In 2016, a Priceonomics article mentioned that at least 25% of the New York Times bestsellers are ghostwritten. As appalling as it might seem, it is a widely known fact that the employment of ghostwriters has become a common thing.
Fortunately, the news turns out to be an advantage for aspiring writers. Academic ghostwriters are high in demand proved by thriving websites like https://essaypro.com/custom-essay.html that help students keep up with the workload.
Today, the opportunities for ghostwriters are not limited to book writing only. Brands and marketers keep an eye on talented contributors who compose unique content for them.
Ghostwriting is undeniably a booming industry, and there has never been a better time for you to make some money out of it.
If you want to increase your chances of getting hired as a ghostwriter, then these following books will undoubtedly help hone your skills.
Ghostwriting by Andrew Crofts
Having ghosted over forty books, among which many became international bestsellers, Andrew Croft decided to take upon himself to publish books under his name.
Often hailed as the “King of Ghost,” Crofts has published books for writers to help succeed in the industry. The essential handbook Ghostwriting is an informative take on how to improve your skills and boost a career.
In his book, Crofts discusses the scope of ghostwriting on working with celebrities, business tycoons, and anyone who has an interesting story to tell but needs a professional helping hand in preparing a good book.
On Writing by Stephen King
Stephen King’s part memoir, part guide, is considered to be one of the best books out there to get inspired and learn plenty on the topic. It is quite challenging to find a similar list that won’t include On Writing.
The first part of the book is similar to an autobiography, where King tells you about his early years. In further chapters, one will find different narratives. King discusses essential elements in writing, including aspects of self-discipline and commitment.
These memoirs elaborate on specific writing habits. Also, a reader will find tips on acquiring a signature style. The most important part, according to the author, is being honest and listening to oneself.
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
When successful authors publish books on writing, there is no denying that there would be something to learn from it.
In Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott addresses what it means to be a writer and what it takes to succeed, with excerpts from her own life. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to manage a writer’s life.
A reader will also find short assignments, and proven tips on how to deal with the frustration with first drafts.
Lamott has not shied away from being brutally honest in the book. It is also a great piece for a good laugh. The author’s humor finds its way even in something that could have easily been tedious read. All in all, this one is a fantastic writing guide.
Steering the Craft by Ursula Le Guin
Steering the Craft was originally published in 1998. In a book, the reader will find exercises and discussions on story writing.
In 2015, this masterpiece was revised to incorporate the opportunities and the challenges faced by writers in the modern world.
Le Guin shares her own witty commentary and writing exercises in a book. It is extremely useful for improvement and filling the gaps. The selection of topics, though simple, applies to all writers, regardless of a genre.
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Ghostwriting is mainly connected with non-fiction. From self-help books, biographies to web content, the rules differ based on the type of content as well as the target audience.
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction gives some authentic advice on skills. It is a book not only for professional ghostwriters but also for anyone who would have to communicate effectively through writing as a part of work or studies.
Zinsser covers the basic principles and provides insights from his experience as a prominent writer and teacher. The book spans several genres within nonfiction, like travel writing, sports, and memoirs.
The author demonstrates his writing techniques by including passages from his and other works as examples.
How to Make a Living With Your Writing by Joanna Penn
A ghostwriting career is not only about writing skills. It also requires one to be able to find new projects and ensure sources of income.
If you are working independently, then this guidebook by Joanna Penn can offer valuable insights into the many practical aspects of ghostwriting.
It comes with a workbook that writers can use to evaluate their skills and plan a strategy to improve.
Penn talks about how she finds projects and sets up multiple income streams. How to Make a Living With Your Writing also addresses the scope of writing in the digital era of blogging and content marketing.
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
Handley could never be more right by naming the title apt for the age of the Internet. Today, everyone is a writer.
From web content to drafting email communications, everyone can call themselves a content creator. However, it takes more than having a website to make your content attractive and engage the audience.
In Everybody Writes, you will find all the essential tips on how to work efficiently in different capacities. Hadley’s expert advice on content creation, production, and publication is designed to get results.
Her own success story is covered in the book. You can learn grammar and composition structures based on different types of content, and the right strategies to get the job done with ease.
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Writer’s block is real, especially when you are caught up in the neverending orders. It is even worse with deadlines fast approaching.
Steal Like an Artist works excellent for anyone who feels stuck in terms of creativity. Austin Kleon is a successful blogger who combines in a book all the tips that worked for him.
This handbook is a quick read, and many tips anyone can try to get out of a rut in creativity.
Writer for Hire by Kelly James-Enger
Having an established career as an author and a ghostwriter, Kelly James-Enger has published numerous books on how to shine as a freelance writer.
Writer for Hire focuses on one thing above all, which is how to make a living as a freelancer. The book went on to receive the Outstanding Book Award in 2013 in the self-help category by the American Society of Journalists and Authors.
Writer for Hire is the ultimate guidebook for authors. It is well organized and divided into manageable pieces, which makes the book a great fit for both pros in the field and beginners.
It offers insightful and funny encouragement for anyone looking to take upon writing as a part-time or full-time endeavor.
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Final Words
They say every writer’s best learning strategy is reading.
Irrespective of what you choose to read, you are bound to come across something new.
Hopefully, this article will bring you more ideas and will help in figuring out how to improve and get ahead in your ghostwriting career.
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