How to Become a Freelance Ghostwriter

Freelance ghostwriters are needed around the world. They get paid to write for clients who lack time, writing skill and/or both. Many politicians, celebrities, doctors, and business people hire ghostwriters to write books for them. Website owners hire ghostwriters for website articles.As a ghostwriter, you get paid to write, but give over all rights to the work you complete. It is simply a work-for hire-agreement. And of course, you do not receive credit for what you write. Still, you can make a great living as a ghostwriter, and you get to work from your own home.

Things You'll Need

• Home office
• Fax machine
• Internet access

Instructions

1. You will need a home office to write in. You should have a computer, printer, fax machine, phone, and office supplies, as well as anything else that helps you work. Keep any possible distractions away from your home office. You might need to have a business phone line installed to keep personal phone calls from interrupting your work. You will need to let your family and friends know your work schedule. Make sure they know it is not all right to contact you during work hours. When you take your work seriously, others will respect that.

2. Since you will be working for yourself, by yourself you need to set and manage your own hours. Work when you work best. Work while your children are in school. Work as little or as many hours per week as you want to. The important thing is to stick to your schedule. This takes a lot of self-discipline.

3. Are you going to use your own name for your ghostwriting business, or will you be using a business name? If the latter, you need to register it. The most popular type of business (especially for freelance ghostwriters) is the sole proprietorship. However, you might be better off with a partnership. Basically, if you want to work with a business partner, or you want to own multiple businesses under one name, you need something other than a sole proprietorship. See the links in Resources for submission information.

4. Choose your niche. Many ghostwriters simply write books for their clients and nothing else. However, you can expand your freelance ghostwriting career by augmenting your services. Clients also need help getting their book published. You can offer book-proposal services and publisher counseling. In addition to books, you can ghostwrite Ebooks, articles, websites, press releases and more.

5. Obtain clients. You need to put yourself out there so people will know to come to you when they need a freelance ghostwriter. You will need a website and/or a blog, a writing portfolio, ghostwriting contracts and business cards. Have a reliable email account where potential clients can reach you. You should also attend local business events to network.

6. Begin your career as a freelance ghostwriter even before you obtain your first client. Start working on building up your portfolio so you can show potential clients what you can do for them. Work in your schedule, keep the distractions at bay, take ghostwriting classes (online or off), and persevere in your field.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have a signed contract, and make sure your client understands everything in it.

• It's best to have an attorney look over your contracts before using them.

Resources

• Business Structures
• Business Registration
• The Importance of Ghostwriting Contracts
• The Ghostwriter Agreement