Have you ever thought about being a ghostwriter? Do you know what a ghostwriter is? Actually, they come in many styles and perform a variety of services for non-writers and others who are just too busy to write or not interested in writing. <\/p>\n
What\u2019s the difference between writing for hire and ghostwriting? Sometimes nothing at all. Ghostwriting generally means that you are writing for pay without a byline or without credit. <\/p>\n
The writing I did for a couple of local water companies could be considered ghostwriting. When I wrote the history of the water district without credit, that could be considered ghosting. And the work I did for a finance company on a book about credit, was most certainly a ghostwriting project. <\/p>\n
We generally think of ghostwriting in relationship to celebrity memoirs. Many of them hire writers to tell their stories. Some non-celebrities use ghostwriters to write their memoirs or a book that could further their careers. Even some of the newspaper and magazine columns you read are ghosted. Locally, a well-known business owner hires a writer to produce a weekly column related to her field of expertise. <\/p>\n
By reading this, are you getting some ideas about writing work that you could pursue? We keep hearing that companies are firing their staff writers and hiring freelancers. Sure, they call it \u201cfreelancing\u201d rather than \u201cghosting,\u201d but the concept and the process is quite similar.<\/p>\n
If you decide to seek out ghosting work, beware of ill-informed people who want you to write their books for a percentage of the royalties. No, no, no, no. You need to get paid for your work whether the book ever gets published or not. Otherwise, chances are that you will get a scant $500 or less. What do I base this on? The fact that over 75 percent of all books sell fewer than 100 copies. I also make this prediction based on my observations and experiences throughout these 35 + years that I\u2019ve been in this business. And think about this: someone who hires a writer to write his first book probably knows nothing about the publishing industry, how to produce a book that will sell and how to promote that book once it is a book.<\/p>\n
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule\u2014a client with a track record, for example. But if he or she can\u2019t pay you to do the work they require, I would still consider this a shaky situation. <\/p>\n
Now, how do you get work as a ghostwriter (or a freelance writer)? By spreading the word that you are skilled, knowledgeable and available. Here\u2019s what I suggest:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tNetwork within the industry or group you wish to work with.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tSubmit articles to publications that your target client base reads.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tDistribute your brochure to key businesses or organizations.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tSign up for Google alerts to receive notification for ghostwriting work.<\/p>\n
\u2022\tJoin a ghostwriters group, study ghostwriting books, etc., for additional ideas.<\/p>\n
There is work to be had. It may not be coming as easily as it once did, thus it is necessary for those of us who want this kind of work to stretch and bend in order to locate and land assignments. Let me know if you need further guidance with regard to finding work or gaining the skills necessary for doing this kind of work. And also leave your comments about how you\u2019re getting work in this economy. (Click on \u201cComments.\u201d)<\/p>\n
Catscapades Update<\/strong> And be sure to visit the Catscapades blog every few days\u2014I am updating it more often now. If you have a photo of a cat you\u2019d like me to share at my blog, send it along with the story of that cat. PLFry620@yahoo.com.<\/p>\n Publishing Books<\/strong>
\nThe books with the new cover will ship today! That means that in a week or so, I will be able to send out review copies, enter contests, do book signings and otherwise go into full swing with my promotional efforts. If you\u2019ve been waiting to order your copies of Catscapades, True Cat Tales <\/em><\/strong>until the cover problem was resolved, get ready to make your purchase. I\u2019d say it is safe to do so on Friday, April 16. If you are just as happy with the same book and the same cover with a striking pink bar across the bottom, place your order today!
\n http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/castscapades.html<\/a> <\/p>\n
\nSales for my book, Over 75 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book<\/em>, are UP. And I am eager to produce the revised edition\u2014Over 100 Good Ideas for Promoting Your Book. This manuscript is with Allworth Press as we speak. Cross fingers!<\/p>\n