How to Create a Ghostwriter's Portfolio

Paper copies don't make your best portfolio samples.

With time and ability short, individuals who want quality writing often turn to a ghostwriter for help. The Internet has increased ghostwriting demands, but freelancers are always looking for the next gig. A portfolio of writing samples is essential for new business contacts, but a ghostwriter may have important work not suitable for a portfolio. Ask for written permission before you use ghostwritten articles, blogs or books for a portfolio, even if you have not signed a nondisclosure agreement.

Things You'll Need

• Work samples

Instructions

1. Accumulate writing samples you can disclose without violating your ghostwriting agreements. Look for articles, blogs, poetry and stories you have written under your own name.

2. Sort these samples into groups or give each one a title or one-word explanation of what it covers. Use a diverse array of your work samples, such as article writing, e-book writing, press releases, business writing, blogs, newsletters, proofreading, editing and any other specialized services you offer. The United States Department of Education recommends that the portfolio maker "collect, select and reflect."

3. Use links to samples on the Internet and develop a Web page with the links. Title your Web page “Writing Portfolio” or “Writing Samples” or even “Ghostwriting Portfolio” if you are looking for ghostwriting opportunities. Use your name in the title so your work can be located by searching your name.

4. Transfer samples not already on the Internet to a page on your website or to a free website that permits commercial advertising. Create links for these items on your portfolio page so the reader can view all of your samples from links.

5. Optimize your page with search engine optimization techniques, using words that someone searching for a ghostwriter would use. Words such as writing, ghostwriting, freelancer, portfolio, business, articles, blogs and books are keywords for optimization.

Tips & Warnings

• Ghostwriting is not cheating and is completely legal. The person pays for writing services and claims the writing as his own. An employer may claim your writing as "work-for-hire" as well.

• If you sign a nondisclosure agreement, choose other writing samples for your portfolio. You may write samples just for the portfolio, place them on a website and link to them.

References

• Get Paid to Write Online: How to Create a Writing Portfolio
• Ghost Article Writer: Article Portfolio
• U.S. Department of Education: Consumer Guides -- Student Portfolios: Classroom Uses