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4 questions to ask yourself before trying to be a ghostwriter



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4 questions to ask yourself before trying to be a ghostwriter

Being a ghostwriter basically means you're writing content for a website or company, getting paid for your words, and hand it over for them to post under their own accounts.  Companies will come to you to see if you want to write for them, but usually you'll have to approach them to see if you can do it for them, either way, you'll be getting paid for your content 4 questions to ask yourself before trying to be a ghostwriter  You can start writing on plenty of companies out there that will set you up with an account on their blog, but usually you'll start off writing under the company account, which means you will post the content and you won't be getting direct credit for it.

Ghostwriting isn't for everyone, especially the people out there that need constant recognition, people that can't work with schedules, and people who want to be a writer but just have bad grammar and writing skills lol.  If you go out there right now and search for clients, you likely won't get anyone to pay you because you don't have experience in the field and you haven't built up any authority.  Now, that's not a career killer, you can build up your experience and even ghostwrite the first few articles for free, so a company knows you're good at what you do and they can trust your work 4 questions to ask yourself before trying to be a ghostwriter

In this discussion, I'll be going over the top 4 questions you should ask yourself before you step into ghostwriting, and they are:


Do you like writing content?
Liking what you do, regardless of the amount of money you can make from it, matters a ton when it comes to your own happiness.  If you're not a dedicated writer and love every keystroke you make, then ghostwriting might not be for you.  You will be writing a lot, like 20,000+ words a day if you get enough clients, which means you'll be at your computer for a long time just typing.  If you type at 100 words per minute, that means you'll be typing for at least 3 hours and 20 minutes.  Now, this means you don't stop for a single second and your words per minute never drop below 100.  If you've ever typed up content, for yourself or a client, you know that these are unrealistic numbers. 

When I type up content, an article that is 1,000 to 1,500 words will take me a minimum of 30 minutes if I don't have to research the topic, but normally it will take much longer because clients tend to have titles related to something I'm not 100% familiar with.  I'll tend to take 10 to 20 minute researching the topics, then write them for the next 30 minutes, which means I take between 40 and 60 minutes to write a 1,000 to a 1,500-word article.  This means that 3 hours and 20 minutes is actually 13 to 20 hours a day to get everything done.  Now, if you were to get to that point, you would be making a decent amount of money per article, and you could actually start building a writing team and handing out titles to write on, then get the articles back and send them to the clients.  You would profit from the articles, but you wouldn't get the full price because you would have to pay your own freelance writer something for the work done, which is a normal process.

Do you always need recognition for your work?
When you're ghostwriting, you won't get any recognition for any of the content you're writing, which is why you're ghostwriting and not guest posting.  A ghostwriter works in the shadows and isn't seen by the website visitors because your name doesn't go in the article.  The company that you're writing for will post your article under their own name, which is the agreement you came to when you decided to become a ghostwriter, so you probably shouldn't get into this field of work if you need the company to link back to your website with every article you write.

Can you work with someone's schedule?
Some companies want to pay you for content, but they need it in a specific amount of time, which is pretty common with any sort of online service.  If you can't work with a schedule or a timeline, ghostwriting might not be something you should get into.  Clients want a quick return on what they purchased from you, so you'll need to stick to deadlines you set for yourself.  If someone orders 20,000 words of content, in 20 different articles that take you 20 hours to write, you might need to give them a 5 day turn around time to be safe.  They will understand that getting 20,0000 words written for them is a big job, so they will usually agree to the 5-day deadline, but you'll need to get to work right away and not put it off. 

To build a lot of returning clients, you will need to send in your content prior to what the deadline is, so your clients can see you're on top of their order.  If you can do this, and over deliver on every article with additional words, the client will usually come back and order multiple times 4 questions to ask yourself before trying to be a ghostwriter

Are you a good writer?
If you're not a good writer, you won't last long as a ghostwriter, because no one will want to work with you due to the bad reviews circulating online.  If you want to be a writer, but you don't know what you're doing, you should probably take some classes or read some grammar books to know exactly what needs to be done to structure a sentence and please the clients.  I don't have the best grammar and structure, but I usually put everything through my premium Grammarly account prior to sending anything out, just so I'm sure there aren't any major mistakes that could turn off the client and make them not want to order a second or third time.


In conclusion
Ghostwriting is a great job to get into if you can get the clients rolling in.  Just like any other business model, it's a difficult start because you don't usually have many reviews online from previous clients, so you'll have to sell your services for a lower price and increase it over time when the positive reviews start to roll in.  If you're the type of person that needs constant acknowledgment, can't work with a schedule, aren't a good writer, or you just don't like writing content in general, this probably isn't the best job for you to consider.  If you can do everything I mentioned above, maybe you have what it takes to be a good ghostwriter and can make a decent amount of money from it 4 questions to ask yourself before trying to be a ghostwriter


Remember to follow me!
https://www.seocheckout.com/user/TommyCarey


Thanks!

Tommy Carey

Comments

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jayjaydimson
I don't want to be a ghostwriter, because being a ghostwriter is not good for the writer that you are helping, they will not improve if you will write something for them.



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allyn2017
I agree with you, and I feel like it is considered as cheating and you are spoon feeding that person who you write under.



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stbrians
@allyn2017 What is wrong if you spoonfeed for profit? To me it is not bad. Two people just arrive at a deal they strike and do it. To me it is business.



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jayjaydimson
Yes, having a ghostwriter won't make you good, but it can make you even worst.



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stbrians
So ghostwriting is not good? I would like to be a ghostwriter so long as good money flows in. I don't mind he much time I will spent on my computer.



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mcnasci24
I agree. In recent years, the rise of digital content and the progressive increase of platforms on which anyone can become a writer have opened a large door to ghostwriting. After all, ghostwriters are mere writers, people who simply attend to the demand and the needs of the market. One that is different and peculiar, but that is still a market.



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amelia88
I think as long as you understand the terms of being a ghostwriter, then it's not a big deal provided both parties come to a mutually agreeable work setup. I think for some people ghostwriting is something they really enjoy - they get to write for good pay, but get to keep their anonymity.



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jayjaydimson
Being a ghostwriter won't help the people who are just memorizing the writing that it's not on his/her own.



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Corzhens
You don’t say ghostwriting it not good because it would depend on the kind of arrangement with the client. If the pay is good then you can say that it is a good contract and that you will not seek for the copyright to the article or book that you have written for the client. For freelancers like us, the most salient part of the work contract is the compensation. Ghostwriting is like selling your soul. Don’t forget that.



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luv2xacosta
Definitely true. But then on the other hand, you have to ask yourself as well if you are willing to work for others then do it but if not then don't try to write for others. We have choices so it's up to you which one would you choose.



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theresajane
That's a very great point. That's right it wouldn't be a help really to the writer whom you are helping. But because of people's need to earn money, they don't mind being a ghost writer actually.



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allyn2017
I don't like the thought of ghost Writing, because I would probably feel bad about myself, for letting someone use my article for money and the fact that it feels like cheating and that person is lying to a the readers, and you as the one who wrote the article/story is part of the lie.



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amelia88
Some people love doing it, some people don't like it. I think that's great though because there's truly a market for everyone's skills, talents and preferences in the writing world.



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anyone01
To be honest, all of us who needed the cash as I used to be then will do it. Many others will gladly do it even you will work to somebody. Reality of life, face of existence. Faith in humanity actually took a hit for me to look this sorry thing going on.



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amelia88
Yes, at the end of the day money talks, and sometimes ghostwriting pay is really good because they realize you're essentially handing over the rights to your work completely to them. It's like you get paid more because of it.



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Jelineex
Yes, you are right. Sometimes, we need to grab the opportunity as long as it is decent. Ghostwriting concept is a good means to earn monetary value. But, this will all depends to a person whether he or she likes ghostwriting job.



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Bravosi
Hey there.
It was a very informative thread, been a pleasure to read it.

But back to the subject, yeah, you're right. You must have a good early start and a big audience for such job.
Anything can be achieved, nonetheless. 4 questions to ask yourself before trying to be a ghostwriter



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stbrians
The post is quite revealing. It is a good one. I won't mind being a ghostwriter. I will do it gladly. Which are some of he sites where this is done?



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amelia88
i don't know if there are sites specifically for recruiting ghostwriters, but you can always list services online at sites like here on Seocheckout.



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mcnasci24
It's all a matter of benefits. In the eyes of third parties, the ghostwriter will be totally invisible, while the ghostwriter will enjoy the economic rewards that their work can bring.



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anyone01
I agree with you. My experience has been usually not anything but a joy. Now I ghostwrite fiction, so more often than not what I do in terms of the author is take an outline, brush it a piece, ask them about their characters, the subject matter, teach them a bit at instances approximately what makes a great story.



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Youngshark
So now that I do not want to be a famous writer and normally schedule myself well I can make an excellent ghostwriter.



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Franzel2oo
I was hoping for some suggestions as to where interested persons could find ghost writing jobs. With that out of the way, you are quite right. Successful ghost writers should be able to meet up with those conditions as well as a few others; good work ethics being one of them. I have to really ask though. Would you happen to have some recommendations on those people who need the services ghost writers?



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amelia88
I'm someone that does appreciate recognition -- so I think it may be hard to adjust to ghostwriting and having someone get the praise for my work! I wouldn't say I need constant acknowledgment or anything, but I think overall I'd just prefer to be writing for myself than for someone else, unless the payment was really exceptional.



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anyone01
It gives you freedom. You could write simply, and it is important to get loosen up, it's far first-rate to write down without caring approximately being criticised. You may see your thoughts and your own images. And you can see their effect on people and also you could get comments whilst keeping yourself.



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Youngshark
As with all sorts of freelancing ghostwriting also accords one freedom. However, the blogger will still be kinda your boss and you have to operate as per their requirements.



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Jelineex
I guess it's always a choice whether you want to be a ghostwriter or not. What matters is the ability to write good articles which are helpful to readers. It doesn't matter if we get recognition or not. Besides, it is a common practice that mostly of the writers are hiding their identity. It feels interesting and mysterious.



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theresajane
I agree with you. It will always depend on the person. Anyway, we can never judge them. Let them do what they chose. They may have their reasons in choosing to become a ghost writer



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Jelineex
Yes, we have the freedom and right to choose on what we want or believe. Every one deserves respect no matter what the reason behind. What's important is what makes us happy and complete us a person. Our positive outlook will definitely a good aspect to be a good writer.



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burgosmichael24
It is quite an interesting topic. It stirs the interest of the writers and soon to be writers. I love the analogy. The details are useful and beneficial. I love to see how this topic turns into a productive discussion. I was impressed with your idea from different point of view. It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. But most of the time, that first single step is the hardest. So if you make the first step, you're halfway there.



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superlicca
I agree that ghostwriting is not for everyone. Some writers write just to share their thoughts and don't want to be recognized. But some writers want to be recognized for making a great article. Honestly, I don't like the idea of being a ghostwriter but I have a respect for those who do this job. I just feel like you cannot build your own expertise in this field. Possibly, you can earn a lot from being a ghostwriter but you also need to think of your long-term goal and being an anonymous writer won't help your career.



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Alymae
I like to try at being a ghostwriter but I think it would be impossible for me now because I still have a long way to go in my writing. Before I proceed to do this I would need to better my grammar and practice my skills more. I love writing and I would like to make a profit out of it. I would definitely try this in the future.



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Jelineex
Nothing is impossible to a willing heart. We only need one step to move forward and achieve every goals. It maybe difficult but it is rewarding. Your ability and capacity is tested beyond it's limit. It will be a growth in our personality. I think, we should cherish it. Cheers!



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theresajane
You have very good points. The most important one is asking yourself if it's fine with you to let other people take the credit on your written work.



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amelia88
I guess the more I think about it, it would depend on the content I was writing. If it was something that I poured my heart and soul into it would be hard for someone else to take the credit. If it was a simpler piece then I wouldn't mind as much.



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beerthooyah
Reading this article made me realize that being a ghost writer is not for me. Although I like to write content and does not need recognition from others. I still need to improve on my writing skills and due to me having a full time job that I really can't work on somebody's schedule. Maybe I'll just have to write in my own way and in my own time and just focus on improving my writing skills. My writing career may have a future.



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theresajane
Me too. It's not just all about hiding your identity and give the credit to someone else. It's also about living like you're a shadow of somebody else that you need to go with his time schedule



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overcast
I think the most demand for the ghostwriters is among the people who don't want to spend time typing. And they have specific writing gigs for their own self. And it can be seriously affecting many people. I have learned from the experience there that some people can be easily become ghost writer and some takes years to be one. You have put on some good points there.



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esteban123
I have never tried to do some ghostwriting but honestly I am not comfortable of doing that way because of some negative impact on our side. I think If I would be writing I want to received or gain some recognition not just money because good articles are priceless for me and it really comes from the heart which makes it more especial and valuable for me.



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Barida
There are writers that don't want this kind of recognition whatsoever as what they aim at is to make the money and nothing more. So, just like Tommy said, if you want that recognition and not about the fee, you are not definitely going to enjoy being a ghost writer.



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jpk0007
Well i wont mind to do some ghost writing initially just in order to gain some amount of experience on writing on a wide range of topics and getting a reasonable compensation for my efforts. But I think I wont be able to do Ghostwriting for others for a long period.When you get the hang of things and find that you are able to do a good job when you are creating content for others you will obviously want to be recognized and appreciated for the work you do. I dont think that earning money alone cannot be a motivating factor for a good writer.



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ajahcuizon
That's absolutely true. Money isn't just the only thing that could make us feel inspired. We also need some recognition to see if we really did a great job and that may seem hard to achieve when it comes to being a ghostwriter.



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Barida
I agree with you that anyone that is thinking of being a ghost writer should also have the opportunity to work out modalities to be that good in the field of writing. This is one of the ways that we can say that making things work is the best move to take as I believe that there are things we should do as regards being a better ghost writer.



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Kakashi2020
I've done a couple of ghost writing jobs in the past and it pays good money. I once wrote articles for a travel and leisure magazine for a friend of mine. It was just for a few articles and i got paid really good. it was okay for me to see my work being credited to another as long as I got paid.



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ajahcuizon
Acknowledgement is something that everyone wants to receive if they have done something. Being a ghost writer is hard as you will not receive it with your name directly, but under an another name. I also agree that in order to be a ghost writer, one should know how to get things done in order to finish the job with a good quality because reviews are much more important when it comes to being a ghost writer.



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gutzman
Wow this is very informative. I think being a ghostwriter could also be a good milestone for someone who's dreaming of being a professional writer. You can use this as a training field since your work is what a real writer is doing. Once you get used to it and had a huge improvement I think it's best to quit from being a ghostwriter and make your ow path on becoming a professional writer.



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NerdIndeed
I'm the kind of person who doesn't need public recognition regarding my work. As long as my employer pats me on the back for a job well done (and an excellent salary package to go along with it), I'm all good. I would be more than happy to ghostwrite for anyone.



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knnon
This is such an informative post! After reading it I can now confirm that I cannot be a ghostwriter. It's not the recognition, I don't mind if someone else take credit for the work I did if that is what is expected of me. And no it's not even my writing, I am very confident in my skill. It's the strict time schedule. I can work well under pressure but being exposed to that on a regular basis sounds rather stressful.



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astraherondale
I've worked as a part-time freelance ghostwriter for a short period of time, and I agree with all of the questions! The most important part for me is the second one. A writer takes pride in all his/her work, and having this recognition taken away from him/her can be quite dissatisfying. However, it's important to keep in mind that it's a necessary part of the job.



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amelia88
It’s nice to hear the opinion of someone who has actually completed ghostwriting work! Sounds like as long as you’re prepared for someone else to take credit for the work it’s not so bad.



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astraherondale
That's right! I just tell myself that it's part of what the job entails. Personally, I had a good experience as a ghostwriter because the pay was good. I was looking for an opportunity to earn, and I found that in my ghostwriting stint. At the same time, I was also able to improve my writing skills.



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esteban123
I think that working as a ghostwriter would be just temporary for us since it will be tough and very hassle for us if we will be doing it for a longer period of time especially if we are not really enjoying it. I would rather find another options to have aside from these ghostwriting works as much as possible to have a sort of convenience.



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theresajane
It will not be good for you as a ghost writer and for the one who hired you if this is kept longer. You'll not be able to build a name for yourself an the other wouldn't build his skills in writing strongly.



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stormbreaker10
I just want to add something on this which is reminder only, if you appreciate yung work even if your not had a credit then theres no room for any envy or seeking for attention because youve already satisfy yourself thru appreciation.



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cmoneyspinner
Since I have spent so much time and effort trying to earn money with my own writing and I am nowhere near making the amount of money I would like to make, I would be more than happy to ghostwrite for other people. Can I advertise such a service here at seocheckout?



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superlicca
Being a ghostwriter is not bad as long as you are getting the right amount. Both of you will benefit. You earn from writing and your clients use your skills. It will just depend on the writer if he wants or does not want to be recognized with his work. For me, I can take this job if I am qualified or I have the skills required. What is important is I earn from writing.



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Janie1994
Thank you for sharing these points and information! It's really crucial when considering a career as a ghostwriter/freelancer. The career isn't meant for everyone, though everyone thinks that they can do it. Maybe your points will make people consider more than the potential freedom that comes with freelancing before they jump ship and switch careers.



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Corzhens
The first question is already a given because you will not aim to be a ghostwriter if you don’t like writing content. The last question about being a good writer is also subjective that some writers feel they are good even if they are not. But the most important question is the scheduling of work. If you can give the task the priority over all your other activities then you are good.



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rose61
A writer can start out as a ghostwriter but doing it for long period of time shows lack of ambition.If your work is accepted,then it means you can market yourself and write for your own blog or site.The results might take some time to show but with a little effort, the objective will be achieved.



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jaymish2
I think asking yourself if you are good writer and if you can work with someone else’s schedule are very important points.How do you want to write for someone yet, you are not sure if you are a good writer or not. For the money off course. Lol. But seriously if I’m not sure about my skill set I will never want to take money from someone for them. Ghost writing is freelance work but normally you have to keep to someone else’s timelines.



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angie828
I have done ghostwriting several times before and do not mind it. While it is nice to be recognized for your work, I also find it very fulfilling when I have completed a job well done. Much of my freelance work is ghostwriting.

I agree that if you are not a good writer, you will not last long at ghostwriting. You will not last long at any type of writing. One thing that I have found nice about ghostwriting is that most of my clients are very easy to work with and for, and realize that I have a life as well outside of writing. I work the best that I can under their schedule, but also appreciate it when they work with me as well.



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