You’ve probably heard of ghostwriting. Sometimes referred to as ‘robot-writing’, this is the practice of putting your name on an article, even if you didn’t actually write it. Nowadays, it’s become such a popular strategy that if you’re looking for a fresh voice in your industry, you might want to consider trying it.
But what is ‘robot-writing’? Is it just a way for busy people to get their work published without having to put in the hours?
No, actually, ghostwriting is a style of writing that you can learn and bring with you to the table – whether you’re a seasoned professional or you’re just dipping your toe in the industry.
We’ll discuss some of the most popular tactics used by ghostwriters so you can understand how they work and why you should consider using them.
The Rise In popularity of Ghostwriting
For those of you who are just starting out in the industry, it can be hard to know what’s popular and what isn’t. After all, there are so many different types of niches and markets that it can be difficult to know which ones to dip your toes into and which ones to avoid.
If you’re looking for a career in copywriting, you might want to consider ghostwriting as a means of getting your work published. Even if you don’t end up pursuing that career path, you can still benefit from this type of strategy.
Businesses of all sizes are turning to ghostwriters to help them produce engaging content to attract and retain customers. At the same time, they also need someone to help them navigate the many legal and compliance issues that come with operating a business. It’s an all-around win-win situation.
Why Use A Ghostwriter?
Traditional writing, where you tackle one topic and one topic only, can often leave you feeling a little bit restricted. Even if you’ve published a book on the topic or you’ve been developing your writing skills for years, it can still feel a little bit like you’re rapping at the same time that you’re spelling.
With a ghostwriter, you can have a topic expert take a crack at the writing for you. While you might still need to do some research and proper outlining before you begin, once the writer has taken care of all the technicalities, you can dive right in and start editing.
It’s often times hard to find someone willing to take on your project without any guarantees of payment. However, if you’re looking for some extra income or just want to try out a new side-hustle, then ghostwriting might be a way to go.
The Many Forms of Ghostwriting
Not only does ghostwriting give you a break from the monotony of writing, it also gives you the opportunity to try out many different types of writing. Instead of just selecting one to focus on, you can explore multiple platforms and see which ones resonate with your audience the most.
If you’re looking for a side-hustle or want to test the waters, you might want to consider exploring affiliate marketing, content curation, or blogging. When you’re selecting a topic for your ghostwriter, it’s important to remember that there are so many different ways that this type of content can be arranged and presented to the reader. While it might be tempting to go with the first idea that comes to mind when you’re in need of content, it’s essential to keep your readers in mind when selecting a topic. After all, they’re the ones that you’ll be serving up your content to.
The Different Types of Ghostwriting
Apart from the fact that ghostwriting gives you a way out of your daily grind, it also gives you the opportunity to try out different types of writing. If you think that you’ve got a talent for creative writing, then you might want to consider exploring fiction or non-fiction in the form of a short story, novel, or memoir. When it comes to non-fiction, you might want to select a subject that you’re an expert in or that you’ve researched heavily. While it’s great to explore new topics, it’s important to keep your readers in mind when selecting a topic for your ghostwriter. After all, they’re the ones that you’ll be serving up your content to. If you end up selecting a topic that you’re not very knowledgeable about, it might be a good idea to hire a freelance writer who is familiar with that subject matter.
The Benefits of Having a Ghostwriter For Your Project
Apart from the fact that a lot of work gets dropped off at your doorstep, there are also a lot of great benefits to having a ghostwriter for your project. Some of these are:
- Experienced professionals who know how to structure a solid piece of writing;
- Someone to help you navigate the many legal and compliance issues that come with being a business owner;
- The ability to try out new styles of writing and see which ones work best for you; and
- The opportunity to explore different platforms and see which ones are the most effective for your specific niche.
How to Get Started With Ghostwriting
If you’d like to get started with ghostwriting, then all you need is a topic, a business, and a writer. From there, it’s just a matter of taking out an appointment with the business owner or manager to discuss the project and get started. Depending on the complexity of the project, you might want to add some other team members, such as an editor or a copy researcher. From there, you can start gathering the relevant research and outlining the material you’ll need to pitch to the business owner.
When selecting a topic, it’s important to keep your reader in mind. This is someone that you’ll be serving up your content to, so it’s important that you consider what they want and need. After all, it’s not you pitching your product or service; it’s you helping to inform and entertain the reader.
Where To Next?
With the right amount of research, preparation, and practice, it’s possible to become an expert in any field or talent. Even if you don’t end up pursuing a career in writing, you can still benefit from exploring different styles and platforms to see what works best for you and your audience. While the world of online marketing can feel like a black box, with the right guidance and a little bit of practice, it’s possible to break down the many different platforms and tactics used by businesses around the world.