From Ghost to Gold: Ghostwriting for Big Money

And there’s no reason you can’t do it!

It’s a fact: ghostwriters command big bucks without ever seeing a byline. Ghostwriting for money isn’t out of the question, and you don’t have to live in Hollywood to write someone’s memoir. It’s easier to sell your skills as a way to shorten an executive’s to-do than to sell books to a publisher in today’s world. I was shocked to learn, though, that many writers don’t know what ghostwriting is.

Ghostwriting is creating content, articles, books, websites, or other written materials to be published or disseminated under another person’s name (not yours). Yes, plagiarism is like that, too, but ghostwriting implies the consent of the writer. You get paid to ghostwrite, but you don’t get recognized. You are invisible, hence the name.

Is ghostwriting for money illegal?

No, ghostwriting for money is not illegal. It has been around for a long time, and a contract between the client and the writer dictates the details. The two parties absolutely must have a meeting of the minds about who owns the copyrights, whose name appears on the work, and the price, among other terms. The client has a story to tell. The writer sells their skills and time, usually with their right to a byline.

To be enforceable, a contract requires mutual assent (agreement between parties), expressed by a valid offer and acceptance (I’ll do this if you do that), adequate consideration (something of value changes hands), capacity (both parties are of sound mind and are adults), and legality (no one is doing something that violates a law). Before you make an agreement, it’s in your best interest to ask a legal representative to look over the terms.

Why you might consider ghostwriting for money

You can appeal to a client’s ego — landing the sale because you can make them look smarter than they are. But don’t use that line in your pitch.
You can write on any topic without diluting your specialties.
Controversy won’t backlash at you — it’ll be your customer’s issue.
Money is decent if you look in the right places for customers.
You don’t have to market the finished writing — someone else does that.
When you’re finished, you’re finished. Walk away.
The client doesn’t have to be a celeb. I’ve done family histories, business histories, and even an autobiography of a sort of famous psychic.

Some good reasons not to ghostwrite

If you’re a newer writer, you will not expand your portfolio.
You can seldom take credit for the work — no matter how good or how long it lasts. It’s difficult to add ghost projects to your portfolio.
Some writers find it difficult to detach from their words.
The work, like speeches, histories, and corporate blogs, can be tedious and boring.
If the book becomes a huge success, you will not be paid more than you contracted for.
You are not in charge. The client makes all the decisions.

Where to find ghostwriting jobs (I have done all of these)

Send a mailing to small and medium-sized businesses in your city or town, offering to do business blogs. Be clear that you are local and include your background. Don’t expect a high rate, but you can often get $50 to $75 per blog post. These days, every business has a blog. Or should.
Sell newsletters to real estate agents. They’re hungry for face time and exposure, willing to pay if they have an established business, and they know print ads aren’t cutting it anymore. Land one customer, do a couple of newsletters for them, and then use that as a sample to sell others.
Contact specialty business owners like restauranteurs or wine shop proprietors, and offer to write a weekly column for the local newspaper in their name. They will need to approach the publication and sell the idea, being willing to give the column to the paper for free. Community goodwill is an excellent return for the business. You, then, make them look like awesome experts. I did that for years.
Offer to write business posts for social media. Start at $200 per month for tweets three days per week.
Partner with established ghostwriters and take on their overflow. A ghost can only handle one or two major assignments at a time.
Network. Join forums and groups of ghostwriters and establish relationships for the reason cited above. Refer excess clients to other ghosts and ask for referrals when you need them.
Establish expertise in a subject or niche and seek out people in those fields. Like to cook? Find busy chefs who want to publish a cookbook. Like artificial intelligence? Seek out techies who are busy developing apps but would like to publish books or articles.
Keep an eye on job platforms like Upwork or Fiverr — not a sure thing, but you can develop a presence there over time.
Offer to coach writers. You may find they actually don’t want to write a book, but they have a story to tell and might hire you to do the work.

How to become a ghostwriter for money

You can check into the Ghost Writing Professional Designation Program, partnered with California State University, Long Beach, which is where I received my certification. This is the most in-depth online program I have ever seen, and the certification is unique in the industry. You will learn the equivalent of a master’s degree in just over a year. You will work your butt off and be a better all-around writer for it. Don’t take my word. Contact them and dig into the details.

Over the years, I have ghosted about a dozen full-length books, many websites and print articles, and uncountable promotional ebooks. My fine-tuned, deeply practiced listening skills landed me the most business. Nearly every client was impressed by how carefully I tuned in when they explained their projects and goals to me. If you listen well, focusing on the client’s needs, it isn’t challenging to write in their voice.

If you make the effort to learn more about writing voices, writing mechanicals, story arcs, and how language flows, you’ll be ahead of your competition. Many would-be ghosts are competent writers, but those who can put aside their egos and echo different styles and voices will have a better chance to perfect their reputations.

Prove your worth?

You can develop a portfolio of ghost projects by offering to do low-cost or free booklets, ebooks, or white papers within your network. Maybe for your favorite charity, a church, or a 501(c)(3). Get their permission to use the work in your portfolio.

Most ghostwriters set up a website that includes samples, a sales pitch, their background, and testimonials. This can go a long way to establishing your reach. It goes without saying that you will promote the site to enlarge your audience.

Talk to everyone who will listen about your subject expertise, goals, and work you’re seeking. Hand out business cards. Join local organizations and make some noise whenever you can do it in a professional way without annoying people.

Top five reasons for ghostwriting for money or working a freelance side hustle

The first, hands down, is the most attractive reason — you gain your independence. There are four other good reasons to go freelance; we’ll look at the whole set.

You gain your independence — no more buses to catch or taxis to hail. Set your own hours. Define your own workload, and you choose which tasks you do in which order. No one is breathing down your neck, but beware! You will work harder working for yourself than you would work for someone else. I tell people I work for myself, but the boss is a real witch.
When you’re ghostwriting for money, your time is flexible as it is with any side hustle. Don’t even think you will work fewer hours. You’ll work more, doing your own marketing right alongside the writing. You’ll do bookkeeping. You’ll shop for supplies. But you can choose when to do what, and that’s a boon. If the sun lures you to the beach — go. You’ll stay up late finishing the last three graphs of your story.
Focus and concentrate better, uninterrupted — if you handle workspace and boundaries properly. Most pros don’t take personal calls when they’re actively writing. We don’t answer the doorbell. We don’t turn on the TV or surf the web. You determine who may interrupt you and when. You immerse yourself in research or in writing. Your level of production goes way up.
Choose what you write — and for whom. Once you establish your freelance business you’ll have enough customers to provide a steady cash flow. Say no when you want to say no. Though I’ve learned to work with most personality types, a few are impossible.
You can change your tax situation, often dramatically. As a contractor, you may deduct certain things. News writer? You might be able to deduct part of your cable bill. Food writer? Part of your vacation, perhaps. Invest in a good accountant and develop a solid relationship with them. Seek and accept their advice often. You won’t regret it.

Our final words on ghostwriting for money

There are many reasons to enjoy a ghostwriting side hustle. Ghostwriting for money requires planning, learning, and energy. It’s not a simple decision, and it isn’t an easy road. But the rewards come from unexpected corners.