Top 10 Ways to Spot a Talented Ghostwriter

Breathe easy. You have decided to give ghostwriting a try. It can be the best decision that you’ve ever made, after starting your business. Now, before you get ready to outsource all of your content to the first train coming through the station, here are ten ways to spot the ghostwriter for you. After all, if are paying for quality that is what you want to receive.

Put out some feelers and see who takes the bait (I like fish). You may be surprised at how many freelance ghostwriters will knock at your virtual door.

1. Read their query letter or website. Talented writers can’t help but write well. Their query letter will be to the point without any fluff. That smokescreen can hide a multitude of sins. Even if their experience is minimal, an honest writer will state what experience they do have with pride and accuracy.

2. Read their writing resume. A good ghostwriter will seek the opportunities to expand their skill set. They may begin writing on familiar topics but will have moved beyond that to tackle new areas.

3. Ask for writing samples. Here is the proof in the pudding. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. The writing samples will be free of mistakes of any kind.

4. Get references. Ghostwriting is a job but also a partnership. If past clients have nothing but good things to say, keep their name in the hat.

5. Send them a questionnaire. Now is the time to get answers that you need. How many clients have they had at any one time? What topics do they prefer to write on? A talented ghostwriter can juggle different clients at one time on a variety of topics.

6. Ask other business colleagues. At least one of them will have worked with a ghostwriter before. They can provide names of reputable freelancers and/or services.

7. Give your prospects a test. This isn’t school, but tests do give an indication of how much someone has learned. Ask for an article written with a specific voice and an article on a particular topic that requires research, for instance. You should likely expect to pay for this test, but a small test can be very cost-effective in finding the right writer. If they can meet your expectations, you have another name for the hat.

8. Give them a deadline. A good ghostwriter will always meet their deadlines and even succeed them.

9.  Ask about their writing life. Most writers have been doing it in some form since they were young; it’s in their blood. That’s what you want – a ghostwriter who is passionate about what they do.

10. Can they handle criticism? Getting and following feedback is an important part of being a ghostwriter. If they are too sensitive, move on.

It’s not always easy to find a talented ghostwriter. They won’t necessarily be the cheapest or, for that matter, the most expensively priced. What they will be is a writer through and through who is ready, willing and able to meet your content needs.

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About the Author

Garnet Miller is a part time freelance writer with a focus on ghostwriting and project management. She has been published in three FaithWriters anthologies, Associated Content, a coffee table book entitled “Letters to My Mother” and a soon to be released anthology entitled, “Delivered” as well as a Christian newspaper. She is managing editor and writes two columns for Extreme Women magazine.