How to build a ghostwriting portfolio as a beginner | create a ghost writer portfolio for more jobs

Summary

In this informative video, Alma from elnicane.com tackles the challenge of building a ghostwriting portfolio without violating non-disclosure agreements. She offers practical tips on sharing work internally, obtaining client permission for external sharing, and using project descriptions and testimonials to showcase capabilities. Alma also provides strategies for marketing ghostwriting services ethically, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn.

Takeaways

• 😀 Building a ghostwriting portfolio can be challenging due to the nature of ghostwriting where the writer's name is not credited for the work.
• 📚 Ghostwriters write various content like articles, speeches, books, blog posts, and web copy, but the credit goes to the client or their company.
• 🚫 Ghostwriters cannot publicly share their client's writing unless given permission, which creates a dilemma in showcasing their work.
• 💼 One way to build a portfolio is by sharing ghostwritten work internally, which might require clients to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
• 🔗 Some clients may allow sharing ghostwritten work externally, such as on LinkedIn, but not on other platforms like Twitter or Instagram.
• 📝 Describing projects in detail can help showcase a ghostwriter's skills and experience without revealing the client's identity or the specific work.
• 💬 Collecting testimonials from ghostwriting clients can serve as a powerful endorsement and can be shared on platforms like LinkedIn.
• 📚 Providing references from past clients can help establish credibility and trustworthiness in the ghostwriting field.
• 📈 Marketing ghostwriting services involves using titles with 'Ghostwriter' in them on platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, and personal websites.
• 📢 Sharing descriptions of ghostwriting projects and offering more information upon request can help attract potential clients interested in similar work.
• 🌐 Actively participating in discussions about writing tips and ghostwriting on platforms like podcasts and Medium can increase visibility and attract potential clients.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by ghostwriters when building a portfolio?

The main challenge ghostwriters face is the inability to publicly share their work due to the nature of ghostwriting, which requires anonymity and confidentiality, making it difficult to showcase their skills and experience.

What is ghostwriting and what types of content can a ghostwriter create?

Ghostwriting is the process of writing content for others without receiving public credit for the work. Ghostwriters can create a variety of content including articles, speeches, books, blog posts, email newsletters, and web copy.

Why can't ghostwriters publicly share their work?

Ghostwriters can't publicly share their work because the credit goes to the client or the hiring company or business. Sharing the work publicly without permission would violate the terms of ghostwriting and potentially breach non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

How can a ghostwriter share their work internally without violating NDAs?

Ghostwriters can share their work internally by having third parties, such as prospects, sign an NDA ensuring they will not distribute the material or reveal that it was ghostwritten.

What is an example of how a ghostwriter can share their work externally with permission?

An example is sharing ghostwritten work on LinkedIn, as some clients may be okay with external sharing on specific platforms like LinkedIn but not on others like Twitter, Instagram, or personal websites.

How can ghostwriters describe their projects without revealing client identities?

Ghostwriters can describe their projects by providing in-depth details about the work, such as the genre, the nature of the project, word count, and the process involved, without mentioning the client's name or any identifying information.

What is the importance of collecting testimonials in a ghostwriting portfolio?

Collecting testimonials is important as it provides social proof of the ghostwriter's skills and reliability. Testimonials can be used in place of direct links to work, offering assurance to potential clients.

How can a ghostwriter use a reference to showcase their work?

A ghostwriter can provide potential clients with the contact information of past or current clients who are willing to act as references. This allows new clients to speak directly with those who have experienced the ghostwriter's work.

What marketing strategies can a ghostwriter employ to promote their services?

Ghostwriters can market their services by creating a title with 'Ghostwriter' in it on platforms like LinkedIn and Medium, sharing their expertise in writing and ghostwriting, and offering more information about their ghostwriting upon request.

How can a ghostwriter demonstrate their legitimacy and adherence to rules in their portfolio?

A ghostwriter can demonstrate legitimacy by including a blurb on their portfolio indicating their ethical approach and willingness to share more information about their ghostwriting upon request, as well as showcasing their expertise through posts, podcasts, and other content.