Freelance Writing: How to Become a Ghostwriter?

V.C. Higuera, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 11, 2006 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Freelance writing presents the perfect opportunity to make a decent income from the comfort of your home. There are many types of writers. Most writers dabble in creative writing, non-fiction, and business writing. However, ghostwriting is one niche that few writers have tapped into.

Ghostwriting has several benefits, and one major drawback. The job of a freelance writer is to provide content for their clients. Ordinarily, writers receive credit for their work. However, if agreeing to complete a ghostwritten assignment, the author surrenders all copyrights to their articles. Thus, the client has complete power to print an article, and attach their name to it. Because of this, many writers are unwilling to accept ghostwritten assignments - and for good reason. Writing requires a lot of time and effort. Articles must be researched, and staring at a computer screen for hours at a time is taxing on the eyes.

On the other hand, there are several advantages to becoming a ghostwriter. Because the majority of people and companies hiring ghostwriters have very little writing skills, these persons are usually willing to pay a good salary to the right person. For this matter, it is possible to make a few hundred dollars per ghostwritten assignment. Even if you cannot obtain a contract for hundreds of dollars, getting $50 for a 300 or 400 word ghostwriting assignment is not too bad. Here are a few tips for marketing yourself as a ghostwriter.

1. Pick a Writing Expertise: As a ghostwriter, you have the opportunity to write about a multitude of topics. Moreover, you can produce a variety of writing assignments. To begin, select the type of writing that interests you. For example, will you concentrate on resume writing, cover letters, web content, non-fiction articles, student papers, etc. If you are a skilled writer, it is possible to select more than one area of expertise.

2. Bid on Ghostwriting Jobs: Finding a ghostwriting assignment is the most challenging part. However, with much effort, this can be accomplished. Browse the internet for freelance writing job postings. Some sites will require a membership. Once logged onto the site, begin searching the job postings. If possible, sign up for job alerts. Writing is a competitive field, thus many writers are fighting for the same pool of jobs. Acquiring a writing contract requires diligent and regular searching.

3. Market Your Writing Business: Instead of waiting for companies and individuals to post ghostwriting jobs, become proactive and market your service. Many forums allow writers to advertise their freelance services. In addition to posting on writing forums, consider posting in business forums. Also, local newspapers, freelance writing e-newsletters, and bulletins boards are effective places to advertise. Another winning technique involves creating a professional website for your ghostwriting business. Websites do not have to be elaborate. Simply provide a little information about your service. For example, include area of expertise, turnaround time, fees, samples, and contact information.

Published by V.C. Higuera

Freelance personal finance and health writer from Chesapeake, VA View profile

As a ghostwriter, authors give up rights to an article.
Ghostwriting for the web is a profitable business.
The key to becoming a good ghostwriting is marketing your business.

Many companies hire ghostwriters to write content for websites, press releases, news articles, etc.

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Freelance Writing: How to Become a Ghostwriter?

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