WHAT GHOSTWRITERS SAY: Staying On Track With Writing Projects

by Cris Yeager | DIGITAL MEDIA GHOST | GHOSTWRITING

Ghostwriters discuss the most challenging aspects of staying on track with a writing project.

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Writing as a profession is a demanding and challenging career. It requires hours of research to learn about various subjects and then writing with enough confidence to convince the reader of your expertise. It’s effortless if you're an expert on that topic! However, as a ghostwriter, there are numerous obstacles added. The most difficult challenge for a ghostwriter is writing for others and being uncredited for the work. Maintaining focus to stay on track and staying motivated is a constant battle and can haunt any writer.

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Structure and balance are two elements that bring a writer’s life into focus. Knowing a schedule and sticking to it can make or break a writer/ghostwriter. Time management, scheduling time to write, maintaining a client's voice, staying focused, avoiding distractions, and staying on track with writing projects are all factors in being a successful ghostwriter. So, how does a ghostwriter confront these issues? Below, Ghostwriters discuss the most challenging aspects of staying on track with a writing project.


What Ghostwriters Say

The Ghostwriting for Profit group on Facebook was asked “What's the most challenging aspect of staying on track with a writing project?” and the group has responded. Let’s find out what the ghostwriting community has to say…
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Time Management

Maggie Kellet says:

Managing time appropriately can present an obstacle for anyone. However, when writers are working from home, schedule adjustments are necessary. Setting a schedule to find work, meet with clients, research, write and complete a writing project is key. Stick to the schedule! Be prepared for surprises, but stay the course and manage the writing workload.

Self-discipline is another need, especially when working from home. Balancing a workload with family can be tricky but doable.


Deadlines

Mary C Long says:

Setting a deadline and meeting that date is detrimental to completing a project. A writer is dreaming if they think they can finish whenever they want unless it’s agreed upon by the ghostwriter and the client. Deadlines tie in with scheduling time to write - leave room for unexpected events. Wrapping up a project by completing the deadline will obviously ensure pay, but it will also secure future work either with the same client or by referral.

Recognizing the limit of how much can be written within the scheduled time is trial and error, however, a writer knows how much they can handle and knows even quicker when they’ve taken on more than they can handle.


The Client’s Voice

Linda Cannon says:

It’s easy for a ghostwriter to transform into ‘the writer’ during the process of writing for someone else. Focus and remember who is speaking. Stay on topic and convey the words and thoughts of the client.


​Scheduling

Tegan Baker says:

Knowing the schedule and sticking to it is important. However, it’s not an excuse to shrug the needs of self and family. Down-time can be a delightful inspiration when a writer merely can’t find the words needed to make a piece flow. Scheduling breaks to pursue a hobby or even watch a new episode of a favorite show during the workday isn’t a crime. It might be exactly what’s needed to move forward!


​Motivation

Robin Storey says:

Research is time-consuming. Learning about what the client needs isn't optional. Unless a ghostwriter is already an expert on the topic, gathering information is a must. Finding the motivation to write after researching a topic or during writer’s block can be stressful. If getting paid isn’t enough motivation, keep pushing to write. No job is perfect unless you cuddle with puppies all day.


Communication

Amanda Reill says:

Remember to communicate with the client. Check-in by email, text, etc. to present an update. A client's schedule can change any day, and deadlines can change. Be prepared to add or subtract time from the schedule. Adjustments might just lead to extra time that can be spent elsewhere!


Summary
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Overcoming obstacles to complete ghostwriting projects doesn’t have to be burdensome. The most demanding aspects of staying on track with writing gigs are time management, scheduling and deadlines. With a little advice from the ghostwriting community and a bit of guidance, these issues can be easily resolved. Be strong and write on!

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About the Ghostwriting for Profit group on Facebook: 
 
Sharing tips, tricks and resources focused on ghostwriting as a profession.
 
Experienced and aspiring writers are welcome to join, as well as those seeking writers to hire! 
 
Share your bio, books links, projects you're working on, questions, ideas for collaborations - anything ghostwriting related. We have lots of folks here searching for writers, so be sure to work on your pitch - and (first tip) have a portfolio with work examples handy for those seeking to hire you! 
 
Join Ghostwriting for Profit today!

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