Moms Online Business Coach

English class was my favorite subject in school. I loved to read and practice creative writing. It wasn’t until the last couple years that I realized how many opportunities there are now to use those skills and how to write for cash. The best part? You don’t have to be a “professional”, you don’t have to go through a lengthy process to get published, the world of the internet allows anyone the ability to express their thoughts, views, stories to the world.

Many people have found that blogging is an enjoyable way to write and journal their activities. While others have learned that the power of “content” on the internet and if you have the desire to write for cash, it’s easily done.

Ghostwriting is such a funny name for an occupation that can make you a good, consistent income. Ghostwriting simply means that you write for other people and they get to put their name to it. They can pay pretty well for this service too. It’s the kind of job you can do at home with just a computer, and the need for start-up money is quite low, if any. It is also a service you can start on the side and build up while you are still working a fulltime job.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if ghostwriting might be a good fit for you:

Are you organized? You will need to be to keep track of your outstanding writing requests and the order you should do them in, how much you are charging for each type of writing assignment, and contact details for each client.

Are you motivated and consistent? You need to be able to write, even when you don’t feel like it. You need to follow through on promises you’ve made – “I’ll have that article done in 48 hours.” or “Yes, I can write all 20 of those articles you requested.” Do deadlines motivate you or do you find them a big drag?

Ghostwriting is a service. Will you be happy performing a service? Yes, you have your own business but really, you’re not your own boss in that you are fulfilling other people’s requests and you’re on the clock as far as getting the requests done in a timely manner.

Do you have good writing skills? Do you like to write? These two things usually go together. If you like to write you’re probably good at it. While you can always polish your skills and learn how to write for specific industries, you should have some writing talent already. If it takes you forever to write 400 words and you feel like your head is in knots the whole time you are writing, then ghostwriting is probably not for you.

If you liked your answers to the above questions, ghostwriting might be a good fit for you. Here is where I’d do next:

1. Research ghostwriting as a business on the Internet and spend some time learning all about it. Give yourself a time limit, though, or you could spend months and months learning and never actually start the business.

2. Research what other ghostwriters charge for different size articles, reports, ebooks, blog posts, email fodder, etc. Then you’ll know the going rate and you can determine your prices. You might want to start out on the lower end until you build your business and then raise your prices gradually.

3. Start a portfolio. Just like a model needs a portfolio of her best work to help her get jobs, you need a portfolio of articles to help you get jobs. So whip up your best examples and don’t hesitate to offer potential clients a thorough look at them.

4. Get testimonials from your first happy clients to send to new clients upon request. They probably won’t just send you a testimonial, but it’s certainly okay to ask them for one.

5. Start networking and establishing a relationship with other ghostwriters through Twitter, etc. and ask them to send people your way if they get too swamped. You’ll return the favor too.

Offering your services ghostwriting can be a wonderful way to “bring home the bacon” without actually leaving home. Although you don’t have to work at home, you can also work on your laptop at your favorite coffee shop.

To your success,