By Michael McKown
The upside to being a ghostwriter is that it’s interesting and fascinating work. If you work well with those who hire you and deliver what they’re paying for, you’ll develop a sterling reputation and the word will spread. You’ll make money. And you won’t have a traditional boss looking over your shoulder to make your life miserable.
The downside is that it’s easy to screw up. I’m going to talk about screwing up. Or rather, how not to screw up.
Ghostwriting sounds mysterious and glamorous, like slipping into someone else’s skin to spin their tales. You get to write books, speeches, or blogs without your name ever seeing the spotlight. But here’s the kicker: ghostwriting isn’t just about being a wordsmith. It’s about dodging pitfalls that can turn your dream job into a nightmare faster than you can say “writer’s block.”
First off, never miss a deadline. Ghostwriting is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Time management is critical. Clients, whether they’re CEOs or aspiring novelists, expect their words delivered on time, no excuses. Miss a deadline, and you’re not just burning a bridge; you’re torching it with a flamethrower.
One ghostwriter I knew learned this the hard way. She took on too many projects, thinking she could “wing it.” When she missed a memoir deadline by a week, her client dropped her. The fix? Plan your schedule like a military operation. Use tools like Trello or a good old calendar, and don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Another rookie mistake is ignoring the client’s voice. Ghostwriting isn’t about flexing your poetic muscles or writing like you’re penning the next Great American Novel. Your job is to sound like them. If your client’s a no-nonsense business mogul, don’t churn out flowery prose that belongs in a romance novel.
One poor guy thought he’d “improve” a client’s gritty, conversational blog with Shakespearean flair. Spoiler: the client wasn’t impressed. They wanted their voice, not a literary costume party. To nail this, spend time studying your client’s past work, emails, or even how they talk. Record interviews, mimic their quirks, and channel their vibe like you’re their vocal doppelgänger.
Because being their vocal doppelganger is your job.
Research is another area where ghostwriters can trip over their own egos. Don’t assume you know enough to fake it till you make it. Whether you’re crafting a tech guru’s whitepaper or a celebrity’s tell-all, half-baked facts will make you look like an amateur.
Imagine ghostwriting a book about blockchain and tossing in buzzwords without understanding them. Your client will spot the flimflam from a mile away. Dig deep. Scour reputable sources, interview experts, and if you’re stuck, search platforms like X, Reddit or Quora for real-time insights (just double-check for accuracy). A little elbow grease upfront saves you from embarrassing rewrites later.
Contracts are your safety net, so don’t skip them. Starting a project without a clear agreement is like jumping out of a plane without a parachute. You need a contract spelling out payment terms, scope of the work, deadlines, and confidentiality, especially the last one, since ghostwriters are supposed to stay, well, ghostly.
One writer learned this lesson when a client claimed partial payment was “fine” verbally, only to ghost (ironic, right?) when the invoice arrived. A solid contract, preferably reviewed by a lawyer, keeps everyone honest and saves you from chasing payments like a dog after its tail.
At my company, Ghostwriters Central, Inc., we’ve developed contracts that are designed to detail the project, terms, conditions, limitations, costs, copyright and many other things. Our contracts are designed to keep our clients on the straight and narrow, and to protect our professional writers from misbehaving clients.
Speaking of staying ghostly, don’t blab about your projects. Ghostwriting is the ultimate “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” deal. Bragging on X or LinkedIn about that bestseller you secretly wrote? Bad move. It breaks trust, NDA terms and screams unprofessional.
One ghostwriter couldn’t resist hinting at their work on a politician’s speech online. The client saw it, got livid, and spread the word. That writer’s phone stopped ringing. Keep your lips sealed, and let the client bask in the glory. Get over your need for the spotlight. That’s the gig.
Another trap is overpromising your skills. It’s tempting to say “yes” to every project, especially when the bank account’s looking lean. But if you’ve never written sci-fi, don’t take on a client’s epic space opera thinking you’ll “figure it out.” You’ll end up with a manuscript that reads like a bad B-movie script. Be upfront with your strengths. If a project’s out of your wheelhouse, pass or recommend someone else. It’s better to lose one gig than to tank your reputation with shoddy work.
Feedback can sting, but don’t brush it off. Clients will have notes, sometimes a lot of them. One ghostwriter got defensive when a client suggested changes to a chapter, arguing it was “perfect as is.” Spoiler: the client didn’t renew the contract. Swallow your pride, listen to feedback, and make revisions with a smile (or at least fake it). It’s not personal; it’s part of the process. Think of it like getting a haircut. Sometimes you need a trim to look sharp.
You serve the client. Not the other way around.
Undervaluing your work is another misstep. Ghostwriting is tough, blending creativity with detective-like client analysis. Don’t sell yourself short just to land a gig. Lowball rates attract bargain-hunting clients who’ll nickel-and-dime you to death. Research industry standards, think $0.10 to $0.50 per word or $30 to $100 per hour, depending on experience.
Charge what you’re worth, and you’ll attract clients who respect your craft. One writer started at rock-bottom prices and ended up with a client who demanded endless revisions for pennies. Lesson learned: value yourself, and others will, too.
Communication is the glue that holds ghostwriting together. Don’t go radio silent on your client. Regular check-ins, updates, and questions show you’re on top of things. One ghostwriter went AWOL for two weeks, thinking “no news is good news.” The client panicked, assuming the project was dead. A quick email or call can prevent that drama. Keep the lines open, and you’ll avoid misunderstandings that make you look like you’ve dropped the ball.
Networking is another must. Don’t hole up in your writer’s cave, expecting clients to find you like magic. The writing world thrives on connections. Skipping conferences, writing groups, or even engaging on platforms like X means missing out on leads.
One ghostwriter landed a major book deal just by chatting with an editor at a workshop. If you’re an introvert, force yourself to interact with people. Trust me, it gets a lot easier with experience, and I’m speaking as a former introvert. Get out there, shake hands (virtually or otherwise), and let people know you’re the go-to ghost.
Burning bridges is a no-no. Even if a client’s a nightmare, don’t vent publicly or badmouth them on social media. The writing community is smaller than you think, and word travels fast. One ghostwriter trashed a “difficult” client online, only to find future clients hesitant to work with her. Stay professional, even when you want to scream into the void. A good reputation is worth more than a fleeting rant.
Finally, don’t neglect self-care. Ghostwriting can be a grind. Think late nights, tight deadlines, and mental gymnastics to nail a client’s voice. Burnout is real, and it’ll tank your productivity faster than a plot twist in a thriller.
One writer pushed through exhaustion, only to churn out a chapter so bad it needed a complete rewrite. Take breaks, eat well, and maybe go for a walk instead of staring at your screen like a zombie. Your brain will thank you.
Ghostwriting is a wild ride, full of challenges and rewards. By steering clear of these pitfalls, missed deadlines, ego trips, and the like, you can build a career that’s both lucrative and fulfilling. Stay sharp, stay professional, and keep your client’s story front and center. Do that, and you’ll be the ghostwriter everyone wants but no one sees coming.
