11 Tips & Tricks to Become a Successful Non-Fiction Ghostwriter
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I have to admit that being able to say that I’m a ghostwriter is pretty cool.
Usually, when I tell people that’s what I do, I’m asked if I’ve ever written for someone famous (not telling) and if it bothers me that I don’t get author credit on the book (it doesn’t).
This is a career path I sort of fell into by accident, which I know is not the answer that aspiring ghostwriters want to hear.
In fact, when I’ve spoken with people who are looking to get into this line of work, it breaks my heart to tell them no, there’s no course or certification that I know of.
I’m not aware of any Bachelor of Arts in Ghostwriting, and if there were, I don’t know how helpful it would be while you’re actually in the process of writing a book for someone else.
Sorry.
Like so many creative careers, the path involves a lot of patience. And a lot of luck. And above all, a lot of tenacity.
It’s worth it to say my first attempt at ghostwriting blew up in my face.
It was such an epic disaster that I vowed I would never do it again. Then I connected with a thought leader who had an amazing career as a speaker but when it came to writing his book in the same, super engaging voice he had, he desperately needed help.
I resisted, but he insisted. And I’m so glad he did. I had so much fun with that project, and I know he did, too.
I realized through that experience that ghostwriting projects begin and end with a solid collaboration with the person who wants the book written for them. His word of mouth recommendation of my work led to another project. Then another. Then another. The rest is ghostwriting history.
For me, ghostwriting has been contract work that I do when I have time and/or am totally into the project. (Lucky me, I know!)
I know there are agencies that hire full time ghostwriters, but considering I already run a business teaching book marketing, that’s never been a path I’ve gone down.
What I will say is that ghostwriting a book takes a lot of time. Time observing, time writing, time researching, and time editing.
Part of the learning curve was (and is) balancing my projects with my book marketing work. It’s a challenge I happily accept, given the freedom my schedule allows me.
While I can’t give you step-by-step instructions for how to make a career in this line of work, I can offer you these tips I’ve learned along the way:
1) Write your own stuff first
Notice I didn’t say “publish” your own stuff.
Write your own stuff, and get a sense of what your voice is like. You need to be clear of your own voice before you can confidently take on the voice of someone else.
2) Take an acting class or two
I was big into drama in high school and college, and the skills I learned in acting are amazing for ghostwriting. I get to take on someone else’s persona on the page, just like I did when acting in plays.
3) Choose projects and people you are genuinely curious about
Trust me, writing a book is hard.
Writing a book for someone you don’t really care much for, or about a topic that doesn’t interest you, is infinitely harder. Choose wisely!
4) Outline your work
Start your work with a solid outline of the book, being as specific as you can be with the structure and the content of the chapters. Yes, it will change.
But you want to start with some sort of foundation to keep you both accountable and on track.
5) Carefully hone those listening skills
The first, most important quality of a good ghostwriter is the ability to listen and absorb information without filtering it through your own lens.
Listen with curiosity and without judgement, always. (This is a good life skill, too!)
6) Ask leading questions
My process includes a one hour call with my clients for each chapter. I ask them questions to get them talking, and then take copious notes using their exact words.
I often play devil's advocate, and put myself in the mind of the reader.
I challenge them with questions like, “What about when X happens?” or “What would you say to someone who says X?”
7) Charge by the chapter
I know that many ghostwriters charge by the word, but that has never felt right to me.
I don’t want to be incentivized to write more words, especially considering I know from my book marketing work that oftentimes less text is more.
I charge hourly, for the call and for the hours that I take drafting and editing each chapter.
8) Don’t get too far ahead of yourself
Figuring out your process is very unique to you and your work style.
As a ghostwriter, you have to couple that process with the availability and process of the client. It can be a challenge for sure.
For me, I have a rule that I will not move on to another chapter before the previous chapter has been “okayed” by the client. That way it keeps the client accountable to the schedule and I keep my energy flowing in the right direction.
Most importantly, I can nip any voice or content issues in the bud as they arise in the text.
9) Have a shared document (but keep a backup)
I don’t use anything fancier than Google docs for my ghostwriting work.
I’m sure there are other programs out there, but Google docs has all I need and allows me to easily share and get feedback from the client.
And, I don’t have to stress how important it is to have a backup, though, just in case.
10) Read a lot of nonfiction
Great writers are great readers, there’s no way around it.
The best way you can coach nonfiction clients about their options and give them solid advice for their book is to keep on top of the trends.
Being well-read in the genres you’re writing about is a part of the research necessary to be a good ghostwriter.
11) Use LinkedIn to make amazing connections
I am not a huge social media person, but LinkedIn has been the exception for me as it’s connected me to awesome clients and publishers who have referred me to many of my projects.
Make sure to establish a solid platform there for yourself. This blog post might be helpful in teaching you how to do that.
The bottom line is that ghostwriting is wonderful, flexible, and totally rewarding work, but does require you to do some networking to make the connections you need to keep the projects coming.
Start with one project, see how it goes, and then build your career from there.
Lead with your curiosity and genuine desire to use your writing talents to get people’s messages out into the world!