Writing Without Your Voice, and With Someone Else's

As a student, the voice I use to write essays or discussion posts varies from the voice I use when I’m talking or texting.

Image by https://unsplash.com/@mr_geshani

In academic papers, there’s still a hint of my uniqueness in the way I pattern my sentences or the way I pick my words, but it’s much more structured and conformed. It feels professional. This is drastically different from how I talk calmly to my friends, who aren’t grading me on how I mispronounce “anonymous.”

Two distinct voices from the same person.

Ghostwriting is kind of the same, except it’s not your voice at all.

To write as someone else feels daunting. But it’s not hard to grasp the basics if ghostwriting is something you want to dabble in. I won’t pretend to know everything about the process, but I can share what’s gotten me this far!

All It Takes is to Get to Know Them

To start, how do you write without sounding like you?

It’s your words, your hands, your keyboard. It might feel impossible to write as someone you don’t even know.

Let’s say you have a client whose company is developing a new tech product. Usually, your client will give you a rundown of the technology aspect, so you needn't worry about that; you just need to write. You would then talk to your client for about forty minutes.

Image by https://unsplash.com/@amstram

Start to pay attention to the way they present themselves. How they talk and hold themselves. The body is just another language you can learn to replicate on paper. Are they slumped over or leaned back? Do they talk confidently with jokes sprinkled in, or are they blunt and very information-based?

All this information can be used to capture their voice!

You don’t just have a Zoom call to reference either. You know their name, so you can look them up easily on the internet! Have they written any articles for their company? Done a couple of interviews? Maybe they have a Facebook? All of this can be learned and absorbed by you to replicate them.

This is just a baseline, though. Sometimes you might need to look harder or push deeper depending on the client!

Finding Balance is Key

As a college student, I have to remember when to write as myself and when to write for someone else. Putting it like that sounds easy, but it can become an inconvenience when you forget to make that distinction.

Image by https://unsplash.com/@miracleday

For example, I have to remember my patterns and my voice without someone else's voice mixing into mine by accident. There are times when I’ve written something and paused because I thought, “Huh, that doesn’t sound like me.”

It’s important that you know and remember what your writing habits are. You could adopt someone else's voice completely, and that can be a problem when you can’t hear yourself in your work anymore.

It Gets Easier to Find Your Voice

The best way I know to explain what it’s like to ghostwrite is when you’re invited to a friend’s house for the first time.

It’s new. Awkward. You’re just standing there while your friend is yelling at their dog to stop jumping on you and barking.

You feel out of place, but the more you’re invited over—the more you write—the more you feel at home. You don’t have to ask anymore to grab a drink from their fridge, and you remember the way to the bathroom.

There’s no more unfamiliarity because their home feels as familiar to you as your own, and so too will their voice.

Embracing the Challenge of Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting is not just about mimicking someone else's style. It’s about understanding their essence. You need to capture their thoughts, ideas, and emotions. This can be a challenge, but it’s also rewarding.

When I first started ghostwriting, I felt like I was stepping into someone else’s shoes. It was uncomfortable. But over time, I learned to embrace the challenge. I began to see it as an opportunity to explore different perspectives.

The Art of Listening

Listening is an essential skill in ghostwriting. It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about grasping the nuances behind them. Pay attention to tone, inflection, and even pauses. These elements can provide insight into how your client thinks and feels.

Research is Your Best Friend

Research is crucial. Dive deep into your client’s industry. Understand the trends, challenges, and innovations. This knowledge will help you write with authority and authenticity.

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, ghostwriting improves with practice. Don’t be afraid to write drafts and revise them. Each iteration brings you closer to capturing your client’s voice.

Building a Portfolio

As you gain experience, start building a portfolio. Showcase your best work. This will not only help you attract new clients but also give you confidence in your abilities.

Conclusion: The Journey of Ghostwriting

In conclusion, ghostwriting is a journey. It requires patience, practice, and a willingness to learn. The more you write, the more you’ll develop your skills.

Remember, it’s not just about writing; it’s about connecting with your client’s voice. So, embrace the challenge, and let your creativity flow!

If you’re interested in learning more about ghostwriting, check out Digital Media Ghost. They offer high-level ghostwriting services while educating professionals on how to work effectively in the AI era.