So you’re all set to offer ghostwriting services. You’ve got your website in place, your portfolio looks simply stellar and you’ve put yourself out in the market. The enquiries seem to be trickling in and it all looks quite rosy. Super. If you’re a talented writer, chances are that you’ll go a long way as a ghostwriter. However, writing talent is only half the game. You need to navigate your way steadily and keep from making certain bloopers that will spell the end of your ghostwriting career. Here are a few things you need to remember. 1. Choose your genre Agreed you’re a versatile writer. However it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to traverse every genre of writing with the agility of an acrobat. Choose a niche that you enjoy writing for: beauty, sports, spirituality, technology, marketing…your options are endless.The thing with offering ghostwriting services in a subject that interests you is a) you’ll enjoy the process a lot more and be creatively fulfilled b) the quality of your work will be better c) you can soon position yourself as a subject matter expert. 2. Write for your client Remember ghostwriters write for their clients, not for themselves. After all, that’s the whole idea isn’t it? Remember to stay true to the client: his views, business, brand and tone. It’s easy to get tempted into veering into your own voice. However, when it comes to quality and accuracy, write like you’d be writing for yourself. 3. Be ready for edits Your job may not be totally done once you’ve sent in your manuscript and got your cheque. You client’s editor may send it back for revisions. You need to be willing to make whatever edits are required. If needed, budget for this when quoting rates to your clients. The more professional you are, the more likely you are to get repeat business. 4. Be wise about payments Yes, you’re offering ghostwriting services but you need to put on your financial hat and be penny-wise too. Make sure you charge your clients upfront or at least get an advance from them. Take the last installment of your payment at the time of delivery. 5. Maintain confidentiality When you start ghostwriting, you let go of your by line and let the content be credited to someone else. Ghostwriting requires some ethical commitments from you. Always maintain complete confidentiality about your clients. This includes not putting up their work on your website or discussing them with media. Many clients might be okay with you talking about them. However, never divulge client’s names without their prior permission. Now that you’ve got your basics together, give your ghostwriting career your best shot!
Related Articles -
Ghostwriting services, ghostwriters, ghostwriting,
|