There is an old age truth. Only a few people can actually write, and the rest simply contact the few that can write to write for them. This is essentially what a ghostwriter does. They write the books others have ideas for, but lack the talents to write themselves. Being a ghostwriter is the type of job where you want to write more than you want the fame that comes with a best selling book. Ghostwriters will receive a lump sum payment, maybe a portion of the royalties, but that is about it when it comes to what you will get paid for your services. The good news is that it pays very, very well.
The Concept
If you have a love of writing, experience writing books and a drive to work from home writing for a living, then being a ghostwriter is the absolute perfect job to have. It allows you to write anytime you want, get paid upwards of $10,000 for each book you write and have complete freedom in who you work for, how much you make and what type of books you write.
Of course, with that comes the lack of notability that you get because someone else takes the credit for your book. That is why it is called ‘ghost’-writing. You are the ghost that no one sees, writing a book for someone else. However, that should not deter people.
Being a ghostwriter not only allows you to make money writing, it allows you to garner experience as a writer, so that you can apply it to your own writing, where you get the credit and accolades that are due to you.
Generally, having at least a background in English, or a creative writing course will help you a lot, but it is not required. As well, you should be widely versed on a large number of topics because you never know what you are going to be writing about. It could be car mechanics one month, and index fund investing the next. No matter what you write, there are few jobs that are as much fun for writers in the world.
Startup Costs
Minimal. If you have a computer, internet connection and a few hundred to apply to various ghostwriting websites, then you have what you need. Don’t expect to pay more than $500 for your startup costs on this type of business, unless you buy a new computer, which will be upwards of $2,000.
How to Market It
This business can be marketed by going directly to the people you want to work for. Advertising in the paper will do little, but sending off portfolios to publishing companies will do much, much more. You will be able to get on as a ghostwriter, and you will get more work than you know what to do with. At $10,000 or more for ghostwriting, you can pull in six-figure incomes for this type of business. Word of mouth in the publishing industry will help you as well, so always keep copies of the books you ghostwrite and do the best job you can.
