Ghostwriters: Get Help Writing Your Book
Comfortably sitting at their desks or a table in a local coffee shop, ghostwriters around the world are feverishly working to crank out content they'll never receive credit for. Yet, they're perfectly okay with it—and for good reason. They're paid very well for the jobs they do.
Let's take a deeper look at these writing gurus that are helping a lot of people's dreams come true, one written word at a time.
Thinking about hiring one? Try sketching out the story in Sudowrite — or start with this guide to story structure to make sure your outline holds up before you outsource.
What Exactly is a Ghostwriter?
Ghostwriters are writers who work their magic without (typically) receiving any of the credit. They are hired to write a variety of projects, ranging from small (blogs, articles, how-to guides) to large (eBooks, novels, memoirs) gigs.
Working behind the scenes like Santa's elves, these writers follow the guidelines set by their clients, though some are allowed to take a bit of creative license, particularly in the realm of writing books.
They come in handy for people who may want to focus their efforts elsewhere, like marketing, while still pushing out books and other content regularly. They also help people who may have great ideas but struggle with execution. In short, they're pretty essential to many!
Is It Deceptive?
Absolutely not.
While it's true some people call the practice shady or sometimes illegal, because they don't understand exactly how it works, ghostwriters have been around for a long time and are paid for the content they create. They work in collaboration with the credited author, bringing their ideas to life. There's nothing sinister or shifty about it.
In fact, it's a lot more popular and widespread than you might think.
A Little Secret We'll Let You In On
Want to know a secret? Some of the biggest names in fiction actually use ghostwriters. That's right! That James Patterson book you read might not be by him at all.
But these authors aren't deceptive about it, either. Most have disclosed their working relationships and the reasons behind doing so. Using Patterson as an example, he says he prefers to work on ideas and outline plots, which he then hands over to ghostwriters to craft into the stories you know and love today. Most of the first drafts aren't even written by him. Surprised? I was, too, when I found out, but it makes sense given the sheer number of books he's put out over the past few decades.
Other famous authors who use or have used ghostwriters include Tom Clancy, Danielle Steel, and Dan Brown.
Even Celebrities use Ghostwriters
Have you picked up a celebrity memoir lately? Perhaps "Spare," depicting Prince Harry's story, or "Paris: The Memoir" about hotel heiress and celebrity Paris Hilton? Both of those were ghostwritten, though credit was given to those who worked on them.
Ghostwriters who work on celebrity memoirs are extremely established in their fields and have done extensive networking to land those opportunities.
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You Can Still Write for Yourself
One of the perks of being a ghostwriter is it doesn't hinder your ability to write for yourself, as well, whether under your own name or a pen name. I have worked as a ghostwriter for years, helping authors grow their brands, and still managed to write several novels of my own under different pen names.
Since self-published author income isn't always a given and takes time to build, working as a ghostwriter gives you the opportunity to make money while also crafting your own stories.
You can have your cake and eat it, too.
Hiring a Ghostwriter
Ever sit down to write and just blank? More than just writer's block, sometimes, we have fantastic ideas, but no idea how to bring them to life. So, what are we to do when we have this clear vision but struggle to make it a reality?
Rather than ride the struggle bus and shelve the idea, why not turn to the pros who can make it happen? Sure, you'll have to pay for it, but if it's done properly and you market it well, you'll reap all the rewards.
How They Can Help
Ghostwriters excel at taking your directions and turning them into the works of art you envision, whether it's a crafty description that sells your book, marketing materials to promote your work, or the entire book—you set the parameters. Some even work in tandem with you, helping to craft a series so you have a backlog to market, especially as a new author.
Whatever your end goal is, trust me when I say there is someone out there who can help you bring that to reality. You just have to know where to look and what to look for.
What to Look For
Consider hiring a ghostwriter like hiring for any other position. You want to make sure they're qualified to do the task at hand, otherwise, you're likely to waste time and money, not to mention cause frustration on both sides.
Clearly define your project scope, what you're looking for, and focus on taking the time to find someone who meets all of your criteria. You'll thank me later.
Need a little help shaping your characters first? Try the Ultimate Character Name Generators
Experience
Like any writer, ghostwriters have a wide range of experience from the freelancer looking for their very first gig (how exciting!) to the seasoned pro who has worked with top names in the industry and has such a prolific workload, they have to turn down projects.
Chances are, if you're seeking someone to write your novel, you want someone who falls in the middle of that spectrum. Communication will be key, here, no matter who you work with.
Interview Them
One of the best things you can do before you hire a writer is to interview them. Ask them about their experience, their processes, and what you can expect from them in terms of communication style and output.
Don't be afraid to dig deep, either, because ultimately, you're paying them for the work they do, so it's better to ask all the questions now, so you know you're hiring the right fit for the job.
Ask for Samples
Don't just take their word for it. Ask your potential candidate to back up their interview with samples. This can be work they've done for another client or you can even ask them to write a specific style sample for you. The latter is also a good idea if they have a very restrictive NDA that prevents them from discussing prior projects in detail.
But here's the catch: you should definitely pay them for it.
In the freelance world, time is money, and time spent on writing a sample, however small, for you is time they aren't earning for another client. I would stick to a small sample size, enough to showcase their talent.
Sign an NDA
Now that you've decided a ghostwriter is for you, it's time to protect yourself. Unless you're okay with being transparent about who you used to write your content, you should draft a non-disclosure agreement that details what information (if any) they can disclose without legal ramifications.
You can choose to be as restrictive as you want, but make sure you discuss the terms with your writer beforehand, so they know what to expect.
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Where to Find Ghostwriters
Now that you know what ghostwriters do, it's time to learn where you can find them. I've got good news, though: they're almost everywhere online. You just have to know how to sniff them out.
Freelance Platforms
Many ghostwriters who are actively seeking work and new clients tend to browse the freelance platforms. These include:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- Reedsy
- Mediabistro
If you post a job, you'll likely get a lot of applications, but it's worth taking the time to weed through the results. Be very specific in your job listing and list specific criteria you are looking for and won't compromise on.
Google Search
Believe it or not, a Google search can help you find a ghostwriter. Often, the results will include sites you might not have thought of when you began your search. I've found a few ghostwriting profiles this way, but you'll have to do some heavier vetting.
An Agency
A ghostwriting agency is a great place to find one, as they often staff a few different types of ghostwriters, including those who write fiction, non-fiction, speeches, website content, and more.
Be prepared to pay a bit more if you use an agency, though. They charge a fee for their ghostwriters, plus a cost on top of that. If you're struggling to find someone via other avenues, though, this might be a good fit.
Publishers and Agents
This is a toughie, because it's probably one of the most expensive options, but it can also yield results. Agents, for example, have their own fee on top of the ghostwriter's fee.
Publishers may not have a ghostwriter you can hire directly from the press, but they could have a few names on hand of people who are looking for work and fit the bill of what you're looking for.
How Much Do Ghostwriters Cost?
Like any other writing job, the rates for ghostwriters vary depending on the person. The more experience they have, the more they're likely to charge. If you're just starting out and don't have a big budget, you can likely find a ghostwriter who is also doing the same. It could turn out to be a beneficial relationship for you both.
Ghostwriters may charge by the word or hour, depending on their personal preferences. Some even charge by the project, quoting a fee based on the specs you provide. They cost anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.
Is It For You?
If you've found yourself nodding along with any of this blog so far, you might benefit from a ghostwriter! That doesn't mean you're hands-off by any means, it just means you're giving yourself a bit of a leg-up in this booming industry. And, who couldn't use a leg up these days?
Many have used ghostwriters who peck away quietly behind the scenes successfully, and there's no reason you can't be the next one to do so.
How to Become a Ghostwriter
But what if you're interested in becoming a ghostwriter, rather than hiring one?
There are plenty of opportunities out there!
The best advice I can offer is to gain the necessary experience, if you don't have it already, and then highlight your talents. Create a dynamic profile that sells your writing experience, create accounts on the freelancing websites, and reach out to agencies or publishers who advertise jobs in this niche. Remember, you're competing with thousands of others. Make yourself stand out the best you can.
Give Sudowrite a try today and bring your ideas—or someone else’s—to life.
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