Your First Ghostwriting Gig! Now What?

by Cris Yeager
DIGITAL MEDIA GHOST
Ghostwriting

Congratulations! You’ve just landed your first ghostwriting gig! While this might be a new field to you, there’s no doubt you’ll do an awesome job and enjoy the opportunity. Now that the excitement of landing your first ghostwriting gig has died down, it’s time to shift gears and think like a ghostwriter. But where do you begin? What steps should you take to make sure this gig goes off without a hitch?

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To get started, check out these three steps every beginning ghostwriter should take before embarking on their first project as a ghostwriter.

Start with the basics! Once you’ve signed your first ghostwriting contract, do what you need to do.  Create a writing space. Get organized with all of your materials. Learn about the author's life so you can better understand his or her perspective on the project. Study up on how to write well-structured paragraphs and use proper grammar throughout.

It'll all come in handy when you're getting started as a ghostwriter and will give you valuable skills in case this gig doesn't work out for whatever reason (after all, it's not easy, but you can do it). If possible, read some material from authors who are similar to the one whose work you're helping produce so that you know what works for them, and then apply those ideas to your own writing process for future gigs. Finally, relax!

1) Have a solid plan
As a writer, you should have a plan before you start your ghostwriting gig. Even if it's just the broad strokes. But as the ghostwriter, you'll need to have a plan from before to after, because the process will be different. There is no excuse not to at least think about what needs to happen and when. It will help keep things flowing smoothly. Plus, in case anything changes on either side of the equation (i.e., client or writer), this will give them more time to adjust their plans accordingly. 

• Once you've had a chat with the client, ask questions. Lots and lots of questions. If possible, schedule calls with all involved parties to discuss strategy together without distraction. Sometimes figuring out logistics together makes it easier for everyone later on down the line; other times it becomes clear one party is going to take care of everything so you know who to send files to later on in the process.
• Get contract agreements down early so there are no surprises. Have a contract template in place that can be easily modified to reflect the needs and wants of the client and that shows all the details of the project and what the client can expect from you, the ghostwriter. Include everything, so there is no confusion: How long is the project? Is it exclusive or non-exclusive content? Who owns what rights afterward, how does payment work, etc.? Some clients may only require an hour of your time for something simple like updating their social media page but some may need much more. 
• Get everything agreed upon before beginning any work including pay. Get paid either partially or in full before beginning (add it to the contract). And know this..."real" ghostwriters don't get paid by the hour, they are paid according to the extent of each project.

2) Communication is essential
As a ghostwriter, communication is your most important skill. It's what keeps you connected with your client and ensures that the work you do meets their expectations. The most successful ghostwriters are communicators who can get their ideas across in writing. But it's not just about understanding the client's needs and agreeing on the goals for the project; it's also about being able to communicate clearly with them throughout the process. When you're a ghostwriter, clarity is key and you'll be gathering information from your client and translating it into text, so having clear and concise communication skills is an absolute must.

3) Manage time efficiently
Time management can make or break a ghostwriter, so make sure you plan efficiently. Start by mapping out your day, week, and month to get a handle on how much time you have to dedicate to each project. Then, create deadlines for yourself and stick to them. If you're working with a team of ghostwriters, set firm deadlines and delegate tasks accordingly.

To manage your time better, delegate tasks that are not part of your core competency and don't neglect the essentials like sleep and exercise! Consider sleeping at least 8 hours per night, which will help ensure that you can perform at your best during work hours. When it comes to managing workouts, try adding different types of exercises to stay motivated. On top of taking care of yourself physically, take some time for mental health as well! Take breaks from research and writing to refresh your mind and outlook.

Get paid and enjoy the journey!
Know that when you have taken the last step of a project, turning over the finished product, you're on your way to becoming an excellent ghostwriter. Remember, get paid before you send over the last file! Never short-change yourself. This could be the start of a lucrative career and self-sabotage isn't an option! After all is said and done and the client is happy, relax and reward yourself with something that doesn't involve writing!

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