People who say, “There are no jobs,” are completely wrong. While it’s true that traditional jobs can be hard to land due to market saturation, there are still plenty of opportunities out there—some that don’t even require you to take credit for your work. Enter ghostwriting, a thriving industry where writers are paid to create content that’s published under someone else’s name. If you’ve ever wondered how to get into ghostwriting, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start earning as a ghostwriter, from understanding the basics to landing your first client. Whether you’re interested in ebook ghostwriting, LinkedIn ghostwriting, or other ghostwriting services, this career path offers flexibility, creativity, and impressive earning potential—all while staying behind the scenes. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
What is Ghostwriting?
Before we discuss the steps into the industry, it’s natural that we discuss what it is first. Ever read a book, a speech, or even a killer LinkedIn post and thought, Blimey, that’s brilliant!—only to find out the person credited for it probably didn’t write a single word? That, my friend, is ghostwriting in action. Ghostwriting is when a writer creates content that gets published under someone else’s name. It’s the ultimate behind-the-scenes gig, where you get paid to write, but all the credit goes to someone else. Sounds a bit odd? Maybe. But when you realise just how many high-profile books, articles, and business documents are ghostwritten, you’ll see why it’s a thriving industry.
The beauty of ghostwriting lies in its discretion. Your job isn’t just to write—it’s to become invisible. Whether you’re penning a CEO’s next thought-leadership article or crafting a celebrity’s autobiography, your role is to match their voice so seamlessly that no one questions its authenticity. And if you’re wondering how ghostwriting works, the process is fairly straightforward: you chat with the client, understand their ideas, research, write, revise, and finally, hand it over—without your name anywhere in sight.
Now, why do people pay for this? Simple: writing is hard, time-consuming, and, for some, downright painful. Entrepreneurs, influencers, and public figures often have ideas but lack the time (or skill) to shape them into compelling content. That’s where ghostwriting services come in. These services cover everything from social media posts to entire books, allowing clients to share their insights without lifting a pen.
Ghostwriting isn’t just for books, though. It’s creeping into every corner of content creation. Businesses hire ghostwriters for blog posts, politicians use them for speeches, and professionals seek LinkedIn ghostwriting to boost their online presence. With more people keen to establish their personal brand, the demand for skilled ghostwriters is booming. If you’re looking for a career where you can flex your writing muscles, work with fascinating clients, and get paid well (without needing to be in the limelight), ghostwriting might just be the perfect gig for you.
Why Choose Ghostwriting as a Career?
So, you now know what ghostwriting is and why businesses, authors, and influencers rely on it. But here’s the real question—why should you consider it as a career? Well, if you’re a writer who loves crafting stories, enjoys the challenge of adapting to different voices, and doesn’t mind skipping the spotlight, ghostwriting could be your perfect match. And let’s not forget—it pays well.
1. Earn Without the Fame, But With the Paycheck
One of the biggest perks of ghostwriting? The money. Since you’re writing on behalf of someone else (and keeping quiet about it), the pay is often higher than what many freelance writers make. Experienced ghostwriters can charge thousands per project, especially in niches like ebook writing services or executive speechwriting. And while beginners might start at lower rates, those who master the craft can quickly move up the ladder.
2. Work from Anywhere (Even in Your Pajamas)
If the idea of commuting makes you groan, you’ll love ghostwriting. It’s a job that can be done from anywhere—a café, your sofa, or even a beach (WiFi permitting). You’re not tied to an office or a rigid schedule. Clients care about quality and deadlines, not where or when you’re working. That kind of freedom is hard to beat.
3. Never Write the Same Thing Twice
Boredom? Not in this job. One week, you could be writing a self-help book. The next is a political speech. Ghostwriting lets you dip into different industries, explore new ideas, and develop skills you wouldn’t get if you were only writing in one niche. It’s a career that keeps you learning, making each project feel fresh.
4. Build a Portfolio (Without Anyone Knowing)
It sounds ironic, doesn’t it? You’re writing things that don’t have your name on them, yet it helps you grow as a writer. Even if you can’t publicly claim every project, ghostwriting gives you hands-on experience that sharpens your skills. Plus, once you establish trust with clients, they might just refer you to others—helping you build a strong network without doing much marketing.
How to Get Into Ghostwriting
So, ghostwriting sounds like your kind of thing. You like the idea of writing for a living. You’re happy letting others take the credit, and the flexible, well-paid nature of the job is calling your name. But how do you actually get started? Unlike traditional writing careers where you build a name for yourself, ghostwriting is all about proving you can capture someone else’s voice—and that takes a different approach.
1. Master the Art of Adaptability
First things first, you need solid writing skills. But being a good writer isn’t enough—you have to be a chameleon. One day, you might be crafting a formal business speech; the next, you might a casual blog post. The best ghostwriters can switch between tones effortlessly. So, read widely, study different writing styles, and practice imitating different voices. Ghostwriting isn’t about your style—it’s about mirroring the client’s.
2. Find Your Niche
Ghostwriting is a broad field, and while some writers take on anything that comes their way, specialising can help you stand out. Ebook writing services, for example, are in high demand for entrepreneurs and influencers who want to publish a book but don’t have the time (or skills) to write one. Then there’s LinkedIn ghostwriting, where professionals hire writers to craft posts that boost their credibility online. Speechwriting, business blogging, and even ghostwriting for social media influencers are all growing areas. Find a niche that plays to your strengths, and you’ll have a much easier time marketing yourself.
3. Create a Portfolio (Without Breaking NDAs)
Here’s the tricky bit—how do you prove you can ghostwrite when you can’t exactly claim past work as your own? Simple. You create samples. Write a few blog posts, social media updates, or book excerpts as if they were hypothetical clients. If you’re interested in ebook writing services, start by crafting sample chapters to showcase your skills. You can also offer discounted rates for early clients in exchange for private testimonials (ones that don’t name you publicly but can be shared with future prospects).
4. Put Yourself Out There
Clients won’t magically appear in your inbox—you need to go where they are. LinkedIn is a great place to start, especially if you’re interested in LinkedIn ghostwriting. Connect with business owners, authors, and content agencies. Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr also have listings for ghostwriters, though competition can be stiff. A personal website can help, too—just because your name won’t be on your work doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a visible online presence.
5. Master the Art of Pitching
Even if your writing is top-notch, you need to know how to sell yourself. When pitching to clients, don’t just say, “I’m a ghostwriter.” Show them how you can help. If an entrepreneur wants to publish a book, explain how you can take their ideas and turn them into a compelling read. If a CEO wants to boost their personal brand, highlight the value of professional LinkedIn ghostwriting. The key is to focus on what they’ll gain, not just what you do.
Understanding the Ghostwriting Process
Once you’ve landed a ghostwriting gig, what happens next? Unlike traditional freelance writing, ghostwriting isn’t just about putting words on a page. You’re not writing in your voice, and you’re certainly not pushing your own opinions. Instead, your job is to capture the client’s thoughts, style, and personality—so convincingly that no one ever questions if they wrote it themselves.
Understanding how ghostwriting works can help you deliver better results for your clients, and the process itself follows a structured workflow. From the first conversation to the final draft, every step plays a crucial role in ensuring the client is happy (and comes back for more).
Step 1: Getting Inside the Client’s Head
The first meeting is all about understanding what the client wants—because, let’s be honest, most of them have no clue how to articulate it. Some will have a clear vision; others will give you vague ideas and expect you to magically turn them into polished prose. Either way, your job is to ask the right questions. What’s the tone? Who’s the audience? Are there any examples of work they admire? The more you dig into their preferences, the easier the rest of the process becomes.
Step 2: Research and Outlining
Once you’ve nailed down the client’s expectations, it’s time to structure the piece. Whether it’s a book, blog post, or speech, a solid outline saves time and prevents endless rewrites. If you’re writing a book, this means breaking it into chapters with key points for each. If it’s an article or speech, it’s about crafting a logical flow. Research is equally important—especially if you’re working on something technical or outside your expertise.
Step 3: Writing the First Draft (Without Overthinking It)
Here’s where the magic happens—except it’s not really magic. It’s more about discipline and getting words down without second-guessing every sentence. The first draft is rarely perfect, and that’s fine. The key is to write in the client’s voice, not your own. If you’ve done the groundwork properly, this part becomes much smoother.
Step 4: Tweaking, Refining, and Making It Sound Just Right
Revisions are inevitable. Some clients will have a few minor tweaks, others will want a complete overhaul (which can be frustrating but comes with the job). This stage is all about fine-tuning—adjusting tone, improving clarity, and making sure the piece sounds like them. It’s also when you ensure everything is factually accurate and that any necessary approvals (legal or otherwise) are sorted.
Step 5: Handing It Over (and Letting It Go)
Once the final edits are done, it’s time to send off the work. Some clients will want final tweaks, and others will accept them as is. Either way, once you hit ‘send,’ the project is no longer yours. No credit, no byline—just the satisfaction of a job well done (and, hopefully, a decent payday).
How Much Can You Earn as a Ghostwriter?
So, you know how ghostwriting works, but let’s get to the part that really matters—how much can you actually make? Ghostwriting isn’t just a side hustle for pocket money; for many writers, it’s a full-time career that pays the bills and then some. But how much you earn depends on several factors—your experience, your niche, and, crucially, who you’re writing for.
1. Per Word vs. Per Project Pricing
Ghostwriters typically charge in one of two ways: per word or per project. Some clients prefer a straightforward per-word rate (which can range anywhere from £0.05 to £1, depending on the complexity of the work). Others go for project-based pricing, which often works out better for the writer—especially for larger assignments like books or speeches. A full ebook ghostwriting project, for example, can fetch anywhere from £2,000 to £50,000, depending on the length and the client’s budget.
2. Experience and Niche Play a Huge Role
Not all ghostwriting gigs are created equal. Writing blog posts for a startup founder isn’t going to pay the same as crafting a high-profile politician’s memoir. The more experience you have, the more you can charge. Established ghostwriters in niche fields—like LinkedIn ghostwriting for executives or business book writing—can command significantly higher rates than generalist writers.
3. Client Type: The Bigger the Name, the Bigger the Pay
Who you work for makes a massive difference. A self-published author with a tight budget won’t pay what a corporate CEO will. In ebook ghostwriting, authors looking to self-publish may pay between £3,000 and £10,000 for a well-researched book. But if you land a contract with a publishing house or a celebrity, those numbers can skyrocket. LinkedIn ghostwriting is another lucrative niche, with professionals paying £500–£2,000 per month for regular content.
4. The Ceiling is High, But So is the Hustle
The truth is, ghostwriting can be as lucrative as you make it. New writers might start at lower rates, but with time, reputation, and the right clients, the numbers climb. Some top-tier ghostwriters make six figures a year—without ever needing to build their own brand. But getting to that level takes skill, connections, and a strong grasp of marketing yourself (ironically, without putting your name on your work).
How to Find Ghostwriting Opportunities
Knowing that ghostwriting pays well is one thing. Actually, landing paid work? That’s the tricky bit. Since you’re writing behind the scenes, there’s no byline to build a public reputation—so finding clients takes a different approach. You won’t have people just stumbling across your work and reaching out. Instead, you’ll need to be proactive in putting yourself in front of the right people.
1. Freelance Websites: The Starting Point
If you’re brand new to ghostwriting, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr can help you get your foot in the door. While competition is stiff and rates can be lower, these sites give you access to clients actively looking for writers. The key is to craft a strong profile that highlights your ability to capture different voices. Once you’ve completed a few projects and earned positive reviews, you can gradually increase your rates and take on bigger clients.
2. Networking on LinkedIn (Where the Clients Are)
For ghostwriters looking to land high-paying gigs, LinkedIn is a goldmine. Many business owners, executives, and influencers need help with content—whether it’s blog posts, articles, or LinkedIn ghostwriting itself. The trick? Don’t just send cold connection requests with a generic message. Engage with their posts, comment thoughtfully, and gradually build relationships. Once you’re on their radar, it’s much easier to start a conversation about your services.
3. Cold Pitching: Reaching Out to the Right People
Some of the best ghostwriting gigs aren’t advertised—you have to go out and find them. Authors, entrepreneurs, and busy professionals often don’t realise they need a ghostwriter until someone offers them a solution. Cold pitching is about identifying potential clients and sending them a well-crafted message explaining how you can help. The key? Personalisation. A generic “Need a ghostwriter?” email will go straight to the bin. Instead, show that you understand their brand, their needs, and how your skills can add value.
4. Partnering with Agencies (Let Them Find the Work for You)
If marketing yourself isn’t your thing, consider working with agencies that offer ghostwriting services. These agencies act as a bridge between writers and clients, handling the business side so you can focus on writing. While they’ll take a cut of your earnings, they can provide a steady stream of work—especially when you’re still building your network.
Final Note
Ghostwriting is more than just a writing gig—it’s a career that offers flexibility, creativity, and the chance to work on exciting projects without the pressure of public recognition. Whether you’re crafting an ebook, polishing a LinkedIn post, or ghostwriting a speech, the opportunities in this field are vast and rewarding. Now that you know how to get into ghostwriting, it’s time to take the first step. Hone your skills, build your portfolio, and start reaching out to potential clients. With dedication and the right approach, you can turn ghostwriting into a lucrative and fulfilling career. So, what are you waiting for? Start writing your future today.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is ghostwriting, and how does it work?
A: Ghostwriting is the process of writing content that is officially credited to someone else. The ghostwriter remains anonymous, while the client takes full credit for the work. This can include books, articles, speeches, social media posts, and more. The process typically involves understanding the client’s voice, conducting research, drafting content, and revising it until it meets the client’s expectations.
Q2: How do I start a career in ghostwriting?
A: To start a career in ghostwriting:
- Develop strong writing skills and the ability to adapt to different voices.
- Choose a niche, such as ebook ghostwriting or LinkedIn ghostwriting.
- Build a portfolio with sample works or offer discounted services to gain experience.
- Network on platforms like LinkedIn or freelance marketplaces to find clients.
- Pitch your services by highlighting how you can solve the client’s content needs.
Q3: What is ebook ghostwriting?
A: Ebook ghostwriting involves writing books on behalf of clients who lack the time or skills to write themselves. This could include memoirs, self-help guides, or business books. Ebook writing services are in high demand, especially among entrepreneurs and influencers looking to publish their ideas.
Q4: What is LinkedIn ghostwriting?
A: LinkedIn ghostwriting involves creating content for professionals who want to enhance their personal brand on LinkedIn. This could include posts, articles, or even thought leadership pieces. LinkedIn ghostwriting is a growing niche as more professionals seek to establish themselves as industry experts.
Q5: How much can I earn as a ghostwriter?
A: Earnings vary based on experience, niche, and client type. Beginners might charge £0.05–£0.20 per word, while experienced ghostwriters can earn £1 per word or more. Project-based rates for ebook ghostwriting can range from £2,000 to £50,000, depending on the scope and client budget.