Now that you (hopefully) have a pretty thorough understanding of what it means to be a ghostwriter and how to further your career, it's time we finally talk about getting work.
As mentioned, word-of-mouth can be a powerful ally for the ghostwriter. If your clients enjoy working with you and are happy with your product, they will likely recommend you to others. But if not, then they won't. It's important to maintain your network and not leave any disgruntled ex-clients in your wake. Or, at least, leave as few as possible.
This passive form of work finding, however, is going to be slow and unpredictable. To make sure that you have a steady flow of work, you need to be more proactive.
Where can you look for work? There are tons of different sources, but what follows is a list of websites that can provide a steady supply of potential work. Each of these websites have some distinct advantages and disadvantages. To maximize your chances of finding quality work, it's best to use them all.
I know that I've already mentioned the importance of specialization, but it really does deserve its own section. Why?
First – and most obviously – specialization makes you stand out. You are now an authority in your field and can present yourself as such. Even though your clients will usually be experts in their own right, the fact that you have some level of familiarity with the topic will give them more confidence in your ability to translate and expand on their thoughts. For example, I am not a doctor. But many of my clients are. My training in nutrition and fitness has given me a basic understanding of the human body, enough that I can untangle medical jargon.
Having some form of specialty also limits your competition. This is especially important if you depend on widely used job posting sites to find work. The ability to tack a few credentials onto your name can help your application drift to the top of the pile.
Less obvious, is the benefit that specialization will have for you. Since you're working in a field of your choice, you're likely to enjoy your work that much more. It also means that you will be more capable of finding bylined work. After all, you are an authority.
Ultimately, ghostwriting can be an enjoyable challenge. And an excellent way to supplement your other writing work. But it should not be more than that: a supplement.
The act of writing for someone else can take a surprising toll on the degree of enjoyment you derive from your work. Since your name doesn't appear on anything you write, your ability to find work can also suffer. So keep ghostwriting in its proper place. Balance it with your bylined work.
Ghostwriting is also not, despite what people think, a “beginner's job.” It takes a skilled writer, one who has developed their craft, to be able to take the ideas of another person and express them in a voice other than their own. Think about it this way: when you write fiction, you adopt the voice of your character. That's just good writing. When you ghostwrite for someone, they become your character. So, if you have not developed the ability to modify your own voice and speak through the lens of someone else yet, you will struggle to ghostwrite successfully.
Ghostwriting is about more than literary ability – you must also have a decent amount of insight and be able to understand your client. Remember, you are speaking for them. Interpersonal communication skills are vital.
If you approach it with the proper mindset, ghostwriting can be an effective way to both increase your income and improve your abilities as a writer. Regardless whose name gets slapped on the piece.