That bestseller you love. That celebrity’s heartfelt memoir. That viral speech that had everyone talking.
What if I told you they probably didn’t write it themselves? Behind many of the words we admire is a ghostwriter—an unseen force shaping stories, ideas, and messages while someone else gets the credit.
Ghostwriting isn’t just fascinating—it’s a highly profitable skill. You don’t need a degree or years of experience to start. If you can write well, adapt to different voices, and understand what makes content compelling, you can get paid to write for others—no matter where you live.
This guide will show you exactly how to start, land your first clients, and build a thriving ghostwriting career from scratch.
Can You Become a Ghostwriter Without Experience?
Absolutely! Many successful ghostwriters started with zero experience. The idea that you need a long resume or years of writing under your belt is a myth. What matters most is your ability to write well and adapt to different voices.
Think about it—clients who need ghostwriters often can’t write well themselves or don’t have the time. They care about quality work, not your background. If you can provide solid writing that sounds like them, you’re already ahead of the game.
Why Experience Isn’t Necessary
- Clients Care About Results, Not Resumes – They need content that sounds like them, not a list of your past jobs.
- Writing Is a Skill That Improves With Practice – Every piece you write makes you better. You don’t need past clients; you just need to start.
- You Can Create Your Own Portfolio – Unlike jobs that require formal experience, ghostwriting allows you to create fake samples to showcase your skills.
What Really Matters Instead of Experience?
If you don’t need experience, what do you need? Here are three non-negotiable skills:
- Adaptability – Your writing must sound like your client, not you.
- Research Ability – You’ll often write about topics you’re unfamiliar with.
- Confidentiality – Ghostwriting means letting someone else take credit, and you must be okay with that.
A Simple Exercise to Build Confidence
If you’re unsure about your skills, try this:
- Pick an article from a well-known website.
- Rewrite it in your own words, keeping the meaning but changing the phrasing.
- Now rewrite it again, but in a different style—casual, formal, humorous, etc.
This will train your ability to mimic different voices, a key ghostwriting skill.
Do this regularly, and soon, you’ll realize you don’t need “experience” to be a ghostwriter—just skill and practice.
What Does a Ghostwriter Do?
A ghostwriter writes content that is credited to someone else. You do the work, but your name doesn’t appear on it. Sounds strange? Not really. It happens everywhere—from celebrity memoirs to blog posts, business books, speeches, and even social media updates.
Many professionals have great ideas but lack the time or writing skills to put them into words. That’s where you come in. As a ghostwriter, you help bring their thoughts to life while staying in the background.
Types of Ghostwriting Jobs
Ghostwriting isn’t just about books. Here are different types of ghostwriting projects you can work on:
- Books and eBooks – Many bestselling books weren’t written by the authors on the cover.
- Articles and Blog Posts – Business owners, coaches, and influencers need regular content but don’t have time to write.
- Social Media Content – Some influencers and CEOs hire ghostwriters to craft their posts.
- Speeches and Scripts – Politicians, executives, and public speakers rely on ghostwriters.
- Emails and Newsletters – Companies need well-written emails to engage their audience.
- Website Copy – Businesses often need help writing their “About Us” pages, service descriptions, and more.
Is Ghostwriting Legal?
Yes, ghostwriting is completely legal and widely accepted. It’s just like hiring a designer to create a logo—you pay for a service, and the final product belongs to the client. However, most ghostwriting agreements include a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), meaning you can’t claim credit for the work.
Do Ghostwriters Get Paid Well?
Yes! Ghostwriting can be very profitable because clients value the skill of writing in their voice. Some professional ghostwriters charge thousands of dollars per book or article. Even as a beginner, you can earn good money once you prove your skills.
How to Start Ghostwriting with No Experience
Starting as a ghostwriter without experience might seem challenging, but it’s completely possible if you take the right steps. The key is to prove your writing ability and find ways to get your first few projects.
1. Develop Your Writing Skills
You don’t need a degree in English or journalism, but you must be a strong writer. Here’s how to improve:
- Read a lot – Pay attention to different writing styles.
- Rewrite existing content – Take an article and rewrite it in a different tone.
- Practice writing daily – The more you write, the better you get.
2. Pick a Niche (or Stay Open at First)
Some ghostwriters specialize in certain areas, like business books, health blogs, or speeches. As a beginner, it’s okay to try different types of writing to see what suits you best. However, if you already have knowledge in a specific field (e.g., finance, tech, or fitness), that can give you an advantage.
3. Create Writing Samples
Since ghostwriting is confidential, you can’t rely on past projects to build a portfolio. Instead, create sample pieces that showcase your skills:
- Write a fake blog post as if you were a business coach or an influencer.
- Draft a short “About Me” page for a fictional entrepreneur.
- Write a LinkedIn post or an engaging social media thread as if you were a CEO.
These samples will prove to potential clients that you can match different voices and styles.
4. Start Small (But Don’t Work for Free)
Many beginners think they need to work for free to gain experience. You don’t. Instead, start with lower-paying gigs on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Facebook groups. Even if the pay isn’t great at first, focus on:
- Delivering high-quality work to build credibility.
- Asking for testimonials to use in your portfolio.
- Learning how to adapt to different writing styles.
5. Network and Let People Know What You Do
Ghostwriting is a word-of-mouth business. Let your network know you’re available for writing work. Here’s how:
- Update your social media bio to mention ghostwriting.
- Join writing communities and engage in discussions.
- Reach out to small business owners or coaches and offer to help with their content.
6. Learn to Imitate Different Voices
A great ghostwriter makes the client sound like themselves. To practice, try this:
- Read an article by a well-known person, then rewrite it in their style.
- Listen to a podcast and write a blog post as if they wrote it.
- Follow different influencers and mimic their way of speaking in writing.
The ability to match a client’s tone and personality is what makes ghostwriters valuable.
Where to Find Entry-Level Ghostwriting Jobs
Finding ghostwriting jobs as a beginner may seem difficult, but once you know where to look, opportunities are everywhere. The key is to start small, build a portfolio, and gradually move up to higher-paying clients.
Freelance Job Platforms
Freelance platforms are one of the easiest places to get started, even if the pay isn’t great at first. They help you gain experience, build credibility, and get client reviews.
- Upwork – Create a profile, apply for writing gigs, and start with small projects to build your reputation.
- Fiverr – Offer ghostwriting services for blog posts, social media content, or short eBooks.
- PeoplePerHour – Similar to Upwork, this platform connects freelancers with clients worldwide.
- Freelancer – A competitive platform, but you can find entry-level writing jobs here.
To succeed on these platforms:
✔ Write a strong profile that highlights your ability to write in different voices.
✔ Use relevant keywords so clients can find your services easily.
✔ Apply for jobs daily with personalized proposals.
Content Agencies
Many content marketing agencies hire ghostwriters to create blog posts, eBooks, and social media content for their clients. Some agencies that often look for writers include:
- Scripted – Specializes in blog writing for businesses.
- Verblio – Connects writers with companies needing regular content.
- Contently – Focuses on high-quality content creation for brands.
Working with agencies is great because they find the clients for you, so you don’t have to do much marketing.
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
Social media is a goldmine for ghostwriting jobs if you know where to look:
- Facebook Groups – Join groups for freelance writers and business owners. Some clients post job offers directly.
- Twitter (X) – Follow business owners, coaches, and influencers. Engage with their posts, offer free value, and pitch your services in DMs.
- LinkedIn – Optimize your profile to showcase your ghostwriting skills. Write posts about writing tips and engage with potential clients in the comments.
Cold Emailing Potential Clients
If you want higher-paying jobs, don’t wait for clients to come to you—reach out to them first.
Steps to get started:
✔ Find small business owners, coaches, or influencers who need content.
✔ Research their style, then send a personalized email offering to help with their writing.
✔ Attach a short, well-written sample to prove your skills.
Example cold email:
Subject: Helping You Share Your Message Effortlessly
Hi [Client’s Name],
I love your work, especially [mention something specific]. I noticed that you share valuable insights but may not always have time to turn them into engaging content.
I specialize in helping busy professionals like you create compelling articles, social media posts, and emails that match your voice perfectly.
Here’s a short sample to show you how I can help: [Attach sample]
If you’re interested, I’d love to chat about how I can support your content needs. Let me know what you think!
Best,
[Your Name]
Networking and Referrals
Word-of-mouth is powerful in ghostwriting. Once you complete a project, ask clients if they know someone else who needs a writer. Happy clients can introduce you to more opportunities.
✔ Tell friends and family that you offer ghostwriting services.
✔ Join online writing communities and connect with other writers (some pass on extra work).
✔ Offer a free trial piece to well-connected professionals in exchange for referrals.
Local Businesses and Professionals
Many small business owners, coaches, and public speakers need ghostwriters but don’t even know it. You can find work by reaching out to:
- Business consultants who need blog posts and case studies.
- Doctors and fitness experts who want to publish health articles.
- Real estate agents who need email newsletters and website content.
If you notice someone struggling with content creation, offer to help them. You might land a long-term client.
How to Improve and Scale Your Ghostwriting Business
Once you’ve landed a few ghostwriting jobs, the next step is to get better, charge more, and scale up your business. Ghostwriting can be extremely profitable if you refine your skills and position yourself for high-paying clients.
Master the Art of Adapting to Different Voices
A great ghostwriter writes in a way that sounds exactly like the client. If your writing doesn’t match their tone, they won’t be happy with the final piece.
To improve:
✔ Listen to their interviews, podcasts, or speeches to understand their style.
✔ Analyze their existing content—do they write formally or casually? Do they use humor?
✔ Ask them for reference materials to guide your writing.
A strong ghostwriter can write like a CEO in one project and like a fitness influencer in another. The better you are at this, the more valuable you become.
Set Higher Rates as You Gain Experience
At the beginning, you might charge $20–$50 per article, but as you get more experience, you should increase your prices.
- If you’ve completed 5–10 projects with great feedback, raise your rates.
- If clients are happy with your work, charge more for your next project.
- If you’re consistently busy with projects, you’re probably charging too little.
Eventually, you can charge $100–$500 per article or even $5,000+ per book.
Offer Additional Services
Many ghostwriters make extra money by offering additional services like:
✔ Editing & Proofreading – Some clients want content refined before publishing.
✔ Content Strategy – Help clients plan their content ideas and posting schedules.
✔ SEO Optimization – Write content that ranks well on Google.
✔ Social Media Management – Manage and write posts for busy professionals.
Offering more services makes you indispensable to clients and increases your earnings.
Build Long-Term Client Relationships
One-time projects are great, but long-term clients bring stability to your income. Here’s how to turn a one-time gig into ongoing work:
✔ Deliver high-quality work on time—clients love reliability.
✔ Suggest additional content ideas—help them see your value.
✔ Check in regularly—ask if they need more content.
If a client is happy with your writing, they’re likely to hire you again.
Establish a Strong Personal Brand
Even though ghostwriters work behind the scenes, having an online presence helps attract better opportunities.
✔ Start a blog or LinkedIn page where you share writing tips.
✔ Post testimonials from past clients (without revealing confidential details).
✔ Position yourself as a specialist—for example, “I ghostwrite business books for CEOs.”
Clients trust writers who look like experts. A strong personal brand can bring higher-paying gigs.
Network with High-Value Clients
Want to work with big-name authors, CEOs, or influencers? You need to network strategically.
✔ Join premium writing groups where professionals hire ghostwriters.
✔ Attend virtual events or industry webinars to meet potential clients.
✔ Follow and engage with high-profile individuals on LinkedIn and Twitter (X).
Many high-paying ghostwriting jobs come from personal connections. The more you interact with decision-makers, the better your chances.
Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner Ghostwriter
Starting as a ghostwriter can be exciting, but many beginners make mistakes that slow down their progress. Avoiding these mistakes will help you build a solid reputation and grow your income faster.
Undercharging for Your Work
Many beginners accept low-paying jobs just to get started. While this is fine in the beginning, staying at low rates for too long can hurt your career.
✔ Research industry rates—see what other ghostwriters are charging.
✔ Increase your rates as soon as you gain experience and positive reviews.
✔ Avoid working for exposure—your time and skill deserve fair pay.
If a client insists on paying too little, they probably don’t value quality work. Focus on clients who respect your skills.
Ignoring the Client’s Voice and Style
Ghostwriting isn’t about writing the way you like—it’s about matching your client’s voice. If you fail to do this, clients won’t be satisfied.
✔ Study their existing content to understand their tone.
✔ Ask for reference materials—emails, blogs, or past work they’ve written.
✔ Write a short sample first and get feedback before completing the project.
The best ghostwriters make readers feel like the client wrote the piece.
Not Signing a Contract
Skipping a contract is a huge mistake that can lead to payment issues or disputes over ownership.
✔ Always use a contract that states payment terms, deadlines, and rights.
✔ Make sure the client agrees on revisions (how many are included).
✔ Clarify if you can use the work as a sample (some ghostwriting is confidential).
Without a contract, a client could refuse to pay you, and you’d have no protection.
Accepting Every Client Without Screening Them
Not all clients are worth working with. Some are difficult, slow to pay, or unclear about what they want.
✔ Look for red flags—vague instructions, unrealistic expectations, or bad reviews from other freelancers.
✔ Ask about their budget upfront—serious clients won’t hesitate to discuss pricing.
✔ Work with those who respect your time and expertise.
A bad client can waste your time and energy. Choose your projects wisely.
Missing Deadlines or Delivering Low-Quality Work
Your reputation as a ghostwriter depends on how well and how fast you deliver. Missing deadlines or submitting poor-quality work can damage your credibility.
✔ Set realistic deadlines—don’t promise what you can’t deliver.
✔ Edit and proofread your work before submitting it.
✔ Communicate if you need extra time—clients appreciate honesty.
Being reliable makes clients want to work with you long-term.
Not Marketing Yourself
Even if you’re a great writer, clients won’t find you if you don’t market yourself. Many beginners wait for jobs to come to them instead of actively searching.
✔ Update your LinkedIn and freelance profiles with your services.
✔ Share writing samples on social media to attract potential clients.
✔ Pitch your services through cold emails to business owners and influencers.
Ghostwriting is a business—treat it like one. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities will come.
How to Find High-Paying Ghostwriting Clients
Landing high-paying ghostwriting clients is the key to making serious money in this field. The good news? There are plenty of people willing to pay well for quality writing. The challenge is knowing where to find them and how to position yourself.
Leverage Freelance Platforms the Right Way
Freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour have clients looking for ghostwriters. However, many beginners struggle to get noticed.
✔ Optimize your profile—highlight your experience, writing style, and past work.
✔ Specialize in a niche—business writing, self-help books, personal blogs, etc.
✔ Write custom proposals—don’t copy-paste; show that you understand the client’s needs.
While competition is high, a well-crafted profile and strong portfolio can set you apart.
Cold Emailing Potential Clients
Many successful ghostwriters don’t wait for clients to come to them—they reach out directly. Cold emailing works if you do it strategically.
✔ Find authors, entrepreneurs, or businesses that might need ghostwriting services.
✔ Send a short, personalized email introducing your skills and how you can help.
✔ Attach writing samples or links to your past work.
A well-crafted email can land big projects, including book ghostwriting deals.
Build a Strong LinkedIn Presence
LinkedIn is one of the best platforms for ghostwriters to connect with high-paying clients. Most professionals who need ghostwriters are on LinkedIn.
✔ Optimize your bio—mention that you’re a ghostwriter and what you specialize in.
✔ Post valuable content—share writing tips, past work (without breaking confidentiality), and industry insights.
✔ Engage with potential clients—comment on posts by authors, entrepreneurs, and executives.
A strong LinkedIn presence can lead to consistent, high-quality clients.
Join Writing and Business Communities
Many ghostwriting opportunities come from networking. If you hang around people who need content, they’ll eventually hire you.
✔ Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and online forums where business owners and authors gather.
✔ Offer writing advice—position yourself as an expert.
✔ Connect with editors and publishers—they often refer ghostwriters to clients.
The more you engage, the more people will think of you when they need a ghostwriter.
Get Referrals from Past Clients
Referrals can bring high-paying, trust-based projects. If a client loves your work, they’re likely to recommend you to others.
✔ Deliver excellent work—make your clients happy.
✔ Ask satisfied clients for referrals—a simple request can bring more work.
✔ Offer a referral discount—a small incentive can encourage more recommendations.
Word-of-mouth marketing can keep your ghostwriting business growing.
6. Position Yourself as a Premium Ghostwriter
Clients pay more for writers who appear highly skilled and professional. To position yourself for higher rates:
✔ Create a professional website showcasing your services, testimonials, and contact details.
✔ Share success stories (without revealing confidential details).
✔ Charge confidently—low prices attract low-quality clients.
When you present yourself as a top-tier ghostwriter, high-paying clients will take you seriously.
How to Set Your Ghostwriting Rates and Get Paid What You Deserve
One of the biggest struggles for new ghostwriters is knowing how much to charge. Charge too little, and you’ll work hard for low pay. Charge too much too soon, and you might scare off potential clients. So, how do you set the right rates and ensure you get paid fairly?
Understand the Common Pricing Models
Ghostwriters charge in different ways. The best model depends on the project, client, and your experience level.
✔ Per word: Common for articles and blog posts ($0.05 to $1 per word).
✔ Per hour: Used for ongoing projects ($20 to $100+ per hour).
✔ Per project: Best for books and long-form content (anywhere from $500 to $50,000+).
✔ Retainer model: Monthly payments for consistent work (great for long-term clients).
Understanding these models helps you pick the best approach for each project.
Research Industry Rates to Set a Competitive Price
Many beginner ghostwriters charge too little because they don’t know what’s fair. To set a good rate:
✔ Check freelance platforms (Upwork, Fiverr) for what other ghostwriters charge.
✔ Look at industry reports—professional ghostwriters earn anywhere from $0.10 per word to six figures for books.
✔ Adjust based on your skills—beginners charge less, but experience allows you to increase rates.
Knowing market rates prevents you from underselling yourself.
Factor in the Complexity of the Project
Not all writing projects require the same effort. A 500-word blog post is not the same as a 50,000-word book.
✔ Simple blog posts or articles: Lower rates ($50 to $500 per piece).
✔ Technical or research-heavy writing: Higher rates due to expertise needed.
✔ Books and memoirs: High-paying but time-intensive ($5,000 to $50,000+ per project).
The more complex and time-consuming the work, the more you should charge.
Start with Reasonable Rates and Increase Over Time
Beginners often need to charge less to build their portfolio. But staying at low rates hurts your long-term income.
✔ Start with mid-range pricing—not too low, but not premium either.
✔ Raise rates as you gain testimonials and experience.
✔ Don’t be afraid to negotiate—clients who value quality will pay fair prices.
If you keep improving your skills, your rates should increase over time.
Ask for an Upfront Deposit to Protect Yourself
One of the worst mistakes is doing all the work without getting paid. Some clients disappear after receiving content.
✔ Always request a 30-50% deposit before starting.
✔ Use platforms like PayPal, Wise, or direct bank transfers for payments.
✔ For large projects (like books), set milestone payments.
A deposit ensures clients are serious and prevents unpaid work.
Be Confident in Your Pricing
Many beginner ghostwriters feel guilty about charging higher rates. But if your writing is valuable, you deserve fair pay.
✔ Never apologize for your rates—serious clients expect to pay for quality.
✔ Avoid working with clients who want cheap work—they’re usually the most difficult.
✔ Remind yourself: Good writing makes businesses and authors money. You should be compensated accordingly.
Confidence in your pricing attracts better-paying clients.
How to Improve Your Ghostwriting Skills and Become In-Demand
Being a ghostwriter isn’t just about writing—it’s about writing in someone else’s voice so seamlessly that no one can tell it wasn’t them. The better you get, the more clients will trust you with their projects. Here’s how to sharpen your skills and become a ghostwriter that clients keep coming back to.
Read and Analyze Different Writing Styles
Ghostwriting means adapting to different tones, styles, and voices. The best way to master this? Read a variety of content.
✔ Study books, blogs, speeches, and articles from different authors.
✔ Notice sentence structure, word choice, and tone variations.
✔ Take notes on what makes each author’s style unique.
By training your brain to recognize different writing patterns, you’ll be able to mimic any client’s voice with ease.
Practice Writing in Different Tones and Voices
To become a flexible ghostwriter, practice shifting your writing style.
✔ Write the same story or article in multiple tones—formal, casual, humorous, and authoritative.
✔ Rewrite famous speeches or articles in your own words while keeping the original intent.
✔ Ask AI or a writing tool to analyze your text to compare styles.
The ability to switch tones smoothly makes you an asset to any client.
Master Research and Interviewing Techniques
Ghostwriting often requires writing about topics you’re unfamiliar with. Strong research skills separate average ghostwriters from top earners.
✔ Use credible sources—books, research papers, interviews, and expert opinions.
✔ Learn to conduct client interviews—ask the right questions to capture their thoughts.
✔ Take detailed notes—clients appreciate accuracy and authenticity.
The better you research, the more authoritative and convincing your writing will be.
Edit and Refine Your Work Like a Pro
Great writing isn’t just about drafting—it’s about editing. A polished final product impresses clients and keeps them coming back.
✔ Use tools like Grammarly and Hemingway App to catch errors and improve readability.
✔ Read your work aloud to check for awkward phrasing.
✔ Take breaks before editing so you can review with fresh eyes.
Clients value clean, well-structured writing. Make sure your work meets that standard.
Learn to Capture a Client’s Unique Voice
One of the hardest parts of ghostwriting is making your writing sound exactly like the client.
✔ Ask for past writings, speeches, or interviews to study their style.
✔ Pick up on their common phrases, humor, and sentence structure.
✔ Write drafts and get feedback to fine-tune the voice.
The closer your writing matches the client’s natural style, the more they’ll trust you with their brand.
Get Feedback and Keep Improving
No matter how good you get, there’s always room to improve. Top ghostwriters constantly refine their craft.
✔ Join writing communities to get critiques and learn from other professionals.
✔ Ask clients for honest feedback and use it to improve.
✔ Keep learning—take writing courses, read books on storytelling, and stay updated on industry trends.
Every new project is a chance to get better. The more you invest in your skills, the more successful you’ll be.
Final Thoughts: Turning Ghostwriting into a Full-Time Income
Ghostwriting isn’t just a side hustle—it can become a full-time, high-income career if you approach it strategically. The key is consistency, skill development, and positioning yourself as an expert.
✔ Keep improving your writing. The more adaptable and skilled you are, the more clients will trust you with bigger projects.
✔ Build a strong reputation. Deliver excellent work, meet deadlines, and communicate professionally—this leads to repeat clients and referrals.
✔ Raise your rates as you gain experience. Start with lower-paying gigs if necessary, but don’t stay there. Charge what your expertise is worth.
✔ Network and market yourself. Use LinkedIn, freelance platforms, and word-of-mouth to secure high-paying clients.
With dedication and the right approach, ghostwriting can become a reliable and profitable career. The demand for quality content is endless—position yourself as a valuable writer, and you’ll always have work.