Things You'll Need:
- Computer with good word processing software
- Exclusive email account for your ghostwriting to keep in contact with your clients
- Business cards
- Internet high-speed access
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Step 1
Start first by building a portfolio of your writing in a wide range of articles, stories, personality showcases and novel synopses. No one calls on an untried writer or one who can only write on a narrow, specialized subject. Show your perspective client a good sample of what you can do.
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Step 2
Post your writing on websites, even if the website does not pay. This is an easy way to painlessly advertise your writing and availability. Free advertising is always good!
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Step 3
Offer to speak at local groups and organizations in your area. Check all local and regional groups and find out if they need a speaker. There is nothing like word-of-mouth to put your name and abilities out in public. Have a handout with your name and contact information ready for the end of your talk.
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Step 4
Check every day on freelance job boards like Elance for ghostwriting assignments, and bid on them (see Resources below). Bid low at first because you are trying to break into the field and you want to rack up as many credits and references as possible. You want people to be your contacts and referrals.
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Step 5
Check newspapers, national magazines and news programs for people in the news as well as local up-and-coming people. They might be your next client if you can meet with them and talk knowledgeably about their goals and how your writing can help them get their story out to the public. Everyone has a story to tell or a pet project to publicize. You can be their means of doing so.
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Step 6
Create a website. Put samples of your writing on your website. The website makes you look and act more professional about your writing, and that’s what you really want because the website is the best way you can show your talent to the world. Only put your best writing on your website.
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Step 7
Have a simple contract ready for you and your client to sign outlining what you will do, how you will be paid and, more importantly, when you will be paid. You don’t want to do all this work for free.
