The irony is that unemployment is high, the stock market closed at 6726.02 and the S&P 500 at 696.33, and Harvard Econ Prof Robert Barro opines in today's THE WALL STREET JOURNAL there's a 1 in 5 chance of a depression. Yet, business in ghostwriting, at least for us freelancers is good to great.
For example, Dan Gerstein, Head of GothamGhostwriters, put out a call for book ghostwriters as well as those who can put together humor. If you're interested, Gerstein can be reached at Dan@GothamGhostwriters.com.
Gerstein's administrative assistant [yeah, biz is so brisk he even has hired help] had me bid yesterday on ghosting a monthly column. Not at all smug, I bid low. But maybe I shouldn't have.
Currently I'm on retainer for ghostwriting closing remarks for a legal outfit. In a month I will finish up ghostwriting a book on the integration of digital technology in public relations. After some serial all-nighters I wrapped up ghostwriting a white paper on managing rumor and gossip online. I ghostwrite a blog for a lawyer. And in the hopper, when I can get to them, are three e-books consultants want as marketing tools. A graphics pro is talking about joining forces with me to pitch ourselves as one-stop shopping.
Why is biz strong? Here is what I suspect. Folks need promotional material during downturns. They understand the necessity of immediately useful books that are an easy, entertaining read. That's where I come in. My speechwriting background makes me a natural for the demand for conversational prose, even in serious books, white papers, and legal discourse. In addition, blogging is catching on with the mainstream, at least those in smaller organizations. If they want to eat, they better blog. Being a player online seems to trump being members of professional organizations and popping $40 for those monthly luncheons.
Unemployed journalists and editors who want to migrate to ghostwriting can do it. What it takes is the ability to discern the others's voice and how they want to present their arguments and supporting data. Ask them to show you what they wrote or what was written for them that they found a good fit and effective. Follow the model. The biggest compliment from a client is, "That sounds just like me." A portfolio of samples is all it takes to put yourself out there on the market.
To get that portfolio, volunteer to ghostwrite free for entrepreneurs, small shops, politicians, and Uncle Joe who wants to send a letter to his senator. Also, you can contact public relations and public affairs agencies and ask for a non-paid internship through which you can do some ghostwriting. You'll probably be doing more research and errand-running than writing but you will pick up on how the game is played. Another way in is the oldest: Take a seminar. There might be one offered on Mediabistro.com. Or you can put the muscle on a ghostwriter for paid coaching. Just google around for names of ghostwriters in your area.
Writing has been a dying craft for years. But with everyone who's successful having to hustle even harder in this downturn there's simply no time for concentrating on writing. That means plenty of work for ghostwriters.
Make your mantra: Have portfolio, will travel.
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