Secrets to Finding Big Money Ghostwriting Gigs
Here’s a startling statistic: Over 80 per cent of the population
wants to write a book someday. However, only one per cent will ever
attempt it. That’s a huge opportunity for ghostwriting!
So, if you’re a freelance writer, chances are you can
make a lot more money as a ghostwriter. Even if you’re not
a writer, but an expert in your field, you can still profit
handsomely as a ghostwriter. There are tremendous benefits
to ghostwriting, including:

•Great pay
•Steady work
•Less “pitching”
•Wonderful variety
•Freedom and flexibility
•Ability to choose and line up a few, select projects each
year
•Spend more time writing and less time looking for jobs
•Make more money with fewer projects!

So how do you find these lucrative writing assignments?

Here are seven ways to break into the ghostwriting genre
and find those big-money gigs:

1. Make connections:
Most clients who are going to invest significant money to
have a book ghostwritten are going to want a recommendation
or referral from a trusted source. That’s why it’s so
important to begin to build your network and get the word
out about your ghostwriting services. To find high-paying
ghostwriting assignments, attend networking events, become
more active in the community (both local and online!), make
connections and contacts with other writers and editors,
and expand your circle of influence.

2. Use your expertise to conquer a niche:
Use your current skills and experience. If you’re career
coach, then you’re already well positioned to write for a
client who wants a career book. If you’ve got a background
writing sports features, you’d be a great ghostwriter for a
sports figure. The same goes if you’ve got any experience
in health care, law or general business. Use your
expertise to find clients in those areas. Many doctors,
lawyers and executives want to write a book, but don’t have
time. That’s where you come in!

3. Use current clients, editors and referrals:
If you’re a freelance writer, then you’ve already got
editorial connections and contacts at various publications.
Use those current “clients” to get referrals for potential
ghostwriting clients and opportunities. Referrals are a
key source for finding potential “authors.”

4. Use Guru.com, elance.com, craigslist and other online
sources:
Writing websites and freelance sites are another great
route to ghostwriting gigs. Sign up on sites like these
and check their many freelance job listings, online forums
and resources.

5. Find and market to time-crunched corporate execs:
C-Level managers and executives are perfect candidates for
ghostwriting clients. Use your business contacts and
network to find CEOs and other business leaders who may be
ready to write their book.

6. Take advantage of online marketing:
The Internet offers almost unlimited no or low-cost
opportunities to market your ghostwriting services. Visit
writer’s sites such as WritersDigest.com, WritersMarket.com
or Mediabistro.com. These and other car insurance sites provide
resources, classes, links and info to get your writing on
the fast track. In addition, be sure to launch your own
website or blog to market your services.

7. Follow the ghost trail:
Fellow writers and ghostwriters are also a great source of
leads and referrals. Since ghostwriters can typically only
handle one or two clients at a time, buddy up with fellow
writers and offer to take on their “extra” clients. You
could even offer a finder’s fee to the writer you
“sub-contract” with.

Follow these suggestions and you’ll be on your way to
ghostwriting success!

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Lou Bortone has been a freelance writer for more than 20
years, and his work has appeared in dozens of national
publications and industry trade magazines. In addition to
hundreds of print and online publication credits, Lou has
also ghostwritten full-length books, magazine features,
speeches and even television screenplays. For more info
and resources on ghostwriting, please visit:
http://www.GhostwriteSuccess.com .