Lots of creatives nurture dreams of becoming writers and having our names hit the bestsellers list. Few want to hide from fame and glory, and so, when the term “ghostwriter” is brought up, it sometimes leaves a bad taste in their mouth. After all, writers are often confident in their specific point of view and have a vision for their readers. However, being a ghostwriter does not negate being a “well known” writer, and it does not mean bending to the vision and will of other storytellers who cannot put pen to paper. Here are a few reasons why becoming a ghostwriter is not a bad move and can actually lead to more opportunities.
1. Practice
Perhaps the first, clear-cut benefit to ghostwriting for many people is that it offers the opportunity to practice the craft as much as possible, while still finding a way to get paid while doing it. Sure, one drawback is that you’re not getting any public credit, but it might also be a benefit. You can learn and find ways to improve without risking the vulnerability of putting yourself out there, while still earning a living. After all, even the biggest screenwriters have script doctors working in the shadows, helping refine their work. The idea that the finished product has to have a direct relation to the creator is outmoded in some ways.
2. Work with Interesting People
Well known, if not famous, people will often hire ghost writers to help tell their story since they may not possess the necessary skills to do that effectively. This is a wonderful way for writers to get to know other people, learn about their backstories, and be able to converse in another voice. No one can deny that it’s fun to talk to engaging people for hours and learn more about them, not to mention having them as part of your network moving forward.
3. Learn to Build Your Own Platform
Working as a ghostwriter will eventually provide you with the necessary knowhow to build your own platform. For example, you may be hired to write blog posts for someone else for a while. This grants you familiarity with how to nail down a specific tone, give you an understanding of basic SEO and marketing techniques, and so much more. These are all incredibly useful ways for you to eventually embark upon your own endeavors.
4. Explore Other Worlds and Subjects
As briefly mentioned in the point above, being a ghostwriter grants an interesting peek behind the curtain that you may not be able to receive otherwise. Being a ghostwriter allows you to explore different worlds and subjects that will inevitably influence your work later. This kind of research is invaluable and will help you find storylines and ideas well beyond your comfort zone.
5. Find a Specialty
Not every copywriter out there starts out by saying, “I want to produce copy for a medical facility and earn an excellent wage while doing so.” These are things writers tend to find on their own, through ghostwriting. The practice allows you to find a specialty or niche and explore it further. Over time, you will become more comfortable writing about a specific topic and can pitch your ideas to people in the network to help you build a solid reputation.
Being a writer shouldn’t have to mean being broke. The starving artist stereotype is not only overrated but is a romantic fabrication that often belies the truth that artists have benefactors or other ways to survive. Ghostwriting is one of them, and it’s a great way to find your voice while receiving some benefits in return.