Three Fun, Not-So-Easy Steps to Ghostwriting Promotion
Being a ghostwriter—the invisible “ghost” behind someone else’s written content—can be an enjoyable and lucrative career choice. But to get started, you need to promote yourself. That can sound intimidating—until you realize there are likely more potential clients than you think. When I launched Adam Colwell’s WriteWorks, my first client was an organization for which I ghostwrote fundraising and marketing copy. The contract provided a financial foundation to build from, and the organization remains a client today.
While being a ghostwriter is fun and profitable, it does take time and effort to build up your business. Here are three fun but not-so-easy steps to get you started.
1. Develop a financial plan
If you already have a writing or editing business, you hopefully did this step in advance of your business launch. However, many people jump the gun and go into business without doing this properly (or at all). Here’s the advice I followed, outlined by Lynn Wasnak in Writer’s Market.
- Begin by choosing your target annual income.
- Add in fixed expenses: social security, taxes and office supplies.
- Figure in health insurance costs and something for your retirement.
- Once you’ve determined your annual gross target, divide it by 1,000 billable hours—about 21 hours per week—to determine your target hourly rate.
Wasnak says this rate is flexible. You can continue doing lower-paying projects you love as long as you make up for the loss with more lucrative jobs. But you must monitor your rate of earning if you want to reach your goal.
2. Get a website
A top-notch website, preferably created by a web designer who has built successful sites for other small business owners, will be your foremost presentation to your clients. A professional-looking website usually starts at around $500 and should include training on how to load content through your website administration dashboard (such as WordPress). Your home page will usually include promotional sliders at the top that are linked to the services you offer on your navigation bar, an area where your subscriber-based blog is prominent and easily accessible, links to your selected social media avenues, and other content such as client testimonials, your bio, and a way potential clients can contact you. If any of the preceding sentence confused you, it only shows how important a good web designer is. He is not only familiar with all the things I’ve mentioned; he knows how to make each pop! Still confused? Look at my webpage to see each in action.
3. Begin networking
When I launched my business, the first thing I did was market myself and my skills to pretty much everyone I’d ever worked with over the previous twenty-plus years in both broadcast communications and at non-profit organizations. Many of those contacts became clients; some remain clients six years later. As you make these connections, boldly ask them to refer you to others they know who will want to hire you to ghostwrite their content.
Here are some other ways to begin letting people know you are available.
- Who do you know that owns a small business or a non-profit organization? You can ghostwrite a brochure, sales letter, or website content for them.
- Who do you know that works at or owns a printing business? Often they’ll have clients that need ghostwriters.
- Do you know graphic designers or webmasters? They often need ghostwriters, and this can be a great trade-for-services option if you need a website built.
- Can you join a local business group or Chamber of Commerce?
- Is there a college or university in your area?
Come up with your own ideas, and don’t be shy or afraid to take a risk. Remember, the worst thing that is going to happen is that someone will tell you “No.” But here’s the cool thing. More than you think, they will not only say “Yes” but will utilize you time and again and happily refer other clients your way. As with any writing or editing venture, you can do this! Be bold, be confident, and be visible as you promote yourself as a ghostwriter.
I want to hear from you!
With which of the three steps do you feel most (or least) comfortable? Why?