Becoming a ghostwriter doesn't happen overnight. At least it didn't for me. I know I've said it before, but ghostwriting really is an art form. It takes time to build a rapport with an author and their work. You have to find their voice, even if they haven't. You have to find the heart of the work, even if it's not there. You become the weaver of their story, gathering the loose threads throughout the words to bring them together in a cohesive tapestry; into a story worth telling.
Understanding Ghostwriting
I love the challenge of ghostwriting. It's always different. I have to be a chameleon, a master of disguise, in order to become one with the author's vision. It's so rewarding when I finish a ghostwriting project having successfully adopted the proper voice to make the work shine.
The Process of Ghostwriting
At the root of every successful ghostwriting project is a trusting partnership. The author has to trust me with their work. Open communication is key for me to understand the work. What were the author's experiences, ideas, and objectives that shaped the work?
Once those things are clear, I can begin to conceptualize through outlines, notes, and rough drafts to bring it to life.
Skills of a Successful Ghostwriter
I had someone ask me what it takes to be a successful ghostwriter. I smiled and told him you have to be a great writer. At the time, I was half-joking, trying to get a smile. It worked.
The truth is it takes more than being a great writer. It also takes:
Adaptability
Research Proficiency
Good Listener
Every ghostwriting project is different. Being adaptable is key to being successful. If all you can write are Western romances, and you are hired to ghostwrite academic journal articles about varicose vein treatments, there might be a problem. Those will be written in a totally different voice. You have to be able to move between narrative, informal, persuasive, and formal styles.
You have to be able to research what you don't know. Ghostwriters don't know everything. They need to research topics so they have a thorough knowledge of the topics they write about.
We also have to be great listeners to make sure we have captured the nuances of the author's work.
Invaluable
The demand for good ghostwriters continues to grow. Transforming ideas and concepts into captivating narratives, the skillset of a ghostwriter will always be necessary.
Ghostwriting is an oftentimes unseen art form. While we don't get the credit, we do get the reward of creating something from nothing. Beating the blank page at its own game is reward enough for me.
Don't forget to leave the light on. Some of us are still writing.
Write ON
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