Ghostwriter

Job Description:

Ghostwriters are hired to write books, articles, essays and other pieces under someone else’s name. They usually write for the clients that hire them, rather it be a politician or celebrity, and the client claims the authorship of that writing. There is a diverse amount of opportunities as a ghostwriter, and many either freelance or are employed by others to write all kinds of pieces.

Salary

Median Annual Salary: $63,500 ($30.53/hour)

Top 10% Annual Salary: $112,000 ($53.85/hour)

Ghostwriters are typically paid based on the length of a project, their level of experience, and the type of project they’re working on.

Occupational Outlook:

The employment of ghostwriters is expected to decrease over the next decade, as the popularization of e-books over print media has caused people to start writing more of their own work instead of finding someone for hire, but technology never prevents the opportunity for new clients.

Links to Learn More About This Career:

Educational Requirements:

Traditionally, most ghostwriters obtain a Bachelor's in English, while others obtain a writing or Journalism degree. A Bachelor's is also not even required, but it looks good for any employer to see the depths of the education completed by the ghostwriter.

Berea College

Address: Berea, KY

Website: www.berea.edu

Information on the Major: https://www.berea.edu/eng/

Centre College

Address: Danville, KY

Website: www.centre.edu

Information on the Major: https://www.centre.edu/academics/majors-minors-programs/english

University of California Berkeley

Address: Berkeley, CA

Website: https://www.berkeley.edu/

Information on the Major: https://english.berkeley.edu/

Soft Skills, Characteristics, and/or Abilities Need For This Career:

Write original content based on provided direction, including but not limited to articles, blog posts, web copy, eBooks, and whitepapers
Adhere to strict deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality
Conduct thorough research on assigned topics to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date
Incorporate client feedback and direction into revisions as needed
Maintain open communication with clients throughout the writing process
Understand and maintain knowledge of specific client industries and target audiences

Software Knowledge Needed For This Career:

Should be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat Pro
Communication apps like Zoom or Skype
Social media apps

Pros and Cons to Choosing This Career

Pros (Positives to this Career)

If you have a love for research, the topics are vast
Very flexible lifestyle, in between projects allows for personal time
Only responsible for writing and nothing more

Cons (Negatives to this Career)

You have a boss, and may need to be more patient to do the job
Strict deadline and fast turnaround times
Giving up all the credit for the work

Typical Working Conditions For This Career:

Ghostwriters can work from anywhere as long as they have a computer and internet, but many work at home or in a public space. Hours are usually the regular 9-5, but depending on the deadline, writers can work on weekends to finish projects.