How and Why To Hire a Ghostwriter
Originally published January 16, 2022
This week we wanted to tackle the spookiest subject in writing: ghosts. Specifically ghostwriters.
While you've probably heard of ghostwriters, you may not know the process or where to begin. But these are the ghosts you don't need to be afraid of.
We're here to clear up any uncertainty and show you why you should hire a ghostwriter to make your content dreams a reality.
We’re also offering a free template of questions to answer to help you and your ghostwriter get on the same page, so sign up at the bottom of the page!
In This Article:
What Is a Ghostwriter?
A ghostwriter writes content for another person or company without being credited.
Businesses and authors often use a ghostwriter to help them create high-quality content that meets their needs or to help them save time and energy.
When you hear ghostwriter, you probably think of fiction writing or celebrity memoirs. But ghostwriters help out with any and all types of content creation and content marketing. For example, a professional ghostwriter can help write a blog post, white paper, speech, or nonfiction book. Really whatever you can think of!
Ghostwriters are becoming increasingly popular as the demand for high-quality content rises.
Difference between a ghostwriter and a content writer
What separates a ghostwriter and any other professional writer? It's a pretty murky distinction, and plenty of writers use the terms interchangeably.
The main difference between a ghostwriter and a content writer is the level of ownership they have over the work they produce. A ghostwriter is hired to write something for someone else; their name will not appear on the final product.
Content writers create original work that may or may not be attributed to them and published under their name.
Why Hire a Ghostwriter?
There are plenty of reasons to hire a ghostwriter to produce content:
Don’t have the time
Have a good story but don’t know how to tell it
Have too much on their plate
Like ghosts
Ghostwriting is an excellent way to get your message out there without having to do all the hard work yourself. Hiring a ghostwriter can help you save time and energy and ensure your message is communicated effectively.
Ghostwriters can also bring a fresh perspective to the table, providing insight into how your audience will react to specific topics and ideas. With their expertise, you can create content that resonates with your target audience and drives results.
Who Uses Ghostwriters?
Writing is a great way to build a brand and get your story out there, but let's be honest. It takes a lot of time. If you ever wonder how someone can write a daily blog post, a weekly newsletter, maybe act in a film, and write a novel all at the same time, they probably didn't.
By nature of the business, there's no official list of people who use ghostwriters—although some people do use the word collaborator. But people in every industry and walk of life employ ghostwriters.
Not everyone with something to say is a writer, and that's okay! People who have specialized in writing are here to help you realize your vision.
Often, individuals who want to write a book hire ghostwriters to help them get their book across the finish line. But ghostwriters aren’t only for authors.
Companies in all kinds of industries rely on ghostwriters to help them write website content, social media posts, blogs and articles, white papers, lead magnets, emails, and just about anything else you can think of.
At People First Content, we act as ghostwriters for small businesses that need high-quality content but don’t have the time or resources to consistently produce it.
How To Work With a Ghostwriter
Once you've opted for working with a ghostwriter (or a team of content writers who will act as your ghostwriter), remember these things to make sure the process goes smoothly.
Do Your Homework
When you're looking into a ghostwriting service, make sure to spend a lot of time exploring. Many ghostwriters will showcase their writing on their websites or in the form of blog content. It's a good idea to read through some of their writing to ensure you like it.
Exercise caution when you are looking for a ghostwriter on freelancing websites. Their profiles may not be entirely accurate or factual.
If you’re hiring for a small project, you might be okay to limit the amount of time you spend scouring the internet. But for something like a memoir, novel, or long-term content writing project, picking the writer with the flashiest website or longest list of credentials can spell disaster.
Finally, if you need specialized knowledge, look for someone who has a background in what you're writing about. This will dramatically cut down on the amount of time you need to spend teaching them about your area of expertise.
Make Sure You Click Personally
Once you have found a ghostwriter or content team that seems legitimate, read the testimonials of people who have worked with them. Then, schedule an interview to make sure they understand your vision. You also need to ensure your personalities click, especially if you plan on working closely with the individual.
The more personal the project, the more you need to know that it's in good hands. And for a book project, you will especially want someone you get along with.
Someone can be a good ghostwriter but not the right ghostwriter for you. A quality ghostwriter will recognize the difference and won’t be afraid to tell you. They may even be able to recommend someone who would be better for your project.
Set Yourself up for Success
Communication is everything in a ghostwriting relationship. Setting expectations and establishing how you want to go about the process can make a world of difference. You don't have to know everything going into a project, but you should have a good idea. Our questionnaire can help you hammer out the details so you're prepared.
Everyone has different preferences on how they go about things, so figure out a system that works well for you and your ghostwriter or content team.
Conclusion
Hiring a ghostwriter is a big step toward turning "I've been thinking about writing a novel" into "I'm getting my novel published" or “I need to write blog posts” to “hey, my organic traffic is growing, and I don’t even need to lift a finger.”
We know how personal writing can be, whether you are working on a project individually or growing your company.
Turning your content creation over to someone else can be nerve-wracking, but the process can be painless with the proper preparation and communication. Hiring a ghostwriter can be the best way to tell your story without hiring an in-house team.
Need help getting your ideas out of your head and onto the page? People First Content is here for you if you're looking for a team that can help you from brainstorming to proofreading! We have prepared a set of questions to communicate your vision best. So contact us to start your project today!
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