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what are the pros and cons about being a ghost writer?
ebony, age:21,
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Byron’s Answer
The biggest con is what Tom mentioned; it's difficult to be known when you're a ghost writer. However, you can definitely make a lot of money as a writer in this trade.
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Ebony,
I've done ghostwriting in the following ways:
>Research/write/edit book chapters for experts who were publishing a book for the first time (for example, I helped write and edit a book for a real estate expert who was publishing a book about how to buy old houses, renovate them and resell them, or "flipping houses"). The writing was based off of hours of interviews with that expert.
>Ghostwrote articles for executive leaders (the CEO) -- usually leaders don't have time to write articles. As the writer, you interview the leader and capture what points they make about the topic you are writing about, and you draft the article for them. Once you provide them with the draft, the leader will review it and make edits to add additional thoughts or remove pieces they don't want. Once it is approved by the leader, you publish it.
>Ghostwrote articles for subject matter experts, including engineers and scientists. It is helpful for experts to have articles published under their name (byline) that shares their views/insights into a problem or industry. This is fun because as the writer, you work to publish an article on a topic the expert wants to talk about. You interview the subject matter expert to capture their insights or point of view, and then you write the article for them. You not only capture their insights, but also their voice. It is very rewarding to write and publish articles for experts because you were the writer who helped capture their expertise and help share it with the world so that others can learn from that expert.
I encourage you to do ghostwriting as well as other kinds of writing, including writing and publishing pieces under your own name. Experience doing all types of writing will help grow your career as a writer, and you'll be able to do more projects. I hope this was helpful and keep pursuing your interests and whatever excites you!
I've done ghostwriting in the following ways:
>Research/write/edit book chapters for experts who were publishing a book for the first time (for example, I helped write and edit a book for a real estate expert who was publishing a book about how to buy old houses, renovate them and resell them, or "flipping houses"). The writing was based off of hours of interviews with that expert.
>Ghostwrote articles for executive leaders (the CEO) -- usually leaders don't have time to write articles. As the writer, you interview the leader and capture what points they make about the topic you are writing about, and you draft the article for them. Once you provide them with the draft, the leader will review it and make edits to add additional thoughts or remove pieces they don't want. Once it is approved by the leader, you publish it.
>Ghostwrote articles for subject matter experts, including engineers and scientists. It is helpful for experts to have articles published under their name (byline) that shares their views/insights into a problem or industry. This is fun because as the writer, you work to publish an article on a topic the expert wants to talk about. You interview the subject matter expert to capture their insights or point of view, and then you write the article for them. You not only capture their insights, but also their voice. It is very rewarding to write and publish articles for experts because you were the writer who helped capture their expertise and help share it with the world so that others can learn from that expert.
I encourage you to do ghostwriting as well as other kinds of writing, including writing and publishing pieces under your own name. Experience doing all types of writing will help grow your career as a writer, and you'll be able to do more projects. I hope this was helpful and keep pursuing your interests and whatever excites you!
Updated
Tom’s Answer
One big con is that it's tougher to get your own name out there where people can see it. You get paid, but at the same time, you're writing a story or other work for someone else who gets to take the credit. If you don't care about that, then ghostwriting could be for you.
A pro for ghostwriting is that you get paid and don't have to worry that much about marketing the book or other work, as a lot of ghostwriters are there for a one-time service and will move on. There are plenty of ghostwriters that will make a career out of this, but it's something that takes a toll if you want your voice to be heard along with your name.
It's a matter of personal choice really, but if you really enjoy writing it's an experience I'd recommend.
A pro for ghostwriting is that you get paid and don't have to worry that much about marketing the book or other work, as a lot of ghostwriters are there for a one-time service and will move on. There are plenty of ghostwriters that will make a career out of this, but it's something that takes a toll if you want your voice to be heard along with your name.
It's a matter of personal choice really, but if you really enjoy writing it's an experience I'd recommend.
Tom, thank you!
Ebony
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi, Ebony,
Pros: A steady paycheck.
Cons: See “pros”.
As a freelance writer, in any capacity, a large amount of time is taken up searching out the next project. If you are up for ghost writing fiction, there are many legitimate companies that can provide a very steady paycheck. Some pay higher than others, so be wary of anyone who offers you less than three cents per word—more on that in a minute.
I worked for nearly a year and a half for one company, writing for one specific “Author”. I answered to a manager, who was the go-between for the author and myself. All communication between myself and the author had to go through my manager.
I was never told who the author was, but since there were a couple of unique character names, after allowing enough time for the first book to be published, a quick Google search using those two names led directly to the book and author. I ended up ghostwriting two six-book series, in totally different genres.
The company I wrote for is one of the more legitimate ones. Here's a real-numbers break-down:
1. Words required: 20,000 per week. Author's notes can range from a bare minimum of details, to very intricate outlines. I would often end up with only a 300-word “note” that I had to turn into a 3,000-word chapter.
That often afforded me a fair amount of leeway, and I used it to establish my own voice, while remaining within given restraints. For that alone, I would recommend to at least give it a try. There is nothing like having to churn out 20K words per week to teach you how to write under pressure!
2. Pay. Regarding the three-cents per word, my contract paid the 3 cents if I turned the weekly assignment in on time—2.75 cents if it was a day late, 2.5 cents if two days late and 2 cents if more than that, but you wouldn't hold on to the job if you didn't hit the numbers. I eventually bargained for an 8-day deadline instead of 7.
Without being a math whiz, if you turned in the 20K on time, at 3 cents per word, you would earn $600 per week, which comes out to $15 per hour for a forty-hour work week. The problem for me, was that I would often work 70 hours to get in my 20K, but would still only get the same pay. Remember, it's all about the word count, not the time spent. Most of the novels written this way are for Kindle-type of books, where the audience expects their favorite authors to put out five to ten books per year, so there is a large need for ghostwriters; especially in the paranoral and romance genres. In fact, "Urban Paranormal Romance" is a very popular genre.
3. Many have a problem, legitimately, with not getting the credit, but I think we often forget what we get in return. One way to think of it, is that you are getting paid to experiment with different styles and genres. Any legitimate publishing company will have a whole team of readers and editors, so as long as you are willing to accept their notes and put in the effort, you will have a steady stream of work.
You will have to learn to avoid burnout, and will only earn a minimum of a livable wage. Also, sadly, it might not leave you much time to work on your own writing, but long as you know and accept that in advance, then ghostwriting might be something to look into as you work toward your own projects.
Best wishes in all your endeavors.
Bob
Do a search on Amazon for books in a genre you might be interested in writing. Read some "free samples", and then do a Google search for: ghostwriting jobs fiction.
Pros: A steady paycheck.
Cons: See “pros”.
As a freelance writer, in any capacity, a large amount of time is taken up searching out the next project. If you are up for ghost writing fiction, there are many legitimate companies that can provide a very steady paycheck. Some pay higher than others, so be wary of anyone who offers you less than three cents per word—more on that in a minute.
I worked for nearly a year and a half for one company, writing for one specific “Author”. I answered to a manager, who was the go-between for the author and myself. All communication between myself and the author had to go through my manager.
I was never told who the author was, but since there were a couple of unique character names, after allowing enough time for the first book to be published, a quick Google search using those two names led directly to the book and author. I ended up ghostwriting two six-book series, in totally different genres.
The company I wrote for is one of the more legitimate ones. Here's a real-numbers break-down:
1. Words required: 20,000 per week. Author's notes can range from a bare minimum of details, to very intricate outlines. I would often end up with only a 300-word “note” that I had to turn into a 3,000-word chapter.
That often afforded me a fair amount of leeway, and I used it to establish my own voice, while remaining within given restraints. For that alone, I would recommend to at least give it a try. There is nothing like having to churn out 20K words per week to teach you how to write under pressure!
2. Pay. Regarding the three-cents per word, my contract paid the 3 cents if I turned the weekly assignment in on time—2.75 cents if it was a day late, 2.5 cents if two days late and 2 cents if more than that, but you wouldn't hold on to the job if you didn't hit the numbers. I eventually bargained for an 8-day deadline instead of 7.
Without being a math whiz, if you turned in the 20K on time, at 3 cents per word, you would earn $600 per week, which comes out to $15 per hour for a forty-hour work week. The problem for me, was that I would often work 70 hours to get in my 20K, but would still only get the same pay. Remember, it's all about the word count, not the time spent. Most of the novels written this way are for Kindle-type of books, where the audience expects their favorite authors to put out five to ten books per year, so there is a large need for ghostwriters; especially in the paranoral and romance genres. In fact, "Urban Paranormal Romance" is a very popular genre.
3. Many have a problem, legitimately, with not getting the credit, but I think we often forget what we get in return. One way to think of it, is that you are getting paid to experiment with different styles and genres. Any legitimate publishing company will have a whole team of readers and editors, so as long as you are willing to accept their notes and put in the effort, you will have a steady stream of work.
You will have to learn to avoid burnout, and will only earn a minimum of a livable wage. Also, sadly, it might not leave you much time to work on your own writing, but long as you know and accept that in advance, then ghostwriting might be something to look into as you work toward your own projects.
Best wishes in all your endeavors.
Bob
Robert recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Seth’s Answer
Pros of ghostwriting:
-You can learn a lot from the interesting people you ghostwrite for.
-You don't need to have smart ideas, you are putting other people's smart ideas into words.
-It's a great way to get paid for writing.
-It's not under your name, so your ego will be less delicate about the writing and its reception.
Cons of ghostwriting:
-In the end, you are trying to get someone else's vision into the world, not your own.
-You need to write with someone else's voice, you can't use your own voice.
-You will not have final say over what the writing looks like.
-You can learn a lot from the interesting people you ghostwrite for.
-You don't need to have smart ideas, you are putting other people's smart ideas into words.
-It's a great way to get paid for writing.
-It's not under your name, so your ego will be less delicate about the writing and its reception.
Cons of ghostwriting:
-In the end, you are trying to get someone else's vision into the world, not your own.
-You need to write with someone else's voice, you can't use your own voice.
-You will not have final say over what the writing looks like.
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Bright and Dark Sides of Being a Ghostwriter:
The Bright Sides:
1. Earning money for your talent
2. Infusing your unique creativity, words, and style into the project
3. Recognition and respect from those around you, even if it's behind the scenes
4. If your skills live up to your reputation, numerous artists will seek your collaboration, leading to more income
5. If the song becomes a chartbuster, you earn an additional bonus
6. Opportunity to travel and attend concerts, if feasible
The Dark Sides:
1. The possibility of not receiving the expected payment
2. The audience may not recognize your contribution
3. The need to maintain confidentiality about your involvement, particularly if it's contractually obligated.
The Bright Sides:
1. Earning money for your talent
2. Infusing your unique creativity, words, and style into the project
3. Recognition and respect from those around you, even if it's behind the scenes
4. If your skills live up to your reputation, numerous artists will seek your collaboration, leading to more income
5. If the song becomes a chartbuster, you earn an additional bonus
6. Opportunity to travel and attend concerts, if feasible
The Dark Sides:
1. The possibility of not receiving the expected payment
2. The audience may not recognize your contribution
3. The need to maintain confidentiality about your involvement, particularly if it's contractually obligated.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Ebony,
Advantages of Choosing a Ghostwriting Career
Financial Gain: Ghostwriting can be a lucrative career choice. If you have a niche expertise or genre, you can charge premium rates, earning significantly more than beginners in the field.
Creative Expression: Ghostwriting offers a platform to channel your creativity and imagination across diverse projects. It provides the chance to experiment with various styles, themes, and genres, making the job both challenging and gratifying.
Work Flexibility: Ghostwriting typically allows for flexible work schedules and the possibility of working remotely. This enables you to maintain a balanced lifestyle while still indulging in your love for writing.
Privacy: Ghostwriters are required to uphold confidentiality, ensuring the anonymity of their clients. This aspect can be appealing for those who prioritize discretion and privacy.
Networking Opportunities: As a ghostwriter, you can build valuable connections with prominent individuals and companies in your field. These relationships can pave the way for future projects or partnerships.
Challenges of a Ghostwriting Career
Limited Recognition: A significant downside of ghostwriting is the lack of public acknowledgment for your work. Your name won't be associated with the published material, which can be disheartening for some writers.
Intellectual Property Issues: Ghostwriters may face concerns regarding the ownership of their created content. Often, you relinquish your rights to the material upon completion, leaving you with no say over its future use.
Industry Competition: The ghostwriting field is highly competitive, making it tough to secure well-paid clients and steady work. It demands ongoing effort to promote yourself and establish a solid reputation.
Time Management: Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines can be stressful and time-consuming. It necessitates excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Emotional Attachment: Ghostwriters may find themselves emotionally attached to their clients' stories or projects. Detaching from the work once it's done can be hard, particularly if the client opts for major revisions or discontinues the project.
Conclusion
The ghostwriting profession comes with its own set of pros and cons. It offers financial benefits, creative freedom, work flexibility, privacy, and networking prospects, but it also entails challenges like lack of recognition, intellectual property issues, competition, time management difficulties, and emotional involvement. Whether ghostwriting suits you or not ultimately depends on your personal preferences, values, and writing goals.
Credible Reference Sources
The Balance Careers - Provided insights into the monetary benefits and challenges of ghostwriting.
Writer’s Digest - Explored the creative aspects and potential pitfalls of ghostwriting.
Forbes - Highlighted the significance of time management and networking in the ghostwriting sector.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Advantages of Choosing a Ghostwriting Career
Financial Gain: Ghostwriting can be a lucrative career choice. If you have a niche expertise or genre, you can charge premium rates, earning significantly more than beginners in the field.
Creative Expression: Ghostwriting offers a platform to channel your creativity and imagination across diverse projects. It provides the chance to experiment with various styles, themes, and genres, making the job both challenging and gratifying.
Work Flexibility: Ghostwriting typically allows for flexible work schedules and the possibility of working remotely. This enables you to maintain a balanced lifestyle while still indulging in your love for writing.
Privacy: Ghostwriters are required to uphold confidentiality, ensuring the anonymity of their clients. This aspect can be appealing for those who prioritize discretion and privacy.
Networking Opportunities: As a ghostwriter, you can build valuable connections with prominent individuals and companies in your field. These relationships can pave the way for future projects or partnerships.
Challenges of a Ghostwriting Career
Limited Recognition: A significant downside of ghostwriting is the lack of public acknowledgment for your work. Your name won't be associated with the published material, which can be disheartening for some writers.
Intellectual Property Issues: Ghostwriters may face concerns regarding the ownership of their created content. Often, you relinquish your rights to the material upon completion, leaving you with no say over its future use.
Industry Competition: The ghostwriting field is highly competitive, making it tough to secure well-paid clients and steady work. It demands ongoing effort to promote yourself and establish a solid reputation.
Time Management: Juggling multiple projects with varying deadlines can be stressful and time-consuming. It necessitates excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Emotional Attachment: Ghostwriters may find themselves emotionally attached to their clients' stories or projects. Detaching from the work once it's done can be hard, particularly if the client opts for major revisions or discontinues the project.
Conclusion
The ghostwriting profession comes with its own set of pros and cons. It offers financial benefits, creative freedom, work flexibility, privacy, and networking prospects, but it also entails challenges like lack of recognition, intellectual property issues, competition, time management difficulties, and emotional involvement. Whether ghostwriting suits you or not ultimately depends on your personal preferences, values, and writing goals.
Credible Reference Sources
The Balance Careers - Provided insights into the monetary benefits and challenges of ghostwriting.
Writer’s Digest - Explored the creative aspects and potential pitfalls of ghostwriting.
Forbes - Highlighted the significance of time management and networking in the ghostwriting sector.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.