Transitioning From Writer to Ghostwriter

I first published this here on LinkedIn, but I still love you for reading this here on Medium!

Writing for pay is about much more than the physical act of writing. We’re investigators, creatives, and problem-solvers. Ideas are infinite, and the insight that one writer provides as a ghostwriter can bridge together a vision and bring a piece to life.

Recently, during an Ask Me Anything session I hosted on AMAFeed, I was asked, “In what ways is it different to ghostwrite a book as opposed to writing one with your name on it? Did you enjoy the experience?”

Here is my response:

“It’s definitely a different skill. Ghostwriting is all about diving deep inside of the mind, past, present, etc. of the author. This is where interviewing skills are key. You also need a subject who is an open book and willing to give you anything you need…

Your work as a ghostwriter will in large part depend on the subject. If they don’t give you enough to work with, it’s going to be very difficult to be successful regardless of how talented you are.

When you’re writing a book, you need to know and be passionate about the subject you’re writing about more than anyone.

When you’re ghostwriting a book, your subject (the “author”) needs to know and be passionate about the subject you’re writing about more than anyone AND be completely open and willing to work with you throughout the process.”

Ghostwriting is a great niche for writers to expand their knowledge and become better writers. It’s an added tool and opportunity to earn, and what writer can’t stand to earn a few more bucks?

Do you want to become a ghostwriter? Start interviewing. The more you can get inside someone’s head, the better you’ll be when it comes to write through the mind of someone else.

If looking to hire a ghostwriter, I would first learn about their comfort and experience with interviewing, because I believe it’s the most important skill a great ghostwriter must have. I would then talk to them about the specific topic to make sure they have a basic understanding and an interest in the topic. Don’t settle for a luke warm ghostwriter, find one who is excited enough to work with you that they will grind through the difficult times and improve through the process.

Have a question? Please ask below!