Last Updated on May 20, 2020 by Michael Brockbank
There’s no doubt, you can make a great deal of money as a freelance ghostwriter. All kinds of clients are willing to toss money your way for a bit of well-written content. But is the fact your name isn’t on the piece something that may bother you?
If you’re OK with letting someone else take credit for your words, then you may do well as a freelance ghostwriter. Just keep in mind the content is no longer yours once someone pays for it.
What Is Freelance Ghostwriting?
For the most part, content mills and brokerage sites like Textbroker and Fiverr are based purely on ghostwriting. This means you produce content for a client, he or she pays you for it and then the client can do anything to the piece…including claim authorship.
In fact, there are literally thousands of articles spread across the Internet that I wrote which has someone else’s name on it.
Once you release the work to a client, you no longer have valid claim. And since most sites like Textbroker have stipulations in the contract stating as such, legal battles are fruitless.
Now don’t get me wrong, you can make a lot of money in freelance ghostwriting. I’ve made a living wage for almost a decade. But sometimes I wish something out there had my name on it aside from my small blogs and a few Wattpad stories.
There is a saying on the Internet, “Content is king!” This means people are constantly throwing money into freelance ghostwriting because not everyone is capable of stringing words together in a coherent manner.
This means there is always work to be had if you look for it. Just keep in mind the competition for freelance ghostwriting is quite vast. Millions of writers just like yourself are constantly competing for those jobs.
Recognition for a Good Job
Perhaps the hardest part about being a freelance ghostwriter is the loss of author recognition. This is quite disheartening when you create an amazing piece you wish you would have kept for yourself.
On the other hand, clients recognize your hard work by either increasing your pay or tossing more work your way. So in a sense, you are being recognized as an author…just without the branding of your name.
And this says nothing about how clients can introduce you to others in their network. A client who adores your ability may feel comfortable sharing your name with others in his or her industry.
It’s all in a matter of how you look at recognition, really. I guess it’s not always about fortune and glory.
Can You Claim Credit to Past Articles?
Once an article is “sold” to a client, it’s gone. Some clients are happy to attach your name to a good piece of content. Unfortunately, rules in sites like Textbroker prohibit the use of the author’s identity.
I’ve had to deny a few clients in the past.
This is because Textbroker needs to make money in order to stay open. A client who learns the identity of an author can contact him or her directly.
If a client begins paying you outside of the system, Textbroker and other content mills wouldn’t make enough money to continue business as usual.
So I can understand the need of anonymity when it comes to writing content as a freelance ghostwriter.
I can say, though, it is kind of neat when I come across a popular article on someone’s site and it turns out to be something I created. I’ve geeked out about it a few times.
Why Should You Be a Ghostwriter?
If you can’t lay claim to your work, why would anyone want to be a ghostwriter? Actually, I have three primary reasons why you should consider freelance ghostwriting:
- The Money
For a new writer, freelance ghostwriting is perhaps one of the quickest ways to see income for your effort. While you don’t make an incredible amount of money, it’s still better than not being paid at all. - The Experience
More experienced writers are simply paid more money. This is true whether you write for a content mill or not. Sites like Textbroker and WriterAccess help you develop skills and gain experience to help you along your career. - The Flexibility
Since I work from my computer, my job literally goes with me anywhere I have an Internet connection. I can keep working whether I am in a hotel in Los Angeles or sitting at home in Colorado. It makes no difference where you are geographically when you’re freelance ghostwriting.
Not everyone appreciates content mills. Many will point out how you’re often not paid what you’re worth. In reality, you’re only worth as much as someone is willing to pay.
I’ve met several writers who pointed out how they make more on other sites per job and how I was foolish for using Textbroker. But in the long run, I still made far more money than either one of those “authors” simply because I produced far more work.
Keep in mind, it’s not how much you make per word that matters. It’s how capable you are of sustaining yourself throughout the month with the money you make.
By putting in less than an eight-hour day, I make more money than a lot of people working full-time jobs.
If I had the motivation to actually write eight hours a day, I would be rolling in the dough. But alas…I tend to bite off more than I can chew when it comes to side projects.
Content Mill Freelance Ghostwriting Opens the Doors
When you’re a new writer, starting off with systems like Textbroker can give you all kinds of experience. From learning how to write in AP Style English to how to handle various types of clients, ghostwriting content mills are great.
Now, you don’t have to just stick with ghostwriting in general. There’s nothing wrong with expanding and getting yourself a few direct private clients. In fact, you’ll make a lot more money that way.
But starting off with a content mill, especially if you’re new to writing in general, can make a profound difference in how successful you are today.
In fact, I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it wasn’t for Textbroker, WriterAccess, and Fiverr. So before you discredit content mills because you won’t make as much money, consider what you’ll gain.
Being Renowned as an Expert
A lot of people are fine with freelance ghostwriting. And I can say that even though I wish I was renowned for something, I really don’t mind it myself. After all, it’s how I pay the bills and is probably the most enjoyable job I’ve ever had.
But it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking to attach your name to content, freelance ghostwriting is probably something you don’t want to do.
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