How to get ghostwriting clients: Our top tips from networking to pitching
Finding ghostwriting clients that pay well can be challenging, especially for those just starting out. It doesn’t help that freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork have made such impact, leading to many prospective customers prioritising cost over quality, sometimes offering as little as £0.01 per word. While it’s tempting to accept any job, your skills and time are valuable, and you deserve fair compensation for your work.
At The Ghostwriters Agency, we’re committed to helping ghostwriters win. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips – not just for landing ghostwriting clients, but for securing those who truly recognise and pay for what your expertise is worth.
The Ghostwriters Agency is committed to helping ghostwriters win
How to get ghostwriting clients
If you know you’re a talented storyteller but feel stuck when it comes to finding clients, don’t worry – we’ve all been there. There are proven ways to build your ghostwriting career, and the tips below are actionable steps that have worked for us time and time again.
Remember, success in ghostwriting isn’t about formal qualifications, it’s about seizing opportunities, staying persistent, and consistently delivering exceptional work. With the right approach, the ghostwriting clients and projects you deserve are within reach.
Leverage Your Existing Skills and Networks: Many people dream of writing their own book, for example, professionals who want to establish themselves as leaders in their industry. What makes you think such people don’t exist in your circle? Use your existing connections to network – they could be the first step toward finding your next ghostwriting client.
Be Proactive: Opportunities rarely just fall into your lap – oh if only it were that simple! Take charge by actively looking for compelling stories within your network and pitching them to agents, publishers, or potential clients. Proactivity, persistence, and confidence in your abilities could be the key to landing your first big break.
Be Open to Diverse Projects: Of course it’s great to become an expert in a niche, however, particularly if you’re new to ghostwriting, having an open mind to exploring different genres and books could open doors. Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn will help you grow faster and find more ghostwriting clients.
Consider Flexible Payment Structures: You know your worth, and so do we. However, if you’re new to ghostwriting, being open to lower fees or deferred payments can help you secure ghostwriting clients more quickly. Think of it as a temporary introductory offer while you build your brand and reputation.
Connect with Other Ghostwriters: The ghostwriting community is supportive and collaborative. Fellow writers may pass along leads when they’re fully booked, and sharing contacts can create mutually beneficial relationships. Networking with other ghostwriters has helped many secure work – and it can work for you too.
Join The Ghostwriters Agency: If you’re a best-selling ghostwriter, we’d love to have you on board at the GWA! We welcome writers who have authored a best-seller (Amazon or Sunday Times) or have received award nominations. Not a bestseller quite yet? No problem. Our Ghostwriting Masterclass is designed to help aspiring ghostwriters gain insider knowledge, proven techniques, and professional strategies to master the craft. Learn from our network of award-winning ghostwriters and build the skills to establish yourself as a sought-after, high-demand writer, by clicking on the link below.
How to pitch a client for a ghostwriting job
You’ve landed a potential lead and secured a call with a prospective ghostwriting client – congrats! Now comes the tricky part: convincing them they can trust you to bring their book to life. Feeling the pressure? Here are our top tips for successfully pitching ghostwriting clients.
Invest in your brand: Create a simple personal website or a dedicated LinkedIn section highlighting your skills and availability – something you can easily share with prospective ghostwriting clients. Use this space to demonstrate your professionalism and proudly showcase your experience.
Background research: Ghostwriting someone’s book is an intensely personal experience. To show that you care and understand their vision, do your homework. Review their existing content to get a feel for their voice, ambitions, and potential areas for improvement.
Prepare thoughtful questions: Asking insightful questions demonstrates genuine interest in the client’s project and shows that you are attentive and professional. It also helps you gain a clearer understanding of their goals and determine whether this is the right project for you.
Show them you believe in their goal: Start your pitch by highlighting what they’re already doing well, explaining how publishing a book could amplify that success, and sharing why you’d be excited to be part of their journey.
Constructive feedback: Gently highlight areas of opportunity and explain how you can help guide the process. Position yourself as a trusted consultant, and illustrate what success could look like by investing in your expertise.
Different Payment Models: Familiarise yourself with common ghostwriting fee structures; flat fee, hourly rate, and share of royalties. When pitching your prospective ghostwriting client, provide them with different options and draft a simple contract outlining payment terms, project scope, and expectations to protect both you and your client.
Call to Action: As you wrap up the conversation, clearly tell your prospective ghostwriting client what the next steps are should they wish to go ahead. Make it as easy as possible for them. This is key to securing the deal.
Interested in more tips on how to get ghostwriting clients? You can get insider tips and guidance from some of the industry’s top ghostwriters by signing up for our GWA Masterclass. Click the link below to secure your spot!
Are ghostwriters in high demand?
Yes! Demand is being driven by the growing need for high-quality content, the rise of self-publishing, and the rapid expansion of the publishing industry.
In fact, the global ghostwriting market was valued at around $5 billion in 2021 and is expected to double to approximately $10 billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.5%.
If you’re considering a career in ghostwriting, why not sign up for GWA’s Ghostwriting Masterclass? It covers everything you need to get started – from finding clients and pitching your ghostwriting services to running your business and managing contracts. We’d love to hear from you!
Around one in six top ghostwriters earn over £100,000 a year
How much money do ghostwriters make?
Ghostwriting can pay well – but it varies. About 1 in 6 top ghostwriters earn over £100,000 a year, while the average ghost earns around £33,500. A small 2% make less than £10,000 annually. Your income often depends on your clients: private commissions usually pay more than traditional publishers, who tend to offer lower fees unless you’re working with celebrity authors.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how much you could potentially earn as a ghostwriter, sign up for our Ghostwriting Masterclass. We’d love to have you on board!
Can I make £1000 a month freelance ghostwriting?
You certainly can! However, as per the previous section, ghostwriter incomes vary widely. It will take time to get into the top tier, and not every ghost will reach that far. However, there are plenty of ghostwriters who make a decent living out of writing, with an average annual income of around £33,500.
Ultimately, ghostwriting demands a combination of patience, empathy, and professionalism. By approaching the profession strategically and with a long-term mindset, aspiring ghostwriters can carve a successful career path. If you’re serious about becoming a professional ghostwriter, get in touch with the Ghostwriters Agency today to find out more about our Ghostwriting Masterclass.