Are you looking for a good entryway to a successful writing career? If you are a skilled writer who's willing to work hard, produce an awesome piece of written work, and get paid for it; then joining the profession of ghostwriters just might be the thing for you.
But as with any profession, you must master certain competencies before you can add ghostwriting to your career repertoire.
Learning and understanding the following skills will help you achieve success on your venture, and become a more effective and proficient ghostwriter.
Understand your responsibilities If you love the spotlight and you thrive from receiving high accolades, then read no further because ghostwriting is not for you! As a ghostwriter, you must be just as the title suggests ~ "a ghost".
In other words, you have to be able to watch behind the curtain while someone else walks on stage to receive the #1 Best Seller award for your written work.
Your responsibility is to collaborate with your client and use his/her input to produce their idea of the perfect book.
This means you may have to bite your tongue on occasion and set aside your own personal criticisms.
If your opinions are encouraged then try offering critiques without going overboard.
On the flip side, if your client happens to disagree with your ides, keep your ego in check and don't get too bent out of shape.
Remember, this is your client's book and at the end of the day, he/she makes the final decisions.
Acquire good time-management skills Successful ghostwriters usually have great time-management skills, so this too should be your aim.
Depending on the type of the project, you might have to conduct interviews, do research, and complete certain tasks within the time-frames set by your client.
If you're naturally good at multitasking, then time management will come easily for you.
However, if you tend to get sidetracked by shiny objects (Facebook, Twitter, etc.
) then you need to develop a time-management system.
Try making a daily to-do list and carving out 30-minute time blocks for completing each task on your list.
This simple tweak in your daily activities will keep you organized and on track for a timely delivery of the finished product.
Learn the publishing industry Publishing a book is the light at the end of the tunnel for most Authors, so as a ghostwriter why not learn the ins and outs? I guarantee you'll shine like a star alongside other ghostwriters if you're able to offer knowledge about how the publishing industry operates.
So make it a point to know the best publishing companies in the business.
You should also familiarize yourself with the vast amount of online self-publishing platforms by learning the terms and conditions for each one.
If you gain ample knowledge about the publishing industry, the added credibility will secure you a marketable spot in the ghostwriting profession.
All in all, joining the profession of ghostwriters may not bring you the glory and recognition of being a published Author.
But don't let the backstage view keep you from supporting your client and producing a centerstage worthy masterpiece.
If you make it your goal to master effective time-management and distinguish yourself by learning the publishing industry, you'll no doubt land in your own spotlight in no time.