How to Become a Ghostwriter in 2026?

Don’t Have Time To Read? Listen To How to Become a Ghostwriter Instead!

Key Takeaways: How to Become a Ghostwriter?

Don’t want to read the full blog? Here’s a quick summary of how to become a ghostwriter:

• What is Ghostwriting? Ghostwriters write content, such as books, articles, and more, without their names being credited.
• Why Become a Ghostwriter? Because it offers flexibility, creativity, and the chance to work on diverse projects. Also, it is an excellent chance if you prefer to work behind the scenes.

Steps to Become a Ghostwriter

• Read Often
• Improve Your Writing Skills
• Build Experience as a Freelance Writer
• Create a Strong Portfolio
• Network with Potential Client
• Learn to Write in Different Perspective
• Market Yourself

Ghostwriters in the US typically earn around $55,000 per year in states such as Maryland, Ohio, and California, cities with higher salaries.

Introduction: Become a Ghostwriter

Are you passionate about content writing? Do you want to pursue a career as a professional writer? Then, there are many choices for you. For example, you can become an experienced book writer. Or, if you’re interested in academics, you can end up as an academic writer. However, the best and trendiest option in this Gen Z era is to be a ghostwriter. You can write for different genres without any credit, or in other words, your name will not be mentioned.

Ghostwriting is an excellent option because it’s easy to adopt. In addition, you don’t need considerable resources to become a ghostwriter. This blog will discuss how to become a ghostwriter and the skills required. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s start reading.

What is a Ghostwriter?

Ghostwriters are professionals who can craft different kinds of content pieces and don’t get credit for the work. They are master in writing various types of content. Ghostwriters can write articles, blogs, academic papers, fiction and nonfiction books. You should know that they can also adopt distinct tones or writing styles. As a result of ghostwriting, you can focus on your other tasks or your business.

Read More: “What is a Ghostwriter?”

Why Become a Ghostwriter?

You may be thinking, why should I pick ghostwriting as a profession? It is an attractive career path for many. So, let’s discuss some of the key reasons why you should become a ghostwriter:

• Ghostwriters work on a wide range of projects. They can write books, articles, speeches, as well as scripts which can motivate them to adapt and learn quickly.
• You’re not tied to a specific voice or style as a ghostwriter. So, you can test different tones without worrying about personal recognition.
• Ghostwriting is often a remote profession. It allows you to work from anywhere with an internet connection. As a result, you can maintain a work-life balance.
• Many ghostwriters have the freedom to set their own work hours. Therefore, it will help you balance other duties.
• Suppose you are a skilled ghostwriter. In that case, you can demand competitive rates.
• Each project presents unique challenges. So, it forces you to think critically and find creative solutions.
• If you prefer to stay out of the limelight, then ghostwriting is for you. It offers a low-profile career path.

How to Become a Ghostwriter?

Let’s explore the steps of becoming a ghostwriter:

1. Read Often

One of the best ways to improve your writing skills is to read widely. The more you read, the more you will be able to write. You will get an understanding of different styles and tones. In addition, your vocabulary will be improved. You will also be able to familiarize yourself with various writing genres. As a result, you can cater to the different needs of the clients.

2. Improve Your Writing Skills

There is a famous quote: “Practice makes perfect.” Want to become a pro in writing or any other profession? Then, practice eagerly. Regularly writing content will help you polish your skills and develop a unique voice. In addition, you should share your work with your colleagues and friends. They can highlight your mistakes. You can also enroll in writing classes under the guidance of professionals. As a result, you will be able to improve your writing skills.

3. Build Experience as a Freelance Writer

At the beginning of your career, try freelancing.

• Win smaller freelance writing gigs.
• Gain experience.
• Create a solid portfolio.

There are lots of platforms available, such as social media and online marketplaces (Fiverr and Upwork). You utilize them to meet with potential clients.

Key Tip:

“Meet deadlines regularly, maintain high standards, and exceed the expectations of the clients. Gain the trust of the clients so you keep getting more projects.”

4. Create a Strong Portfolio

A solid portfolio means a high probability of getting a job. As mentioned earlier, you can make a strong portfolio by working as a freelancer. A portfolio is a collection of your work. So, you need to showcase your best work in a portfolio. It is vital to customize your portfolio. As a result, it will become easier for clients to access your work. You should include positive reviews from previous clients. It will help you to build credibility.

5. Network with Potential Clients

Make a solid personal relationship with other writers, editors, and clients. It is worth its weight in gold. There are different platforms where you can connect, such as LinkedIn. Do not forget to attend conferences and workshops. It is a digital era, so explore every option where you can find or connect with professionals.

6. Learn to Write in Different Perspective

Try to write in various tones, styles, and perspectives. This will help you better match the client’s requirements. If you’re writing blogs, articles, or web copies, you need to master the art of SEO. SEO is where you optimize content for search engines. A critical concept in SEO is E-E-A-T, which stands for:

• Experience
• Expertise
• Authoritativeness
• Trustworthiness

If you are able to show expertise in writing, your content will be more authentic as a result.

7. Market Yourself

You must create a professional website that showcases your portfolio and services. Also, you can use social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter to promote your work. This will help you establish yourself as a reliable and skilled ghostwriter.

Essential Ghostwriter Skills

To become a ghostwriter, you need to acquire a unique blend of content writing skills. As a result, you will be able to deliver high-quality content effectively. So, let’s discuss these skills in detail.

Communication

Ghostwriters need to be good at talking to people. They work with many clients. So it is essential to listen to what they want and understand their needs. Good communication helps writers create great content that people will understand. To be a better communicator, you should also be organized.

Adaptability

A ghostwriter will be working on multiple projects at once. Therefore, you need to learn ways to adapt to new projects quickly. Switching writing styles is an integral part of working in this profession. You can also use some organizational tools if you want to improve your adaptability. They can help you better plan and break down your work, as well as set deadlines for yourself.

Research

As a ghostwriter, you will often work on a variety of topics. This means you might write about something trendy one day, such as a new diet. Then, you may switch to something completely different, like a book about historical fiction. To do this well, you need to be good at finding and organizing information. This skill is vital for ghostwriters.

How Much Does a Ghostwriter Make?

Ghostwriters in the US usually make about $55,000 a year. That is about $26 per hour. The amount a ghostwriter makes can vary a little bit. Some make as little as $49,000. At the same time, others make as much as $59,000. Therefore, most ghostwriters make between $52,500 and $57,500.

Top Highest Paying Cities for Ghostwriters

In some of the US cities, ghostwriters make more money than the average. Maryland is the best place to be a ghostwriter. Ventura, California, and Bayamon are also good places. These cities have higher salaries because of the cost of living.

How to Find Ghostwriting Jobs?

If you’re a writer, editor, or author you should reach out to:

• Clients you’ve worked with before
• Friends and family
• Other writers and authors
• Ghostwriting companies

Many ghostwriters get their first big job this way.

Best Places to Find Ghostwriting Work

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Freelancercom

Content Marketplaces

• Textbroker
• iWriter

LinkedIn

• Networking
• Job search

Direct Outreach

• Literary Agents
• Publishers
• Author Websites

Conclusion

Ghostwriters is for those who are passionate about writing but prefer to stay behind the scenes. You can establish yourself as a successful ghostwriter in various niches. The flexibility and diverse project opportunities make ghostwriting an attractive option in today’s content-driven world. So, whether you want to expand your writing career or need professional ghostwriting services, you can get help from Authors Breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions