Taking a Different Path: Starting My Ghostwriting Career

After researching various freelance platforms, I chose Upwork to kickstart my ghostwriting journey. I had no prior ghostwriting experience and faced uncertainty about what lay ahead. However, I was determined to make writing my full-time profession and ready to adapt.

Surprisingly, within my first month on Upwork, I secured three clients. These projects were substantial—three different books with tight deadlines. To establish trust, one client required submissions of 5,000 words every three days! Suddenly, I was writing up to 40,000 words weekly. It was exhausting yet thrilling. For the first time, I was earning money by doing what I loved most: storytelling.

By the end of that month, I had completed all three projects and earned my first $2,000 (USD) as a ghostwriter. I was ecstatic, although I must admit it wasn’t an easy journey.

The Realities of Ghostwriting: Challenges and Rewards

Was $2,000 a significant sum for the effort I invested? Not particularly. Considering the long hours, strict deadlines, and initial lower rates, my return on investment was modest. Had I approached it with more confidence, I likely could have negotiated better terms. I was skilled but inexperienced in romance writing and eager to learn.

The truth is, ghostwriting doesn’t always guarantee immediate success. You may not secure multiple clients in your first month, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s common to start with one client or smaller tasks like blogs or editing work. The initial phase is often a hustle where you build your portfolio, earn trust, and demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality writing.

But don’t let this discourage you; it’s all part of the process.

How I Secured My First Clients: Practical Strategies

So, how did I successfully land those clients so quickly? Here’s a breakdown of the steps I took, which can help you too:

1. Optimize Your Profile: I made it clear in my Upwork profile that I was serious about storytelling and had a background as an author. I showcased my skills, highlighted my writing experience, and included samples of my previous work. I positioned myself as a professional independent publisher.
2. Apply to Suitable Jobs: Rather than applying indiscriminately, I focused on projects that matched my strengths and interests, particularly long-form writing. I also considered the client’s communication style to ensure a smooth working relationship.
3. Craft Personalized Proposals: Each proposal was tailored to the client's specific needs. I demonstrated my understanding of their project and clarified how I could meet their expectations. I avoided using generic templates, although I occasionally found myself reiterating my qualifications.
4. Be Open to Negotiation: As a newcomer to ghostwriting, I was willing to accept lower rates initially. While I wouldn’t recommend this as a long-term strategy, it helped me get started, build relationships, and gain confidence.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

One of the most significant challenges I faced during those early days was time management. Writing 40,000 words weekly while juggling multiple clients proved unsustainable. I often felt overwhelmed, and skipping a writing day could derail my entire schedule. Nevertheless, despite the stress, I relished every moment, knowing it was a stepping stone to something greater.

Over time, I learned the importance of setting boundaries and managing client expectations. I realized that I didn’t need to accept every project that came my way, especially if it didn’t excite me or align with my skills.

It's worth noting that my situation allowed me to accept lower rates. Living with family in a low-cost area gave me a safety net that not everyone has.

If You Don’t Succeed Right Away, That’s Okay

Let’s be honest: not everyone will have the same experience. You might not secure three clients in your first month, and that’s fine. You may need to start with smaller projects before progressing to larger ones. Patience is crucial.

Trust the process. Each project, no matter how minor, brings you closer to your goals. Consistency, skill refinement, and learning from every experience—both successes and setbacks—are vital.

Building Long-Term Success as a Ghostwriter

Once I gained momentum, I realized that my reputation is the most valuable asset as a ghostwriter. By consistently delivering high-quality work and building trust with clients, I began to attract repeat business. I didn’t have to hustle as much for new clients because referrals and positive reviews started to come in.

Here’s how I’ve managed to increase my earnings and maintain long-term success in ghostwriting:

1. Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Initially, I took on numerous projects, but I later shifted my focus to fewer, higher-quality assignments. This approach enabled me to dedicate more time and effort to each client and charge higher rates.
2. Build Relationships: Establishing strong relationships with clients is key to long-term success. By consistently delivering excellent work and maintaining open communication, I gained their trust and secured ongoing projects. Many writers let their egos interfere with collaboration, but if you want a sustainable writing career, you must learn to set aside your ego.
3. Know Your Worth: As I gained experience and confidence, I began to raise my rates. If you consistently deliver results, don’t hesitate to charge what you deserve. There will always be prospects who may try to convince you to lower your rates, but any client who doesn’t recognize your value isn’t worth your time. The right clients will see it.

Conclusion: Embracing Writing as a Career

Ghostwriting enabled me to turn my passion for storytelling into a full-time career. While the journey wasn’t easy and isn’t always glamorous, patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn have allowed me to make writing my livelihood—and you can do the same.

Whether you're just starting or seeking a new direction in your writing career, ghostwriting presents an incredible opportunity. The key is to persevere, even when success doesn’t come immediately. Trust in your abilities, remain consistent, and in time, the rewards will come.

The first video titled "How To Outline A 60,000 Word Book In 24 Minutes" offers tips on efficiently planning your writing projects, which can be beneficial for aspiring ghostwriters.

The second video, "How I Reached $7.5k/mo Writing Copy (Pragmatic Vs. Aspirational Mentors)," provides insights into building a successful writing career and learning from mentors in the industry.