Skills Needed to Work as a Ghost Writer

So 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 their story is unique and serves a wide audience. The art of ghostwriting 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, a host of intangibles go into that decision. You’re not just looking for a writer; is looking for a friend, confidant and lawyer. 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 well-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 a potential client’s shoes, 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 advancing a client’s agenda is crucial.

In today’s tough job market, a lot of people are turning to the idea of ​​freelance writing. Here are some key skills you’ll 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 to research and verify facts, without stealing other people’s writings. Just because it’s on the Web doesn’t mean it’s copyright free!

* Clean up your work. Sure, the best ghostwriting companies have editors and proofreaders to back you up, but in the draft stages, when material goes back and forth between writer and client, a relatively clean manuscript is still essential. Nothing says unprofessional like a bunch of spelling and grammatical errors.

* Know how to interview. Writers who are able to listen as well as get a story out of a client can become great ghost writers. That’s what Paramount is for having strong people skills.

* Meet deadlines. Maintain the trust of your customers without ever missing your deadlines. So make sure you’re ready to burn the midnight oil, even churning out 20,000 words per week once the initial outline and interviews are complete.

* Be adept at Internet research. The ability to search for facts and ideas on the Internet will make you a better ghostwriter. The key is to take those facts and turn them into animated prose. Plagiarism is a big no-no.

If after reviewing the points above, you see yourself as someone with what it takes to be a successful ghostwriter, then consider one more key factor: it’s vital that you be able to sell yourself. Whether you work for a ghost copywriting company or work alone, the ability to project confidence, competence and compassion, the three C’s, will make all the difference in pleasing your client.