by Ruth Belena

Created on: August 06, 2009

Ghostwriting can be a great way to make money, and it is possible to earn a living as a ghost writer. There is nothing sinister about being a ghost writer, it simply means you write copy or content for any purpose where your name does not appear, or in some circumstances another name will be shown as author. A ghost writer can write anything to make money, from a from a few sentences to a complete book.

Ideas on how to make money as a ghost writer:

* Write information for product labels, promotional leaflets, visitor guides, tourist information and directory listings.

* Write content for blogs and websites. Produce regular articles or filler items for Internet newsletters and printed publications.

* Write instruction manuals, business reports and presentations. Offer speech writing, promotional video and audio scripts.

* Write self help guides and business success manuals for affiliate networks and online marketing programs.

* Write a complete book, based on the life or personal experience of someone with a great story to tell.

* Write academic assignments, based on research and work prepared by the person whose name appears on the finished project. A legitimate academic ghost writer will not produce complete essays for students, but can provide practical help in writing a thesis or a treatise, for people who have difficulty in writing and presenting their own work.

Five tips for making money as a ghost writer:

[1] Create a blog or a website to promote your ghostwriting services.

Join network sites where you can have a profile page and post your own link. Add regularly updates, but remember the need for discretion as a ghost writer. You do not retain publishing rights, so you cannot provide samples of your ghostwriting work without permission. Potential clients need to know that you never reveal what you are privately commissioned and paid to write.

[2] Find online writing jobs.

Use webmaster forums and freelance sites to find ghostwriting jobs and to offer your services. Find webmasters and business clients who need paid web content, blog posts, posting in forums, articles or fillers for newsletters.

[3] Promote personal ghostwriting services.

Promote your skills for writing personal speeches or effective job applications, resumes and cover letters. You could advertise a speech writing service on a wedding planning site, and also offer to write original wedding vows.

[4] Write first person accounts or autobiographies.

Write first person true life stories for people in the news or involved in politics, showbiz personalities and people at the top of their professions. Make contact through book publishers, professional publicists, celebrity agents and individuals in the media.

[5] Take a direct approach and send queries.

Offer your services as a ghost writer to restaurants, hotels, visitor attractions and other businesses. Tell them you can help with publicity and marketing, by writing copy for leaflets, brochures, listings in guides and directories.

A successful career as a ghost writer requires discretion, and a willingness to sign away all publishing rights, when writing on behalf of clients. A ghost writer can make money in many ways, or can choose to specialize in one specific type of ghostwriting. The best way to make money as a ghost writer is to be adaptable and to build up a good reputation for your efficient ghostwriting service.

Learn more about this author, Ruth Belena.
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