by Jennifer Gibbs

Created on: April 20, 2009

How to Get Into Ghostwriting

Before you can even begin to "break into" the mysterious world of ghostwriting, it really helps to understand what ghostwriting is. However, in order to do this with the greatest emphasis, let's first take a look at what ghostwriting ISN'T!

Ghostwriting ISN'T some superhero costume you can don at will!

Turns of phrase like "getting into ghostwriting" are deceptive for a number of reasons. Perhaps THE chief reason is that it oversimplifies things and leads readers to assume that ANYONE

can do it.

As a veteran ghostwriter with DOZENS of full-length manuscripts successfully under my belt, let me assure you that no assumption could be further from the truth. It's important to stress that this job isn't for just anybody. Ghostwriters are a peculiar breed.

Who else makes a career of doing a dynamite job and then lets someone else take all of the credit for it?!

Obviously, deciding to strike out as a ghostwriter demands a thick skin. Here are a few of the other personality traits the most successful ghostwriters of the world share:

Ghostwriters are in it for the guts, not the glory.
Ghostwriters love writing so much that they're willing to do it with no hope of landing in the limelight.
Ghostwriters are phenomenal at what they do, and most of their work is earned from past client referrals and recommendations.
Ghostwriters are adept at hand-holding and keeping products moving forward not stagnating!
Ghostwriters aren't afraid to make suggestions or to go the extra mile.

If you've read over all of these markers of successful ghostwriters and still think you've got what it takes to make it, here are a handful of suggestions that should aid you in your quest to break into the field of ghostwriting...

First, get into the habit of writing regularly. Whether you're using a site like Helium, your own blog or any other number of venues, work yourself up to the point where you're writing at least one or two articles each day, 5-6 days per week. The trick here isn't just writing them, but also to showcase them somewhere online. Later on, these writing samples will serve as your "clips" that you share in your search for gainful writing gigs.
Ask other professionals you know if they'd be interested in taking advantage of your ghostwriting services either "pro bono" or as a part of a barter exchange scenario. All you want at this point is for someone to allow you to use their name or title in your portfolio.
Consider signing up for a service like www.guru.com or www.elance.com While there are a number of members who complain that these marketplaces are way too competitive, the skills you gain as you organize your profile, bid on projects and increase your ranking are priceless in your efforts to establish yourself as a serious option for a ghostwriter. You can also try submitting your articles here on Helium in the Marketplace to earn a few clips.
Remain confident at all times! Writing (yes, even ghostwriting) is as much of a mind game as it is a money game. How you feel about yourself and your writing will play a big role in your overall success. That's why confidence is key!

Of course, ghostwriting isn't all hard work, and actually there are quite a few aspects that I personally believe exceed those of "regular writing", chiefly the fact that you're a LOT
more likely to actually get busy writing when someone else is paying you to do it not just when you're hoping that what you're writing will be accepted on spec or purchased outright! It sure can take off a LOT
of pressure.

So, although ghostwriting isn't for everyone, if it's for you, grab the bull by the horns and get busy writing!

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