Do you think you have the skills to be a successful ghostwriter? Well, it’s not just about having good writing skills, it’s about providing good customer service. Each client believes that their story is unique and deserves a wide audience. The art of the ghostwriter is being able to share the enthusiasm of a particular client and translate it into cohesive and hopefully marketable work.
When someone hires a ghostwriter, there are many intangibles that go into that decision. You’re not just looking for a writer; look for a friend, confidant, and advocate. There is a lot of chemistry in the process.
This idea of chemistry and connection is crucial to standing out in a crowded market and becoming a highly paid ghostwriter in the process. The ability to bond with a client stems from a writer’s sense of empathy. If you can’t put yourself in the shoes of a potential client, you probably won’t get the job.
Whether you’re writing a memoir, business book, or novel for someone, being on the same page and also moving forward on a client’s agenda is crucial.
In today’s tough job market, many people are turning to the idea of freelance ghostwriting. Here are some of the key skills you will need to possess to do the job well:
* Have your own ideas, even if you are creating a book for someone else. That means being well read and well versed in the topics of the day. Plagiarism is a big no-no. Use the Internet only for research and data verification, without disturbing other people’s handwriting. Just because it’s on the web doesn’t mean it’s copyright-free!
* Clean your work. Sure, the best ghostwriting companies have editors and proofreaders to back it up, but in the draft stages, when material comes back and forth between writer and client, a relatively clean manuscript is still essential. Nothing says unprofessional like a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes.
* Know how to interview. Writers who are able to listen to and also get a story out of a client can become great ghostwriters. The main thing for that is to have strong skills with people.
* Meet deadlines. Maintain your customers’ trust by never missing deadlines. So make sure you’re ready to burn off the midnight oil, even to churn out 20,000 words a week once the initial outline and interviews are completed.
* Be an expert in internet research. The ability to search for data and ideas on the internet will make you a better ghostwriter. The key is to take those facts and turn them into living prose. Plagiarism is a big no-no.
If after reviewing the above points you consider yourself someone with what it takes to be a successful ghostwriter, consider one more key factor: it is vital that you can be sold. Whether you work for a ghostwriting company or work alone, the ability to project confidence, competence, and compassion, the Three Cs, will make a difference in pleasing your client.