Tips on Marketing yourself as a Ghost writer

Recently I took a ghostwriting job… a big one with decent pay. I told myself that I could never write something that I was not going to get credit for but when we’re talking about one article for over $6000 you might find that you can write just about anything. However, since I am in the stage of building my portfolio and getting my name out there, I also struggled with the question “What do I benefit from this job besides the pay?” I sat back and thought well... I gain

1. The experience

2. If I do a good job hopefully a lifelong client

3. Maybe a reference or letter of recommendation

Then I thought “How would I even use this job for my portfolio? How can I market myself as a ghostwriter if there are copywriting, confidentiality, and disclosure agreements within the contract?” So, I did some research, used some of my lessons, thought outside the box, and came up with some ways and some skills new writers and (ghostwriters) can use to market themselves to potential clients, for example this blog.

1. Certificates and Credentials – One way to show potential clients you have what it takes for a job is with credentials and certificates. Take some writing classes! go online and look up some free/cheap writing courses that offer a certificate of completion. Invest in yourself and your career because if you stick with it, it will pay off. Spending money on something that can potentially make you money, in the long run, is an investment and even if there is some risk in investing you must remember the upside of that risk. Anyone that is serious about becoming a writer or serious about anything is going to put time, effort, and money towards reaching their goal. However I do understand some of us are looking at hard times and if you go over to Guru99 there's a great article on some free writing courses that offer certificates!

Credentials are a way to show a client that you have the necessary skills needed for the job. It shows them that you are serious about your writing and that to some degree you’re qualified, especially if you’re a new writer and do not have much of a portfolio yet. You don’t have to stick to just writing certificates, some other quick certificates you can use to show you are a qualified candidate are certificates for Microsoft Word, data analytics, and SEO, to start.

2. Research Skills - Ghostwriters are going to come across a variety of potential writing topics. I would advise you not to take on a writing job that you are clueless about. Even if you take on a topic that you’re experienced in chances are you are still going to have to pull some info from some credible sources and this is where research skills come into play. Practice your research skills by finding a variety of writing prompts on the internet and doing some research on a variety of topics. You can also use these by putting them in your portfolio as writing examples. The Science times has a blog with 10 ways to improve your research skills!

3. Interview Skills - Now this is something I came across while searching for ways to market myself as a ghostwriter and it’s funny because during an article I was writing for a client I was in the process of interviewing people. I had no idea that this would even be a skill to market as a Ghostwriter. What a coincidence but it makes sense especially when you’re writing with the tone of a newspaper article. Interviews are also a way to make your story personal which readers tend to relate to more. It also shows potential clients that you’re comfortable in a social environment and that you have people, active listening, and leadership skills.

4. Versatility is crucial as a Ghostwriter – A blog is a great way to write about a variety of niches and a variety of writing styles. As a ghostwriter, you don’t have to stick to one type of writing. You can showcase some copywriting skills, grant writing skills, academic writing, and write a few songs or articles. You can also stay within a certain niche like creating a food blog, travel, or business and fitness. You can even mix it up to show that you’re capable of writing about almost anything and writing in any style.

5. Spelling, punctuation, grammar – Use a personal blog to show your writing skills to clients, and remember to double-check and edit your blogs for typos and errors.

6. Marketing skills – If you can’t use your pieces in your portfolio then show off some marketing skills. Grow your brand as a writer or use a creative way to market yourself through copywriting. Create a blog and market it with some web content you post on social media, youtube videos, online courses, and blogs. Grow your audience, and show clients how you were able to use your skills (writing skills) to grow your brand successfully. If you did it for yourself it shows them that you can use your writing skills for them. Here are 30 skills you need to be successful

7. Confidence and Drive - No matter what, who, when, where, or why CONFIDENCE is a must-have. Not cocky! Confidence makes a client feel more secure in hiring you. If you have any doubt in your capabilities a client is going to doubt you too.

8. Self-Motivation – Any type of freelance or remote work is going to require drive and if you don’t have any self-discipline then forget it. Prioritize your time and have a no-excuse type of attitude. If you can’t push past your bad or sick days and get the job done without anyone else having to tell you this type of work may not be for you. Writers know that deadlines come fast and they’re crucial especially if you’re under a contract. If you know you procrastinate, then I would suggest getting the job done early.

9. The ability to keep it confidential Always - make sure you aren’t bragging about your work or clients. This is the most important thing about being a Ghost Writer and even though I wouldn’t label myself a ghostwriter I am up for the task, and I know the significance of this rule. Remember being a ghostwriter means that you won’t be getting credit for your piece or able to use it in your portfolio. No, if, and, or buts about it.

Regardless of whether you are starting out as a new writer or looking to market yourself as a ghostwriter, these are just a few tips that can help you land a potential client. Remember confidence is key when pursuing any endeavor and try to think outside the box on ways you can go around the rules to succeed. Learn some marketing skills and invest in your future if you’re serious, with some time, effort, and hard work, your no-excuses attitude will pay off, and remember if you’re looking to be a ghostwriter confidentiality is a top priority. In a world where you can be anything. Be Confident!