Want to know how to become a ghostwriter? This post is part of the How to Become a Freelancer series, where we dig into the different disciplines you can freelance in and how you can get started in each of them. Every post in the series is written by a successful professional in that discipline so you know the advice is going to be valuable! 

Ghosting is bad form on social media, but it can be a creative and lucrative option for writers. 

Ghostwriters create books for others, sometimes because clients don’t have the experience or time to tackle a big writing project by themselves.  

If you’re wondering how to become a ghostwriter, keep reading.

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What is a Ghostwriter?

Ghostwriters don’t just translate what someone says onto the page (though, in rare instances, it can work that way).

More often, they help a client organize their ideas, find their most marketable book concept, and then help them uncover what they should write about.

Then they work with a client to write the book.

The book process also varies. Some writers get a stack of notes from a client, a general direction, and produce a full manuscript with little input.

For some partnerships, months of interviews, in-person meetings, and close work is involved, with the client taking a very active role in how the book takes shape. It depends on what services a writer offers and what the client is looking for. 

What You Can Earn as a Ghostwriter

Ghostwriters typically charge $10,000-$40,000+ for a book, and that figure goes up for longer books, projects with lots of research and work involved, and for more experienced ghostwriters. 

How to Become a Ghostwriter: What You Need to Get Started

Before you get started, know that the world of ghostwriting has changed a lot in the past few years and there are many kinds of writing jobs in this field.

Today, it’s not uncommon for ghostwriters to share the byline with their clients and for clients to openly admit they used a professional to help them write a book.

Sometimes, ghostwriters are called writing service providers, co-authors, book midwives, or have other titles. 

Great Writing Skills

To become a ghostwriter, you’ll need excellent writing skills.

Hone your ability to write different types of books–and in various voices. You may need to write from the perspective of someone much older or younger or someone who’s life and experience bear little resemblance to yours.

Interview and Research Skills

Work on your interview and research skills, too.

You’ll probably need to look up facts and possibly interview your clients to get your material. Writing blog posts, articles, and books of your own can help you get clips and get you used to writing about a range of topics.

Get to Know the Book Industry

Learning about the book industry is essential, especially since many of your clients may be counting on you to help them figure out publishing.

You need to understand what a good book looks like and what readers are looking for. Reading up about the book industry and even attending professional publishing events can help you network and learn how to support your clients. 

How to Find Your First Ghostwriting Clients

I got my first few ghostwriting jobs by sheer luck.

I was working at a marketing agency and one of the clients wanted a book they could sell. I landed my second ghostwriting job because I was working with a long-term client.

“I need to write a book for this business,” he told me one day while we were reviewing some blog posts.

“I could help with that,” I told him, after explaining what ghostwriting was and that I had written a book before. 

My path is not necessarily traditional.

Work for Publishers

Many other writers I know start by working for publishers who are in need of ghostwriters or head out and search for clients on their own with a strong media presence and website. 

Generally, they get a start because they have a few of their own published books for their portfolio. That’s something to consider: many of the books you create in this work will have someone else’s name on them and you may need to sign non-disclosure agreements which keep you from using those books in your portfolio. Having your own books helps you establish your ability.

Network in the Book Industry

Getting to know publishers and editors can also help.

Sometimes, your clients will want additional services—such as proofreading, editing, even illustration. Knowing professionals in these fields can help you pass on work. In my experience, they’re usually more than happy to return the favor.  

Research Companies That Offer Writing and Printing Services

There is another option for writers who want to write books for clients but who don’t necessarily want to do heavy-duty marketing. A number of companies offer printing and writing services as one business package. There are also hybrid publishers (not quite legacy, not quite self-publishing) now offering writing services, too. 

You can find these companies by Googling terms like “we help you write your book” or “cookbook writing services” (or whatever genre you wish to write in). A number of these companies hire freelancers, sometimes even on a full-time basis with benefits.

There are lots of ways to crack this market and once you do you can get paid to write books. One of the most rewarding things about this job is to see clients who have wanted to write for years get to hold their book in their hands. 

Happy ghostwriting!

This post in the How to Be a Freelancer series was written by Agata Antonow.

Agata is a professional writer and editor currently based in Montreal. She writes books, children’s books, blogs, articles, white papers, and other pieces for business and educational clients.