You're an experienced writer and an adaptable person. You're easy to talk to because you know how to listen. You would love nothing more than to make your living writing, but you can't leave your job as you only find short writing gigs which don't pay a lot. Have you thought about adding another arrow to your quiver by becoming a ghostwriter?

What's a ghostwriter?

You may be thinking, “But, I don't write horror stories!” and that's fine, because ghostwriting has nothing to do with becoming the next Edgar Allen Poe. A ghostwriter is someone who is hired to write literature, speeches, video and podcast scripts, and any other sort of text that is officially credited to another person. This means that, as a ghostwriter, you cannot be disproportionately attached to the idea of being lauded for your work, because your name will not appear on the text, unless your client is willing.

Ghostwriting is much like any other type of freelance writing, but it does offer the opportunity for more money from bigger projects, like the writing of a whole book. If this sounds like something you'd be good at or would like to try, here are some important aspects of ghostwriting.

Working closely with the person you're ghosting

The point of ghostwriting is for you to disappear, but for your talent to live on – through someone else. This means you must not only get to know your clients well enough to pretend to be them, but you must be able to sound like them too. Study carefully how your clients speak and the types of things they have the habit of saying. You must think and express yourself like them, and be able to fool even the people who know them into thinking that they are the writer of your words.

Research

As with any project you've taken on, you must make sure that the details are up-to-date. This is easy to forget when you're basically being handed the information and asked to transform it into an attractive collection of words. Don't be caught with egg on your face; make sure your work is timely and is factually correct.

Honesty

Don't agree to something you can't deliver. In the same way, never let a client think that their expectations are possible if they are not. Be upfront about unreasonable deadlines and requests. On a more personal note, also be honest with yourself about whether you are able to do the work you've been hired to do. If the subject matter is too technical or if it clashes with personal beliefs, you can decline.

Don't sell yourself short

Time is money and your talent is a precious commodity. Decide on your rates and stick to them, no matter the client or the project. Some ghostwriters work for an hourly rate and others prefer a flat fee; both are acceptable. Make sure that you can present the client with notes on what you've been doing, whether it be writing, interviewing or research work.

If you think ghostwriting sounds like the perfect job for you, build a portfolio from other writing work you've done – even if it was for yourself – and put yourself out there. Join writing groups on social media with ghostwriting opportunities. Speak to other ghostwriters and don't be shy to ask questions. Everyone started somewhere once. Network and promote yourself as much as possible and remember, once you've had your first job, more will follow!