Whether you want to write a book, run a blog, or start a podcast, you need high-quality content that resonates with your target audience. Effective writing requires a particular set of skills, a lot of time, and a deep understanding of reader psychology. If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering hiring a ghostwriter so that you can focus on other parts of your strategy. The global ghostwriting market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period, from 2021 to 2030. This mean people continue to hire ghostwriters for their projects. In this post, we’ll discuss how to hire a ghostwriter, including what qualities to look out for and the most important questions to ask before moving forward. Let’s dive in.
What Does a Ghostwriter Do?
A ghostwriter is a writer who writes for others. So, if you want to publish a book, you can hire a ghostwriter to write it for you and publish it in your own name. However, books aren’t the only type of content a ghostwriter can help you with. You can get them to writer:
- Blog posts
- Social media content
- Business documents
- Speeches
- And more
Why Hire a Ghostwriter?
Your main purpose of hiring a ghostwriter may be to save time – but, a writer specializing on a topic helps you establish authority and drive results with your content. For instance, if you want someone to write marketing blog posts for your website, hire someone experienced in marketing. In addition, hiring a ghostwriter long-term helps you keep your tone and branding consistent.
How to Find a Qualified Ghostwriter?
Finding a writer you can rely on to deliver consistent quality can be hard, especially if you’re hiring for the first time. But, having the right information and approach can help. Here are some places where you can find a good ghostwriter for your next project.
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Freelance Platforms
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Guru aren’t just for buying cheap one-off services. They’re a goldmine for high-quality resources you can use to grow any business. Upwork, for instance, is a perfect place to attract relevant talent. All you have to do is upload your job and wait for ghostwriters to send their applications. On platforms like Fiverr, the search algorithm takes the driving seat, sending clients to gigs. This means that as a buyer, you’ll rely heavily on the algorithm to find the best ghostwriters for your searched term.
Ghostwriting Agencies
Ghostwriting agencies already have a curated list of vetted writers, eliminating the need for you to go through the hiring process. Another advantage is that since they have multiple writers, you’ll get the right one for your project’s needs. However, note that agencies tend to be more expensive than individual freelance writers.
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What to Look for in a Ghostwriter?
Choosing a writer for your project goes beyond finding someone who can write well. You want a long-term partner who you can rely on. Here are the most important qualities to look for when hiring a ghostwriter.
Relevant Experience
See if they have relevant writing experience. Look at the industries and topics they’ve written on before. Also, the type of content they’re experienced with matters a lot. For instance, if you want to have someone write blog posts, don’t hire an e-book writer. Both are different in nature and require different skills. To check their experience, look through their portfolio. If they’ve worked on projects similar to yours, they’re a good candidate.
Ability to Match Your Writing Style
In most writing projects, establishing a particular writing style is crucial for branding and authenticity. A ghostwriter who can easily adapt to your writing style will help you do just that. It’s also an important trait to have when you’re working on different types of projects. For instance, you may need a witty article on a trendy topic one day and a serious, more professional one the other.
Strong Communication Skills
Writing projects often require constant back-and-forth communication. It involves discussions, revisions, and feedback. You want to work with someone who’s responsive and has solid communication skills to keep your projects on track. Plus, if a writer isn’t good at communication, how is he or she a good writer?
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Portfolio and Testimonials
Two of the most important things to consider when hiring a ghostwriter are their past work (Portfolio) and client testimonials (Or reviews). You’ll often find both on their portfolio website or freelance platform. Client testimonials and reviews tell you about the experience other people had with their ghostwriting services.
Mistakes to Avoid While Hiring a Ghostwriter
Here are some common mistakes you should avoid when hiring a ghostwriter:
- Choosing Based on Cost Alone: Don’t make your hiring decision solely based on the price. Cheap ghostwriters don’t always offer good-quality work.
- Ignoring Portfolio Samples: Always go through their best work before starting a project.
- Setting Unrealistic Deadlines: Writing is a time-consuming work. Give your writer enough time to complete the project.
How to Hire a Ghostwriter: FAQs
Let’s discuss some frequently asked questions about how to hire a ghostwriter.
How Much Would a Ghostwriter Cost?
The cost of a ghostwriter depends on the scope of work, the writer’s experience, and your industry. For instance, books are generally longer than blog posts, which are longer than social media posts.
Is It Worth It to Hire a Ghostwriter?
If you want high-quality writing and don’t have the skill and time to do it yourself, hiring a ghostwriter is always the right choice.
Is It Illegal to Hire a Ghostwriter?
No, it’s not illegal to hire a ghostwriter. In fact, many authors, business owners, and public personalities use ghostwriters. Note that the ghostwriting arrangement is private, and as long as both parties agree to the terms, it’s a legitimate practice generally.
Conclusion
Hire a ghostwriter that doesn’t only know how to put words together. Make sure they’re reliable, can adapt to your writing style & project, and have the right experience under their belt. Also, consider hiring a ghostwriting agency if you have a decent budget and want to skip the hiring process. A ghostwriter is worth every penny when you’re looking for quality writing and want to focus on other aspects of your business. Lastly, the cost would vary depending on their experience, writing skills, and the type of project you’re hiring them for (Blog posts, e-books, business documents, etc.).
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