Ghostwriting is one of the largest (and most lucrative) parts of the publishing industry, and yet it’s a topic that many readers and writers still think is shrouded in mystery. A ghostwriter can be essential for those who have a story to tell, but lack the time or experience to turn it into a fully-fledged manuscript that’s set for publication.
If you are a writer, then you might want to know more about what makes the ghostwriting industry tick. If you need to hire a ghostwriter instead, then you might need to know where to look (and what to look for).
This in-depth guide will tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about ghostwriting.
What is Ghostwriting?
Ghostwriting is a specific type of writing, like copywriting and blogging are other types of written work creation.t
A ghostwriter creates a written text (or sometimes a script) on behalf of another person. Ghostwriting can be fiction or nonfiction, and might be any length of work.
The publishing industry and other private customers, like a celebrity who wants to produce an autobiography, are common clients of professional ghostwriters.
What Do Ghostwriters Do?
A ghostwriter creates a written work or script, which is intended to be published under the byline of another person. The ghostwriter foregoes their byline for the work, but in turn gets paid a contracted fee (and sometimes the addition of royalties) to create it.
Ghostwriters do not just have a license to create. The concept is often discussed between the ghostwriter and client while it is being written, and the writing composed from interviews with the subject and other resources that might be provided.
The most important task of a ghostwriter is to produce a specific, discussed work from provided resources and interviews. It requires the skill of writing, but also the skill of interpretation: a ghostwriter must be able to write like their client for the relationship and the product to work.
Who Hires Ghostwriters?
People who want to write, but don’t have the resources or the time to create the work they’d like to see published.
Sometimes, this can refer to a corporate client, but might also refer to a private one.
There are many people out there, including celebrities and high-level businesspeople, who would like to tell their story though need the guidance to do so.
Publishing houses might also be in the market for ghostwriters. There are many professional ghostwriters who produce fiction or nonfiction on behalf of publishers rather than private clients.
Websites and companies also sometimes hire ghostwriters, and an increasing amount of scripts and podcasts also rely on ghostwriters. Famous speeches, like ones made by politicians or actors, are also sometimes helped or prepared by ghostwriters.
If you don’t mind letting go of the by-line to get the job, then ghostwriting could be one of the best things you ever explore as a freelance writer.
What Do Ghostwriters Write?
Ghostwriters can produce fiction or nonfiction work, and might produce articles, short stories, or full-length books and novels on behalf of their clients.
As a ghostwriter, it depends on the clients you look for, and your individual level of experience as a writer. The topics that ghostwriters might approach will also depend on their clients and individual needs.
While ghostwriting can be general, there are also more specialized jobs out there for writers with added levels of experience. Specialized ghostwriters also make up part of the larger industry, and can often fetch higher rates for academic or more complex writing.
Which Famous Books Used Ghostwriters?
The mainstream publishing industry is no stranger to the use of ghostwriters.
While you might think that the term “ghostwriter” is reserved only for the ultra-famous people out there who want to put their autobiography or blog together, ghostwriters have been integral to many famous book series’ too.
Anyone remember Sweet Valley High?
If you don’t, then you might have heard of a little book series called Animaniacs.
The two YA series have something big in common: both employed ghostwriters to produce some of the books in the series.
While each book had a different topic, each had the same “feel” and style just like you can expect every copy of the New York Times or Washington Post to have the same feel and style.
This wasn’t solely because of the way these books were edited, but because they were written by ghostwriters who had to adhere to a specific format!
How Can I Be a Ghostwriter?
If you are a writer with the right skills, then you can be a ghostwriter.
What are the right skills for a ghostwriter to have?
Writers who can adapt fast to a style or brief can make for good ghostwriters. Writers who have plenty of experience in different industries can also make for good ghostwriters. A ghostwriter should be able to take advice and criticism, but also take the lead to produce the best end-product for their client.
If you have never ghostwritten before, start small and build a portfolio of ghostwritten work before you snag your first large client.
Where Can I Find Ghostwriting Jobs?
If you would like to find ghostwriting jobs as a writer, one of the best places to look for clients is online. While some clients will certainly find you through your website and social media, the truth is that most of them are clients you’ll have to seek out and pitch.
What Do Ghostwriters Make?
According to Reedsy, some of the data that has been collected by the site via their listings say that a professional ghostwriter can make anything from $2, 000 to $60, 000 for the completion of a ghostwriting project.
Ghostwriters with high-level clients and more experience get paid toward the higher end of the payscale.