Metro Review

Let’s be honest, writing is not a glamorous occupation. If you became a writer or are choosing to be an aspiring writer, it’s most likely not a result of your desire to swim in a pool full of your own riches, rather because you have something to stay or love telling a story. The pay isn’t great, the task can be tedious and the glory, well, don’t let Californication fool you, at least for the non-best-selling author, mates still opt for the finely tuned athletes and luxury automobile owners over the tortured artist putting pen to paper. In fact, many writers must support their income with a second profession, whether it’s teaching English or waiting tables. Just when you think perhaps writing is a lost cause, comes a profession with even less glory, but more means to put food on the table.Ghostwriting is a job presumably as old as the written word itself. Ghostwriters are like the CIA of the writing community, no one knows exactly who they are, but they get things done and are often paid handsomely for their efforts. Think practically and take a look at all the books out there by public figures, former presidents and CEO’s. Does O.J. Simpson really have the vocabulary or natural aptitude to write “IF I Did It”? Does Barack Obama really have time to write 300 pages? If you honestly believe so, then why haven’t you relocated to Canada? On second thought, Stephen Harper probably has a book out too. As it should be obvious, these books may have been inspired by a person’s life and recount personal tales and anecdotes, but the person actually sitting down at the keyboard to type is in most instances not the so-called author. Busy, rich, illiterate and self-loving people often choose to spend their time more wisely, instead choosing to pay a writer to chronicle their words (or in some case fabricate entirely), but with no mention or credit on the cover, hence the “ghost” in ghostwriting. Once the book is released the writer disappears without a trace, only a check to show for his or her efforts.A good ghostwriter is a combination of a writer and an actor, not writing the way he or she were if these were her personal memoirs but rather writing as if you were in fact your client. Remember, the point of ghostwriting is for the final product to sound like the authentic writing of author. Of course, you must check your ego at the door, as you are a hired mercenary for the project. If the client doesn’t like the way you worded or said something, it’s not your call, and frankly, don’t sweat it, there’s no need to worry you will come off like an idiot because no one will ever know it was you who wrote it.Ghostwriting is a form of freelance writing. If you are looking to get into ghostwriting, consider browsing freelance job posting a message boards until you find a project that interests you. Pay will vary from project to project and hiring methods/requirements may vary. However, if you are a talented writer writer’s block precluding any original stories of your own or with nothing but time on your hands, it can be a lucrative alternative to your standard nine to five.