Ghostwriting is where a person is hired to create content for a different person or company, who will then publish the content as their own. The practice is legal, and can help develop your writing skills whilst earning solid income. Below, we break down why and how you can start your own ghostwriting business.
Why become a ghostwriter?
As the ghostwriter doesn’t receive credit for their hard work, the pay is often more lucrative in comparison to being an official employee. Furthermore, it’s likely to be easier and cheaper as the client must supply all research material they wish included in the piece. As it’s contract work, you’re not required to share the articles or be invested in the business. You write the article, and that’s your affiliation with the business done.
How to become a ghostwriter
There is no set guideline or rules in how to become a ghostwriter. It’s often up to the person, and everyone may take their own individual journey to becoming one. However, we recommend the following steps.
Become a freelance writer
Freelance writing is a quick and easy method to build your credibility as an author. It can aid in networking, developing your skills and establishing the foundation of your ghostwriting career.
Begin writing books or larger projects
Ghostwriting isn’t always minor articles or speeches. Often, ghostwriters complete entire books, memoirs or projects for different companies. This is often where the most significant money exists. Accordingly, you’re going to want to be well-practiced in the skill.
Becoming comfortable in these extended projects allows you to reach a wider client base and be more well-rounded as an author. Therefore, once comfortable you’ll be able to accept more projects and earn greater income.
Begin ghostwriting
The final step to becoming a ghostwriter is to actually ghostwrite. Originally, you may have to do this for cheaper in order for others to see the quality of your work. However, as time goes on, you’ll become more respected in the industry and this will allow you to work on higher quality content for more money.
How to start your own ghostwriting business
Before beginning your own ghostwriting business, it’s recommended to have experience in the role to ensure you’ll gain clients and jobs immediately. Whilst you can begin your own business without relevant experience, it can make your life significantly harder and risk the longevity of your company.
Australian Business Number (ABN)
To legally register and run a business in Australia, you require an ABN. Registering for an ABN is a straightforward process that allows you to begin trading as a seperate legal entity. Due to your ghostwriting business likely being a small business, we recommend the ‘company’ option.
Location
For a ghostwriting business, you don’t actually require an office location. Ghostwriting allows you to enjoy working out of the comforts of your own home, whilst completing the required work. Even if your business extends to the point of hiring other employees, having them work remotely is likely to be successful whilst saving overhead costs.
Website
Whilst you might not require an office location, a website will be necessary. Websites allow customers to reach your company, and for potential employees to remain in contact with for opportunities to arise. The website will be your main avenue of contact and business negotiations.
Bookkeeping
There are several different aspects to manage when running your own business. A common one that is incorrectly handled is the financial side of the business. With all the significant punishments that come with disobeying taxation laws, we recommend outsourcing your bookkeeping to a third party. Utilising a platform such as Xero will ensure your company adheres to the law whilst allowing you to focus on what you’re good at: ghostwriting.
Acquiring customers
Once you’ve acquired all the relevant experience and your business is running, the final step is to acquire customers and begin projects. Through utilising your previous experience as a freelance writer and a ghostwriter you can immediately call upon customers and contacts, allowing your business to take off. In addition to utilising your experience, we recommend advertising your website to attain new customers. Whilst your method of advertising will depend on your budget, we recommend the following methods to reach your target audience:
- Social media.
- Google / Facebook ads.
- Running promotional deals.
These methods will ensure that your business is visible to the public eye and ensure a regular flow of new customers.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, opening your own ghostwriting business can be an extremely rewarding and profitable venture. It allows the flexibility of working your own hours from your chosen location with a significant variety of work. For further enquiries or questions about running your own ghostwriting business, a business lawyer may be able to assist.
