A Year ago, I didn’t even know Ghostwriting was a real job
I thought it was something only famous authors and politicians used . you know, when they “write” a book but someone else actually does the work.
Then I stumbled into an entire online world where writers like me get paid to write blogs, social media posts, newsletters, and even books for others without our name appearing anywhere.
And here’s the best part: you can start this career from your home, with nothing but your writing skills and an internet connection.
The Moment It Started for Me.
It all began unexpectedly. A small business owner I knew complained about not having time to write blog posts for his website.
Half-joking, I said, “I could write them for you.
He agreed, gave me two topics, and I delivered the posts within three days. He loved them ., not just for the quality, but because I wrote in a tone that sounded like him.
That single project turned into regular work. Then, one of his friends reached out for help to write for his Linkdin. And before I knew it, I had my first unofficial “client list.” From Linkdin
I didn’t even realise at the time: I was ghostwriting.
What Exactly is Ghostwriting?
Ghostwriting is simple: you write for someone else, but they take the credit.
It could be:
A blog post under their name.
A LinkedIn article in their tone.
A book they “authored.”
Your role is to make the content sound like them their words, their style, their personality.
Watch: Elna Cain breaks down Ghostwriting 101. This is a must-watch if you want to understand the step-by-step process of writing for others.
The Skills You Need (and Why They Matter)
Ghostwriting is not just “writing well.” You need to:
Adapt to different voices Some clients want professional and formal, others casual and chatty.
Research deeply . Even if you have zero knowledge of the topic.
Be invisible – Your writing should blend seamlessly with the client’s style.
Communicate clearly – To understand exactly what they want (and avoid rewrites).
Learning to match a client’s tone is the most important skill. Here is a great deep-dive on how to master brand voice.
Pros and Cons: Deciding if a Ghostwriting Career Fits Your Lifestyle
| The Pros | The Cons |
| High Pay: Usually pays more than standard blogging. | No Byline: You don’t get public credit for your work. |
| Skill Building: You learn to write in many different voices. | Research Heavy: You often write about topics you aren’t an expert in. |
| Networking: You work closely with high-level founders and CEOs. | Strict Deadlines: High-paying clients expect fast turnarounds. |
How to Get Your First Ghostwriting Client
This is where most beginners get stuck. Here’s what worked for me and what can work for you:
- Start with people you know.
Offer to write a blog post, social media update, or email for a friend, family member, or small business owner. - Use freelance platforms.
Create gigs on Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer with clear offers like “I will ghostwrite your blog post” or “I will write in your voice.” - Show samples in different tones.
Clients want proof you can match their style. Make 2–3 examples: one casual, one professional, one storytelling. - Network online.
Post short writing samples on LinkedIn and join writing groups. Clients often find writers there.
How to Build a Portfolio (When You Can’t Use Your Name)
One of the biggest questions I get is: ‘Aruna, how do I show my work if I’m not allowed to say I wrote it?’ However, here is the secret: You don’t always need a live link to a famous website. You just need to prove you can write. Here are three ways to build a portfolio from scratch:
The ‘Spec’ Piece: Write a high-quality article on a topic you love (like Wellness or Remote Work) and host it on your own blog or a Google Doc.
Guest Posting: Write for sites that do give you a byline first, just to show you can handle a professional editor.
The ‘Permission’ Clause: When signing a contract, ask the client if you can share the work privately via email with future leads, even if you can’t post it publicly.
Portfolio Essentials: What to include to win your first ghostwriting contract.
| Portfolio Element | Why it matters? |
| Niche Samples | Shows you understand the specific “language” of an industry (e.g., Health or Tech). |
| Different Tones | Proves you can write like a “serious CEO” and a “friendly blogger.” |
| Testimonials | Even a quote from a small client builds massive trust (E-E-A-T). |
| Contact Info | Make it incredibly easy for them to hire you! |
Watch: Elna Cain’s guide to creating a winning writing portfolio from scratch.
How Much You Can Earn
When I started, I charged ₹500–₹1000 per article.
As I gained confidence and testimonials, my rates increased. Today, some ghostwriters earn ₹5000–₹10,000 per blog post, and book ghostwriters can make lakhs per project.
Your income depends on:
Your writing speed
Your experience
How well you negotiate
If you want to see how my rates compare to industry standards, check out this copywriting rate guide.
My Biggest Mistake (Learn From It)
1. The “Yes-Man” Trap
“In the beginning, I was so afraid of saying ‘no’ that I said ‘yes’ to everything. I once spent an entire weekend researching the technical mechanics of industrial water pumps. I’m a wellness and lifestyle writer! I was miserable, the client could tell I wasn’t an expert, and it took me three times longer than it should have. The lesson? Being a ‘generalist’ is the fastest way to burnout.
Now I focus on niches I enjoy (like Ai, Wellness, SaaS and MarTech, lifestyle, and personal growth). Not only do I write faster, but my work is better and clients are happier.
Once I stopped trying to write about everything, I focused on what I’m passionate about: Wellness and Mental Health. You can see how I use a ‘human’ voice in these topics by reading my Ultimate Guide to Menopause Care .
2. Underpricing and the “Friend Rate”
This is a mistake almost every woman in business makes.
I also underestimated my value. I felt guilty charging professional rates because I was ‘just’ writing from home. I treated it like a hobby, so my clients treated me like a hobbyist. Once I started treating ghostwriting as a high-value business service, my income and my confidence tripled.
3. The Lack of a Contract
I once did a 2,000-word project based on a ‘handshake’ over email. The client kept asking for ‘just one more tweak’ until I had written three different versions for the price of one. Now, I never start an ‘unforgettable word’ without a clear agreement in writing.
Aruna’s Advice: Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Find the niche that makes you excited to wake up, and don’t be afraid to charge what you are worth. Your time is your most valuable asset
Quick Checklist to Start Ghostwriting
Ready to turn your passion for words into a career? Don’t let ‘analysis paralysis’ stop you. Here is your step-by-step roadmap to getting your first ghostwriting client this month.
Your 5-Step Launch Plan:
- Identify Your “Zone of Genius”: Don’t be a generalist. Choose 2–3 topics you already know and love (e.g., Mental Health, Finance, or Travel).
- Create 3 “Spec” Pieces: If you don’t have clients yet, write 3 high-quality articles in your chosen niche. Save them as clean, professional PDFs or Google Docs.
- Set Your Starting Rates: Decide if you will charge per word or per project. (Remember: Don’t underprice yourself.. you are a specialist!)
- Optimize Your Online Presence: Update your LinkedIn or Instagram bio to say: “Helping [Target Audience] tell their stories through professional ghostwriting.”
- Send 5 Warm Pitches a Week: Reach out to founders, busy bloggers, or small business owners. Offer to take the weight of content creation off their shoulders.
First Steps: What to do in your first 7 days.
| Day | Task | Goal |
| Day 1-2 | Research & Niche | Decide who you want to write for. |
| Day 3-5 | Write Samples | Create 3 pieces that show off your “voice.” |
| Day 6 | Set up “Storefront” | Create a simple landing page or a clean LinkedIn profile. |
| Day 7 | The First Pitch | Send your first “Inquiry” email to a potential client. |
The first pitch is always the scariest. But remember, there is a busy person out there right now who is stressed because they don’t have time to write. You aren’t ‘bothering’ them , you are offering them a solution. Go help them!
Final Words
Ghostwriting gave me a way to earn online without showing my face or constantly self-promoting.
Take the first step today . Write a sample, send a pitch, and see where it leads. Who knows? A year from now, you might be telling your own ghostwriting story.
Ghostwriting is more than just typing words for someone else. It’s about being a silent partner in their success. It’s about taking the scattered thoughts of a busy founder or a passionate wellness expert and turning them into a legacy.
If you love writing but don’t crave the spotlight, this is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose. Remember: The world is full of people with great ideas, but very few people who can write them down beautifully.
Need an “Invisible Hand” for Your Own Brand?
While I love teaching others how to ghostwrite, my true passion lies in the craft itself. I specialise in helping Wellness, Mental Health, and Lifestyle experts find their voice and connect with their audience. Whether you need a series of deep-dive blog posts, a monthly newsletter that people actually want to read, or help structuring your first book, I am here to help you create unforgettable words while you focus on running your business
If you found this useful, let me know in the comments . I might share my client pitch template in my next post.
beautifully written