Ghost Writing - one way to make money writing
Making a living from writing is not easy. Even when your work is published, rates of pay are often very low, and many sites don't pay, or pay token amounts. One method is to Ghostwrite for someone else.
A Ghostwriter is employed by someone to write on their behalf, and their name appears on the work. The client may have a concept, or storyline, or outline, but they either don't have the skills, or the desire to write the book themselves. In these circumstances, they employ a writer to do the work for them. Usually, their name appears on the book as the author, and not yours, although in some instances, credit is given to the ghost writer. Many 'celebrity books' are written in this way – including Prince Harry's book Spare, and Michelle Obama's Becoming.
I recently took on a job writing two poetry books for someone else, which was a great opportunity to try my hand at this form of writing. I'm a former English teacher, and love poetry, so it was a really good fit. I enjoyed the project, and learned a lot. I now have a much clearer idea of what to charge, and how long the project will take. I also know that it is far more restrictive than I like, although the client was very amenable.
Collaboration with the client is essential, to capture the style and voice they wish to have expressed. It is essential to be clear about what they are expecting, and how they want it written. This can be limiting, but in a good client relationship, you should be able to discuss your ideas and have input. My client had an outline ready, and I was able to suggest alterations and additions to improve it. We had a good working relationship, but this could be a challenge with other clients.
It is customary to have to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which I did in this instance. The NDA may prevent you from being able to say that you are the one who wrote the book, or to talk about the project or claim any credit.
Having tried Ghostwriting, I am likely to do it again, but I would ask for a higher pay rate this time. Weighing it up, the pros and cons are:
Pros:
- As long as the client is happy with the work, you will be paid an agreed amount. Make sure your contract covers the possibility of not being able to provide what the client wants.
- You don't have to try to find a publisher or agent, or promote the work
Cons
- The payment is usually a flat rate, unconnected to sales, so if it does really well, you won't see any of the royalties. Of course, if the book doesn't sell, at least you receive your fee.
- It can be restrictive to write what someone else wants, rather than using your own creativity.
- Your name is not associated with the work, so it can't be added to your portfolio.
Where to find Ghostwriting Opportunities:
There are a number of sites that post Ghostwriting jobs:
- found my Ghostwriting job via Upwork, a freelancers' platform that often has writing work of various sorts.
- All Freelance Writing
- Freelance Writing Jobs
- Ghostwriting Agencies are looking for established writers. And of course, if you want someone to write your book, they are worth considering.
If you do want to get paid for writing, and don't mind not having your name on the work, then Ghostwriting is a viable option to explore.