09 Sep Ghostwriter
Do ghosts write? Why call a writer a ghostwriter? See the meaning, the why, and how of ghostwriting in this article.
Ghostwriter
I believe everyone on the writing platform must have heard of ghostwriting. It doesn’t mean that ghosts are writing, LOL. Well, they are ghosts writing because they are mostly unknown writers.
Maybe you have written something for someone and chosen to remain anonymous, or are being paid to write and forgo your copyright. That also can be tagged as ghostwriting.
Who is a ghostwriter?
The answer to this question is sought locally and internationally by writers and non-writers, especially those who want to venture into the writing industry. A ghostwriter is a writer who gets paid to write for individuals or possibly firms and doesn’t get the credit for his work. The work done by the ghostwriter is usually in the client’s name, and people think the client is the writer.
Every ghostwriter is for hire and doesn’t wish to lay claim to his book. They are all freelancers and want to get paid, both advanced payment before they start and the final payment when the work is complete.
Why are ghostwriters hired?
There are several reasons to hire a ghostwriter. I would navigate a few reasons here.
1. It is stress-free: You need no prior writing experience when you have someone to do the work for you. Work stress, critical thinking, and creativity are all removed from your work schedule. You only get the credit when the work is completed.
2. Quality work delivery: You hire a ghostwriter for perfection. Good work speaks good volume – ghostwriters are often good in their field or probably the best. There are bad ones though only very few. Ghostwriters give their best when on a contract; they know they’re getting paid, so they ought to give it their best.
3. Finding catchy subjects: Ghostwriters just need good clients who can pay their worth to do a good job. They give catchy subjects and creative plot twists when going on in a novel, and overall, a creative work plan. The client doesn’t also stress himself on finding the subject matter; the ghostwriter is in for the stress.
4. Freedom: The ghostwriter makes his clients relax and think less of their work because they know it is ongoing and will be delivered at the appointed time. This also is an escape for the clients to focus on some other work. A client can decide to give different projects to different ghostwriters and not flinch.
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How to become a ghostwriter
Being a ghostwriter is not an uphill task the way many people deem it. It is simply about your level of creativity, critical thinking, and adeptness. Your imagination must be sharp for you to climb the ladder. Several ghostwriters who made this their main source of income know this and struggle for perfection and client satisfaction.
Ways to Become a Ghostwriter
There are, however, a few ways to become a good ghostwriter.
● Your Location: Although your work is remote as you’re freelancing, you need to find a spot where people like you belong. You won’t find what you’re looking for when you stay
in a locality that doesn’t appreciate books. For example, in Nigeria, many people relocate to Lagos State for work, and you should too. When in a like-minded locality, persuasion and zeal climaxes. A good competition will help sharpen your mind, expand your perception, and help you gird up.
● Networking: To become a ghostwriter, you must network with people. Your network is your work. When you have a good network, getting jobs or gigs would be seamless. Your network would also link and recommend you to even bigger deals; your reputation will grow.
● Be creative: There is massive competition in the field. You would have to be super creative to be revered. When you work with a client, your level of creativity and standard will determine your network and recommendation opportunities.
● Have a different writing style: This is a very important part of writing, especially if you want to succeed as a ghostwriter. You must have a unique style that spells your name whenever you work with clients. Imitating other writers will only devalue and degrade your works and make you fade out in the market soon enough.
These points should be enough for a budding ghostwriter. A ghostwriter is not a perfectionist, but he must learn to be extensively skilled in what niche he chooses to write.
Conclusion:
Ghostwriting is very lucrative in major or urban cities. Many proficient men in politics, firms and industries are always in need of a ghostwriter. A good or professional ghostwriter charges nothing less than $15,000 and more. Some are so expensive that they charge between $30,000 and $80,000 on a single project. This shows how lucrative ghostwriting can be, but first, you must be a rated professional.
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