Ghost Writers' World

Does ghostwriting actually pay well? This is by far the most frequently asked question about ghostwriting. I meet someone every other day who asks me about how well ghostwriting pays. What's interesting is the fact that the majority of these aren't writers or people thinking of making ghostwriting their career. These are just those nosy people who want to judge your 'financial status' by finding out how much you make as a ghostwriter. That's why I will answer this question now, right here, right now. Question 5 Does ghostwriting actually pay well? Answer Yes, it does. I actually answered the same question on this blog back in 2013. You may read it here. As mentioned in the article above, the rates of ghostwriters vary a lot. They depend on: A ghostwriter's experience The quality of work he/she offers The quantity of work demanded by the client Some ghostwriters charge on an hourly basis. Others charge on a per word basis. Ei...

Ghostwriting is not easy. I get that. That's why I have created an entire series of posts for both new and experienced ghostwriters. Each one is dedicated to answering a FAQ on ghostwriting. So far, I have answered 3 FAQs. Time for the fourth one. Without further ado, let's get onto today's question: Question #4:  What if Your Ghostwritten Work is Rejected by Publishers? All ghostwriters may have a different say on this one. For me, while I do my best to ensure the quality of the work is publishable, I take no responsibility for getting my client published. And I state that clearly in the contract. In my opinion, a client should engage with a publisher or agent before hiring a ghostwriter and they can all work in conjunction then. With the increase in the demand for self publishing, getting your work rejected by the publisher is, of course, not a concern at all. However, if your client prefers going the traditional route for publishing his or her...

Having answered the top two most frequently asked questions about ghostwriting, it is now time for the third one. Question #3: What should I include in my contract before I start ghostwriting my client's book? Answer: To state the obvious, a written and signed contract is one of the most important elements a ghostwriter needs before he or she undertakes a ghostwriting job. A contract is a mutual agreement between you, as the ghostwriter and the client you are ghostwriting for. Because a ghostwriting job can take several weeks and even months to complete, what you include in this contract should be all carefully worded. So, what should you include in the contact? From my personal experience as a ghostwriter, I believe any terms that you and the client have mutually discussed and agreed on should be penned down in your contract. Nothing, and I mean absolutely NOTHING should remain a part of your verbal communication. It all has to be in black and white and ...

This post is the second part of my current series of articles where I'll be answering the most common FAQs on ghostwriting that I am being frequently asked. In case you missed the first one, you can catch up here . Today's question is: Question #2: How do I conduct research for ghostwriting my clients' books? Answer: When you are ghostwriting, you have to make sure every bit of information that you have is accurate. In case of a non-fiction book, things may be easy as most of the facts are out there already. Fiction books, on the other hand, are not as simple. They have made up stories alright, but the happenings and events must be related somehow to the real world. In case of biographies, memoirs or historical books, things get a little bit more complicated. You may be asked to write stories that are personal to your clients. Nobody may have experienced or witnessed events that they did. Your clients may state the facts as they know or can recall ...

Ghostwriters out there...whether you are a new ghostwriter or someone thinking of building ghostwriting as a career, ghostwriting may not come easy for you.  You may have many questions boggling your mind or perhaps you have been told off by others to do something unethical. I've been there so I know exactly what you are going through. That's why I've tried to compile a list of the 6 most frequently asked questions about ghostwriting for you in this next series of articles that I'll be posting here. I hope they help simplify things for you a bit. Question #1: How do I get all the information from my client that I need to write his/her book? Answer: Simple, you can gather all the information you need for ghostwriting by communicating effectively with your client that you are ghostwriting the book for. There can be several ways you can do it: a. One-to-one meeting: This is by-far the best form of communication as you sit with your ...

When I first set out to make a living by writing back in 2009, I had all sorts of vague ideas about how to do this. None of them paid enough to buy groceries, especially because I started of working through a low-paying content mill called Elance (now Upwork). By trial and error, I discovered that I could make real money by writing ‘free’ ebooks for clients. You think this is pie in the sky? I’ve written over a hundred ebooks for which my clients have paid me thousands. My clients then turn around and give these ebooks away for FREE! What’s with that? It is common for website owners to offer loyal clients free ebooks as a means to say thank you for buying from them. Others offer a free ebook as a ‘bait’ to get more subscribers to their mailing lists or to entice potential clients to buy their products or services. When website owners do not have the time, skill or inclination to write their own free ebooks, they happily outsource it to freelance writers or ghostwriters l...

So it is nearly the end of 2018 and 2019 is just round the corner! 2018 went by so quickly. Tell me about it! So, if you are a freelance writer and reading this, how has 2018 been for you so far? Throughout, the year you might have experienced good times and bad, but as you wave goodbye to this year, are you also ready to wave goodbye to all your fears as a freelance writer? Yes, fears- fears that are holding you from growing and succeeding as a writer-to go out there and build a career in writing. Those were the fears I was carrying with me until last year. By the end of 2017, I was determined to step out and do something new and different- something that would evolve my writing skills and create an impact . I put my fears behind and did everything I could to make 2018 one of the most productive years of my life. I did, BUT..... ......it wasn't easy! You see, in 2018, my family and I took a major step to move from the UK to Pakistan, and if you have ever moved...