How to become a ghostwriter with a six-figure income
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How to become a ghostwriter with a six-figure income

In the Wall Street Journal, Jacqui Shine just published a piece called “Want to Earn Six Figures as a Writer? Try Ghostwriting.” Before you writers all start rushing into the ghostwriting field with your hands out, I thought it might be instructive to describe what it actually takes to become a well-compensated ghostwriter. First, a…

The fundamental truth about working on a book with a writing professional

The fundamental truth about working on a book with a writing professional

You are an expert on your topic and your ideas. I will never know as much about your topic as you do. I am expert on nonfiction books. You hired me because I know more about books than you do. This is the basis of our collaboration. It’s our greatest strength. It’s also our greatest…

Did you ghostwrite a good book? Submit it for an Andy award.

Did you ghostwrite a good book? Submit it for an Andy award.

Gotham Ghostwriters and the American Society of Journalists and Authors are soliciting entries for the second annual “Andy” awards. The Andys go to authors and ghostwriters who collaborated to create great books. To win one, both the author and the ghostwriter have to agree to submit the book. The categories are Business and Thought Leadership,…

How to fix a ghostwriting (or other freelance) project that’s gone awry

How to fix a ghostwriting (or other freelance) project that’s gone awry

I may or may not have struck out on my current ghostwriting project. We’re in the early stages, and it’s not yet committed. And so far, the client has suggested some very challenging objectives for the writing, and rejected significant elements of the tone I’ve been using. When problems arise in any freelance project, it’s…

A new ghostwriting test: the tonal appetizers menu

A new ghostwriting test: the tonal appetizers menu

I’m in the trail stages of a serious nonfiction ghostwriting project right now. It’s a great project; I really want to do it. The author has asked for the impossible. He wants writing that’s captivating and compelling, but the source material, while excellent, isn’t very sexy. I could keep trying to rewrite things until something…

Tips for pricing writing and editing projects on milestones, not by the hour

Tips for pricing writing and editing projects on milestones, not by the hour

My freelance pricing strategy maximizes two competing priorities: the chance I will get paid properly for my work, and the likelihood that the client will be happy. That means pricing and billing on milestones, not by the hour. So let’s go over the best way to make that work. Why I price on milestones The…