Here’s a startling statistic: Over 80% of the population wants to write a book someday.However, only 1% will ever attempt it. That’s a huge opportunity for ghostwriting! So, ifyou’re a freelance writer, chances are you can make a lot more money as a ghostwriter.
Even if you’re not a writer, but an expert in your field, you can still profit handsomely as aghostwriter. There are tremendous benefits to ghostwriting, including:
* Great pay
* Steady work
* Less “pitching”
* Wonderful variety
* Freedom andflexibility
* Ability to choose and line up a few, select projects each year
* Spend moretime writing and less time looking for jobs
* Make more money with fewer projects!
So how do you find these lucrative writing assignments?
Here are 7 great ways to break into the ghost writing genre and find thosehigh-paying assignments:
1. Make connections
Most clients who are going to invest significant money tohave a book ghostwritten are going to want a recommendation or referral from a trustedsource. That’s why it’s so important to begin to build your network and get the word outabout your ghostwriting services. To find high-paying ghostwriting assignments, attendnetworking events, become more active in the community (both local and online!), make
connections and contacts with other writers and editors, and expand your circle ofinfluence.
2. Use your expertise to conquer a niche
Use your current skills and experience. Ifyou’re career coach, then you’re already well positioned to write for a client who wants a
career book. If you’ve got a background writing sports features, you’d be a greatghostwriter for a sports figure. The same goes if you’ve got any experience in health care,law or general business. Use your expertise to find clients in those areas. Many doctors,lawyers and executives want to write a book, but don’t have time. That’s where you comein!
3. Use current clients, editors and referrals
If you’re a freelance writer, then you’vealready got editorial connections and contacts at various publications. Use those current
“clients” to get referrals for potential ghostwriting clients and opportunities. Referrals area key source for finding potential “authors.”
4. Use Guru.com, elance.com, craigslist and other online sources
Writing websitesand freelance sites are another great route to ghostwriting gigs. Sign up on sites like theseand check their many freelance job listings, online forums and resources.
5. Locate and market to busy corporate executives and CEOs
Business leaders andexecutives are perfect candidates for ghostwriting clients. Use your business contacts andnetwork to find CEOs and other business leaders who may be ready to write their book.
6. Take advantage of online marketing
The web offers almost unlimited low-costways to market and promote your ghostwriting services. Visit writer’s sites such as WritersDigest.com, WritersMarket.com or Mediabistro.com. These and other sitesprovide resources, classes, links and info to get your writing on the fast track. In addition,be sure to launch your own website or blog to market your services.
7. Follow the ghost trail
Fellow writers and ghostwriters are also a great source ofleads and referrals. Since ghostwriters can typically only handle one or two clients at atime, buddy up with fellow writers and offer to take on their “extra” clients. You couldeven offer a finder’s fee to the writer you “sub-contract” with.
Follow these suggestions and you’ll be on your way to ghostwriting success!
About the Author
Lou Bortone has been a freelance writer for more than 20 years, and his work hasappeared in dozens of national publications and industry trade magazines. In addition tohundreds of print and online publication credits, Lou has also ghostwritten full-length books, magazine features, speeches and even television screenplays. For more info andresources on ghostwriting, please visit: http://www.GhostwriteSuccess.com
