Ever wondered who writes the books credited to your favorite celebrities or the blog posts from top CEOs? The answer lies in ghostwriting jobs—lucrative opportunities where skilled writers craft content behind the scenes. This article dives deep into the world of ghostwriting jobs, uncovering what they are, how they work, and where you can find the top 20 ghostwriting jobs to kickstart your career. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, there’s something here for you!
What Are Ghostwriting Jobs?
Ghostwriting jobs involve creating written content for clients who take full credit for the work. It’s a hidden art where your words shine, but someone else’s name takes the spotlight. From books to blogs, ghostwriters are in demand across industries, making it a flexible and rewarding career choice.
Ghostwriters don’t just write—they adapt. They mimic a client’s voice, research topics thoroughly, and deliver polished pieces ready for publication. Over 60% of bestselling memoirs are ghostwritten, proving how vital this skill is in today’s content-driven world.
Why Ghostwriting Jobs Matter
Why choose ghostwriting jobs? For one, they let you explore endless topics without needing personal fame. You could write a politician’s speech one day and a company’s ad copy the next. Plus, the pay can be impressive—some gigs offer $25,000+ per project! It’s perfect for writers who love variety and thrive behind the curtain.
Exploring What Is Ghostwriting Jobs
So, what is ghostwriting jobs all about? At its core, it’s writing for someone else’s byline. Ghostwriters create everything from novels to newsletters, tailoring each piece to match the client’s style and goals. Think of it as being a literary chameleon—blending in while producing standout work.
Key Tasks in Ghostwriting Jobs
- Content Creation: Write books, articles, or scripts credited to the client.
- Voice Matching: Adapt your style to sound like the client naturally.
- Research: Dig into topics to ensure accuracy and depth.
- Editing: Polish drafts for grammar, flow, and originality.
These tasks make ghostwriting jobs both challenging and exciting. You’re not just a writer—you’re a researcher, editor, and collaborator rolled into one.
Who Hires Ghostwriters?
Ghostwriting spans industries. In publishing, celebrities hire ghostwriters for memoirs. In marketing, businesses need brand-specific copy. Even entertainers seek scripts or lyrics. If you’re curious about what is ghostwriting jobs, it’s this: a versatile gig with endless possibilities.
Top Industries for Ghostwriting Jobs
Ghostwriting jobs pop up everywhere. Let’s break down the hottest industries where your skills can shine.
Publishing: Memoirs and More
Ever read a politician’s autobiography? Chances are, a ghostwriter penned it. Publishing is a goldmine for ghostwriting jobs, especially for memoirs and nonfiction. Clients pay well—sometimes $1,500 to $42,000 per project—because they need authentic, gripping stories.
Marketing: Brand-Boosting Content
Businesses love ghostwriters for blogs, whitepapers, and ads. Crafting brand-specific copy is a top ghostwriting job that keeps companies’ voices consistent. Try this: pitch a blog series to a small business—you could land steady work!
Entertainment: Scripts and Songs
In entertainment, ghostwriters craft movie scripts or song lyrics. It’s creative, fast-paced, and perfect for writers who love storytelling. Some gigs even pay per word, starting at $0.10, making it a fun way to earn.
Education: Academic Writing
Ghostwriters also tackle technical papers or educational content. It’s detail-heavy work, but it pays off—rates can hit $15/hour or more. If you enjoy research, this niche is calling your name.
How to Start with Ghostwriting Jobs
Ready to dive into ghostwriting jobs? You don’t need a fancy degree—just strong writing skills and a knack for adapting. Here’s how to begin.
Build Your Skills
Start by practicing different writing styles. Write a blog post in a CEO’s tone, then switch to a celebrity’s vibe. Success in ghostwriting jobs hinges on versatility. Tip: read books like “On Writing” by Stephen King to sharpen your craft.
Find Clients Online
Freelance platforms are your best friend. Sites like Upwork and Reedsy list ghostwriting jobs daily. Create a profile, showcase samples, and bid on projects. Many writers land their first gig within weeks!
Set Your Rates
Newbies can charge $20/hour or $0.06/word, while pros might demand $45/hour or $0.20/word. Research top 20 ghostwriting jobs sites to gauge what’s fair. Don’t undersell—your skills are worth it!
Top 20 Ghostwriting Jobs Websites
Looking for the best places to find ghostwriting jobs? Here’s a detailed rundown of the top 20 ghostwriting jobs websites, complete with starting prices and payment info.
1. Upwork
- Upwork Starting Price: $20–$45/hour
- Payment: Hourly or project-based via Upwork’s secure system.
- Why It’s Great: Tons of ghostwriting jobs for books, blogs, and more.
2. Reedsy
- Reedsy Starting Price: $0.10–$2/word or $1,500–$42,000/project
- Payment: Flat fees; hourly for revisions.
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for book-focused ghostwriters.
3. FlexJobs
- FlexJobs Starting Price: Average $30/hour
- Payment: Varies by employer.
- Why It’s Great: Curated, legit remote gigs.
4. PeoplePerHour
- PeoplePerHour Starting Price: $20 for short tasks; $240–$400 for ebooks
- Payment: Fixed or hourly via escrow.
- Why It’s Great: Quick-turnaround projects.
5. Textbroker
- Textbroker Starting Price: $0.01–$0.02/word
- Payment: Per-word based on quality.
- Why It’s Great: Easy entry for beginners.
6. Guru
- Guru Starting Price: Varies by freelancer
- Payment: SafePay with milestones.
- Why It’s Great: Flexible project options.
7. SolidGigs
- SolidGigs Starting Price: Freelancer-dependent
- Payment: Direct with clients.
- Why It’s Great: Handpicked leads save time.
8. Toptal
- Toptal Starting Price: Premium rates
- Payment: Hourly or project-based.
- Why It’s Great: High-paying elite gigs.
9. Constant Content
- Constant Content Starting Price: Writer-set prices
- Payment: Post-sale payouts.
- Why It’s Great: Sell pre-written pieces.
10. Media Bistro
- Media Bistro Starting Price: Job-dependent
- Payment: Direct with employer.
- Why It’s Great: Creative industry focus.
11. Writology
- Writology Starting Price: Project-based
- Payment: Client-negotiated.
- Why It’s Great: Diverse writing niches.
12. Writing Jobz
- Writing Jobz Starting Price: $7–$15/hour or $0.06–$0.20/word
- Payment: Weekly payouts.
- Why It’s Great: Academic writing focus.
13. StoryTerrace
- StoryTerrace Starting Price: Memoir-dependent
- Payment: Milestone-based.
- Why It’s Great: Memoir specialists.
14. Verblio
- Verblio Starting Price: Scope-dependent
- Payment: Via Verblio’s system.
- Why It’s Great: Blog and content gigs.
15. Scribe Media
- Scribe Media Starting Price: $25,000+/project
- Payment: Milestone-based.
- Why It’s Great: Premium book projects.
16. Writers Clique
- Writers Clique Starting Price: Genre-based
- Payment: Client-negotiated.
- Why It’s Great: Custom creative work.
17. Hot Ghostwriter
- Hot Ghostwriter Starting Price: $240 for short books
- Payment: Fixed offers.
- Why It’s Great: Ebook specialists.
18. WriterAccess
- WriterAccess Starting Price: $0.02–$0.10/word
- Payment: Post-approval.
- Why It’s Great: Tiered writer levels.
19. Scripted
- Scripted Starting Price: $50/article
- Payment: Via Scripted’s system.
- Why It’s Great: Short-form options.
20. RankUpper
- RankUpper Starting Price: $0.06–$0.22/word or $7–$27/hour
- Payment: Client-negotiated.
- Why It’s Great: Beginner to pro rates.
These platforms offer something for everyone, whether you’re chasing quick cash or long-term ghostwriting jobs.
Tips to Succeed in Ghostwriting Jobs
Want to stand out in ghostwriting jobs? Here’s how to shine.
Master Client Communication
Talk to clients clearly about their needs. Ask: “What tone do you want?” or “Any key points to hit?” Good collaboration leads to repeat work.
Deliver on Time
Deadlines matter. Over 70% of clients stick with reliable ghostwriters. Use tools like Google Calendar to stay on track.
Keep Learning
Read up on what is ghostwriting jobs through blogs or courses. The more you know, the better you’ll adapt to any project.
Final Thoughts
Ghostwriting jobs offer a unique blend of creativity, flexibility, and income potential. You can write for anyone, anywhere, and explore industries like publishing, marketing, and entertainment. The top 20 ghostwriting jobs websites make it easy to start, with options for beginners and pros alike. Key takeaways? Hone your skills, pick a platform, and dive in!
Ready to launch your ghostwriting career? Share your favorite tip in the comments!