Association of Ghostwriters (AOG) member Kelly James-Enger penned this article for Writer's Digest magazine about becoming a successful ghostwriter: http://writersdigest.com/article/how-to-be-a-ghostwriter/?et_mid=507182&rid=2986306
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Breaking Into Ghostwriting Article
Association of Ghostwriters (AOG) member Kelly James-Enger penned this article for Writer's Digest magazine about becoming a successful ghostwriter: http://writersdigest.com/article/how-to-be-a-ghostwriter/?et_mid=507182&rid=2986306
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Specializing - Why it Works
Although I consider myself in many respects a generalist writer, I've been reminded recently why specializing makes a lot of sense.
When I decided to start an association specifically for ghostwriters, I turned for guidance to an expert in the field. I wanted to get up-to-speed quickly on how to structure such an organization, how to best serve ghostwriters, how to connect with them, etc. and knew this knowledgeable guru could help. And she did. She had years of experience in starting several of her own membership groups and was extremely helpful - because she was a specialist in this area.
However, I've noticed in the last few months that she has shifted away from teaching others how to start membership organizations, like associations, and more toward teaching women how to start and run companies. She's gone from targeting a niche audience to targeting a broad cross-section of women. Which is fine but, in expanding her focus, she's become less useful to me.
I suspect that potential clients may view ghostwriters with the same filter. If they want help writing a memoir, they will likely search for a writer who has previously written memoirs. Or should a CEO decide to share her tips for success, she may go hunting for a writer with an MBA. Not that a skilled writer couldn't tell her story just as well but, that a writer with business training much like her own will speak the same language. That's a big benefit of working with a topic specialist.
If you agree and think you're not being as aggressive as you could be in highlighting your own specialist talents, I'd suggest a few things. Make sure your social media bios include keywords related to your expertise. Mention articles you've written in that area, companies you've worked with and projects underway in that niche. Post blog mentions of tips you've picked up in your specialty.
In sum, make it much easier for potential clients to come across you when they do their own search for a specialist. Then demonstrate that you are one.
When I decided to start an association specifically for ghostwriters, I turned for guidance to an expert in the field. I wanted to get up-to-speed quickly on how to structure such an organization, how to best serve ghostwriters, how to connect with them, etc. and knew this knowledgeable guru could help. And she did. She had years of experience in starting several of her own membership groups and was extremely helpful - because she was a specialist in this area.
However, I've noticed in the last few months that she has shifted away from teaching others how to start membership organizations, like associations, and more toward teaching women how to start and run companies. She's gone from targeting a niche audience to targeting a broad cross-section of women. Which is fine but, in expanding her focus, she's become less useful to me.
I suspect that potential clients may view ghostwriters with the same filter. If they want help writing a memoir, they will likely search for a writer who has previously written memoirs. Or should a CEO decide to share her tips for success, she may go hunting for a writer with an MBA. Not that a skilled writer couldn't tell her story just as well but, that a writer with business training much like her own will speak the same language. That's a big benefit of working with a topic specialist.
If you agree and think you're not being as aggressive as you could be in highlighting your own specialist talents, I'd suggest a few things. Make sure your social media bios include keywords related to your expertise. Mention articles you've written in that area, companies you've worked with and projects underway in that niche. Post blog mentions of tips you've picked up in your specialty.
In sum, make it much easier for potential clients to come across you when they do their own search for a specialist. Then demonstrate that you are one.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Demand for Ghostwriting Up 269% in 2010
If you're a writer looking to ghostwriting to boost your income in 2011, you're in the right place at the right time.
A report released today by Freelancer.com indicates that the number of outsourced ghostwriting projects climbed 269% in 2010 and was one of the top 10 biggest movers of the year. The total number of ghostwriting projects posted at Freelancer.com last year climbed from 2,576 to 9,507. That's a big jump. And Freelancer.com isn't the only place ghostwriting gigs are posted - not by a long shot.
So if you've been thinking that ghostwriting is a niche you should explore, or if you're a ghostwriter on the hunt for additional projects in 2011, here are a few things we can take away from these findings:
A report released today by Freelancer.com indicates that the number of outsourced ghostwriting projects climbed 269% in 2010 and was one of the top 10 biggest movers of the year. The total number of ghostwriting projects posted at Freelancer.com last year climbed from 2,576 to 9,507. That's a big jump. And Freelancer.com isn't the only place ghostwriting gigs are posted - not by a long shot.
So if you've been thinking that ghostwriting is a niche you should explore, or if you're a ghostwriter on the hunt for additional projects in 2011, here are a few things we can take away from these findings:
- Where there are projects available, there is money to be made. Granted, not all will be lucrative gigs, but increasing awareness of the usefulness of ghostwriters should drive additional demand.
- Article writing and rewriting were, by far, the largest category at Freelancer.com for 2010. This suggests demand for content, whether we're talking about articles, blog posts, tweets or Facebook status updates is also rising. This presents more opportunities for ghostwriters.
- Identifying yourself as a ghostwriter may help attract potential clients. Make sure the keywords "ghostwriter" and "ghostwriting" are evident on your website, so when potential clients are searching for ghostwriting help, your name is in the mix.
- We all should be checking out Freelancer.com and similar sites to tap into the thousands of ghostwriting opportunities that exist.
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The Association of Ghostwriters is the leading professional organization for ghostwriters of books, articles, speeches, blogs and social media content. Members are experienced and aspiring ghostwriters dedicated to providing high-quality content.