What Is Premium Ghostwriting? (Free 5-Step Crash Course)

Summary

In this video, a seasoned ghostwriter shares the roadmap to transforming a writing career by landing high-paying clients. Starting with a personal success story, the speaker reveals how they went from underpaid freelancer to a thriving ghostwriter for Silicon Valley founders and top executives. Key advice includes avoiding the label of 'freelance writer,' positioning yourself for premium work, specializing in a niche, and using proactive outreach. The video outlines five actionable steps to break into ghostwriting and build a lucrative business, empowering viewers to grow their writing careers and attract clients willing to pay top dollar.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ghostwriting is a highly profitable career for writers, offering opportunities to work with high-profile clients like Silicon Valley Founders, C-level Executives, and New York Times best-selling authors.
• 😀 The author went from an underpaid freelance writer in a small Chicago apartment to a successful ghostwriter, eventually running a ghostwriting agency.
• 😀 Ghostwriting not only pays well but offers six other valuable benefits: learning, practice, networking, early exposure to trends, experiencing different lives, and writing on subjects you're passionate about.
• 😀 Writers should avoid calling themselves 'freelance writers' as it associates them with low-paying, low-quality work. Instead, they should brand themselves as 'ghostwriters' for higher-value opportunities.
• 😀 Offering a premium positioning by specializing in one niche or industry helps avoid the race to the bottom with low-paying clients.
• 😀 Writers should focus on solving one problem for one specific person in one specific way to build a premium offer and stand out from the competition.
• 😀 Instead of reacting to client demands, ghostwriters should educate clients on their needs, positioning themselves as trusted consultants, not just service providers.
• 😀 Effective outreach is critical. Writers should proactively identify potential clients, educate them on business problems, and offer solutions through free consulting that leads to paid services.
• 😀 The '10x choice' is a pivotal moment where ghostwriters must decide whether to scale into an agency, hire contractors, or refine their processes for maximum efficiency and income.
• 😀 This blueprint for success is based on real-life experience and mentorship, and the author encourages others to follow the steps and ask questions for support in their ghostwriting journey.

Q & A

What is ghostwriting and how can it change a writer's career?

Ghostwriting involves writing for others under their name, and it can significantly impact a writer's career by offering higher-paying opportunities, building a strong network, and allowing for learning and growth in various industries.

How did the speaker land high-ticket ghostwriting clients without a portfolio or social media following?

The speaker used a strategy of positioning themselves as a ghostwriter, specializing in specific niches, and networking strategically. Despite not having a portfolio, they built relationships and demonstrated value through their writing.

Why is it important not to call yourself a freelance writer when trying to land high-paying clients?

Calling yourself a freelance writer associates you with a crowded market where clients expect cheap work, thus leading to lower-paying opportunities. Instead, positioning yourself as a ghostwriter implies higher-quality, higher-value work.

What mistake do writers often make when they try to serve all types of clients?

Writers who try to serve everyone end up spreading themselves too thin, which leads to inefficiencies, lower-quality work, and difficulty in commanding premium rates. Specialization helps avoid this issue.

What is the importance of having a 'premium offer' in ghostwriting?

A premium offer involves solving one specific problem for one specific client in a unique way. It positions the writer as an expert and trusted consultant rather than just a vendor, allowing them to charge higher rates.

What is the concept of 'premium outreach' and why is it crucial for landing high-ticket clients?

'Premium outreach' involves actively identifying potential clients, educating them on problems they may not know they have, and showing how you can solve them. It's a proactive approach, unlike waiting for clients to find you.

What is the 'free consulting' approach in client outreach, and how does it benefit writers?

The 'free consulting' approach involves offering free advice or insight to potential clients, which builds trust. The writer can then monetize this relationship by offering paid services to implement the solutions discussed.

How can a writer achieve the '10x choice' and what does it mean for their career?

The '10x choice' refers to the decision between scaling a freelance career into a small agency or focusing on becoming more efficient to reduce workload while maintaining income. It marks a point where the writer has enough success to decide on their next growth step.

Why does the speaker believe ghostwriting is one of the best career paths for writers?

The speaker emphasizes that ghostwriting offers multiple forms of compensation: monetary rewards, learning, networking, and exposure to new industries and trends, making it a highly beneficial and versatile career choice.

What role does networking play in a successful ghostwriting career?

Networking is crucial for ghostwriters, as it helps build relationships with influential clients like executives, founders, and best-selling authors. These connections often lead to high-paying opportunities and valuable learning experiences.