There are a number of ways to gain experience as a ghostwriter. These skills are in high demand, so if you are organized and approach this new career opportunity in a professional manner, you should soon see an increase in income, and a growing reputation as a talented and reliable ghostwriter.
What Is a Ghostwriter?
A ghostwriter writes a piece of work, such as non-fiction or fiction, but does not put their name on it. Rather, they allow the client who hires them to put their name on it and give them the copyright to it. In other words, they give the client full permission to use the work as if it were their own creation.
Ghostwriters produce what is termed work for hire - a written work commissioned by a client on the understanding that the work produced as a result of the two working together will be one that the ghostwriter has no rights to once it is finished, and will grant the client full rights to it to use as they wish.
How to Gain Experience as a Ghostwriter
You need to be able to write well, so this will be you starting point. Consider starting your own blog as a showcase for your writing skills and the kinds of topics you are able to write about. Most ghostwriters try to focus on high-demand topics like health, finance, and self-help. You can mention at your site that you are available for hire.
Ask Friends If They Need Help
Offer your writing skills to your friends and family in exchange for a recommendation and word-of-mouth marketing. Chances are they have websites and will need content.
Create a Portfolio
Once you have some good blog posts and work you’ve done for your friends, put together a portfolio of your best work. Include your full contact information at the top of the webpage and the titles of each piece of work you want to showcase. Hyperlink the title to the page for each piece of work.
Keep a Folder of Your Best Work
Also keep a copy of each of your best pieces in a folder on your computer so you can attach them as needed or upload them through an interface when applying for a ghostwriter gig. Be sure the work is error free and formatted for easy reading with a 12-point font, such as Arial or Calibri.
List Your Services on Fiverr
Fiverr.com can be one quick and easy way to get ghostwriter work. That fee usually applies per article, usually about 500 words. Check out some of the current listings and try to be competitive in terms of your pricing.
Use Freelancing Websites
Top freelancing websites include Upwork.com and Freelancer.com. Take the time to build a strong profile that will inspire people with confidence in your professionalism. Link to your portfolio to show off your writing skills.
When applying for jobs, start out by looking for short gigs that are really suited to your talents. They may take a while to find, but the goal is to get projects quickly, finish them fast, and get good reviews so more people will be willing to hire you.
Regular Clients and Word-of-Mouth Opportunities
In addition to looking for work on the main freelance websites, you should start to develop a list of regular clients who will be eager to work with you on their various projects, such as content for their website. These clients will also most likely be happy to recommend you to others.
Regular clients means the work comes to you, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time chasing it. It also means you can pick and choose your projects a bit more, selecting ones on topics you can write well about and are interested in.