Ghostwriting
Our Side Hustles Breakdown
Ghostwriting is the quiet craft of writing content for someone else who takes public credit, be it books, speeches, articles, or more. It allows writers to work on diverse projects, often without the pressure of public scrutiny. However, the lack of public acknowledgment can be both a pro and a con in this profession.
Cons
- Lack of Public Credit: Writers remain behind the scenes without acknowledgment.
- Potential Ethical Dilemmas: Representing another’s voice can raise questions of authenticity.
- Client Dependence: Success is often tied to the client’s reputation and intent.
Pros
- Highly Lucrative: Established ghostwriters can command substantial fees, especially by writing for public figures.
- Varied Work: From autobiographies to corporate reports, the range is vast.
- Privacy: Writers can maintain a low profile without public scrutiny or feedback.
Are you confident in your research and writing skills? Are you experienced in writing essays, blog posts, stories, articles, and reviews?
If that’s the case, ghostwriting side hustles could suit you.
In today’s post, we’re discussing the best job opportunities for people wanting a career in writing. Stick with us, and turn your writing passion into a profitable gig this 2023.
An Overview of Ghostwriting Jobs: A Primer
You might already come across the term “ghostwriting” in your search for gigs online. You became interested but aren’t sure what it is or what becoming a ghostwriter means.
In a nutshell, ghostwriting is a job where you get paid to write on behalf of others. Companies, blog owners, authors, singers, and even professional writers who don’t have the time or knowledge to write on certain subjects hire ghostwriters.
As a ghostwriter, clients can ask you to write a number of works. Ghostwriting projects can involve writing non-fiction books, public speeches, and online content like articles and blogs.
Some well-known ghostwriters include famous and bestselling authors, such as H.P. Lovecraft, Alan Dean Foster, Peter Lerangis, and Mark Twain.
How Much Can Ghostwriting Gigs Earn You?
It’s only natural to ask about the salary if you’re aspiring to ghostwrite as a side hustle. So, can you expect to receive reasonable rates for writing for others?
Well, ghostwriting projects can be unique from each other. As a typical freelance writing job, you can charge clients by word count, by the hour, or by projects.
If you charge by word, you can earn between $0.15 and $4 for every word in your written output. Hourly rates start at $35 to $140 per hour, while project fee ranges from $2,000 to $70,000 per project.
Generally speaking, the average ghostwriter’s salary is around $49,000, as reported by Salary.com. Although the yearly income range goes between $44,000 to $56,000.
It’s also worth noting that your total earnings can increase or decrease depending on your experience and education.
How Much Does it Cost to Start a Ghostwriting Side Hustle?
Becoming a professional ghostwriter doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to spend money upfront. But there are particular costs and investments you should consider.
For one, you’ll need appropriate writing software and devices. So, if unavailable, you might need to invest in a computer and writing-related software, such as grammar or plagiarism checkers.
The projects could require you to buy research materials, reference books, or access to databases.
Finally, you’ll want to attract clients or companies to hire you. As such, investing in writing courses and workshops would be an excellent way to build your profile.
Where Can You Find Ghostwriting Gigs?
There are several methods to kickstart your ghostwriting career in 2023. Some platforms and companies offer ghostwriting gigs, whether you want it as full-time or part-time work.
Where to Independently Find Ghostwriting Work
If you want consistent writing projects, consider applying to companies that offer freelance writing gigs. It’ll be a great way to build exposure and writing experience.
Some examples of companies offering writing gigs are Blogging Pro, Verblio, Writing Studio, and Draft. These platforms provide a wide range of consistent content projects for writers, such as blog posts, long-form articles, social media posts, and more.
Gig Economy Companies That Offer Ghostwriting Work
Another way to jumpstart your career as a ghostwriter is through gig economy platforms. These are online writing sites that connect writers with clients.
Blogging Pro is an excellent example of these freelance writing-focused platforms. Their board offers extensive niche writing opportunities, from content making to journalism, copywriting, and editing.
Textbroker is another fantastic content marketplace for beginner ghostwriters with payment rates above industry standards. Like Blogging Pro, they direct writers to clients that need written content.
Of course, you can also go to general freelance sites for ghostwriting gigs, like writing reviews for money. Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, PeoplePerHour, and Guru are all excellent sites to start.
Why You Should Consider Ghostwriting As a Side Hustle
Writing jobs online is one of the most lucrative gigs in freelancing. Below are some benefits you can enjoy with ghosting, as experienced writers call it.
- Upfront payment: As a freelance writer, you can choose to charge before you write instead of after, as is the case for the majority of authors.
- Writing experience: Ghostwriting is a terrific opportunity to perfect your craft, allowing you to work on many projects and clients.
- Varied subjects: If you’re passionate about writing, ghostwriting is an opportunity to explore arrays of fascinating topics and writing formats.
Problems With Ghostwriting As a Side Hustle
Despite its many benefits, ghostwriters experience a myriad of hitches while writing for clients. Here are a few downsides to this gig you should consider:
- Creative restrictions: You’re working for a client, which means they call the shots. You’ll have little to no control over the creative aspects of your work.
- Strict deadlines: Ghostwriting projects could require strict deadlines and fast turnaround times, which can translate to longer working hours.
- High competition: Writing is a highly competitive field. Lucrative assignments and projects require painstakingly developing contacts and networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about ghostwriting? Below are frequently asked questions and answers that could help you.
Is Ghostwriting in High Demand?
Ghostwriting remains in high demand despite the introduction of writing software with artificial intelligence.
Many industries, including book publishing, music, and content creation, still require high-quality work that ghostwriters provide. In fact, recent reports from experts expect the ghostwriting business to grow in the next seven years.
Is Ghostwriting a Good Side Hustle?
Yes. Ghostwriting is an excellent source of extra income. It’s a great gig for individuals, especially stay-at-home parents, looking for ways to help their families financially.
The demand for high-quality written content remains robust, with companies clamoring to dominate the online space. These organizations are willing to pay handsomely for well-written content.
