high-caliber work.

A more luxurious lifestyle with the possibility of travel and other previously unachievable experiences is also made possible by ghostwriting. These benefits, nevertheless, are earned over time and with perseverance in developing a lucrative ghostwriting job.

In Conclusion

For writers who like working behind the scenes to realize the ideas of others, ghostwriting provides a unique and fulfilling route. It offers a more flexible and stress-free option to self-publish, along with the possibility of more significant income. Through the development of a solid network, upkeep of a strong web presence, and ongoing skill development, writers can make ghostwriting a successful and rewarding career. Whether used as a full-time job or as a side gig, ghostwriting may offer many writers the financial security and creative fulfillment they need.

FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions