To Be A Ghost Writer - is there a point?

1. 66

   ThompsonPenposted 10 years ago

   I recently came across the opportunity to be a ghost writer. I am not sure how I feel about it, as I want to build my portfolio up as much as possible, and am worried about not being able to claim credit. If I can't claim credit, then what's the point in writing for the employer? I know that it's a way to make money writing, but if I want to get known for my writing, is it still a good path to take?
   Tell me your ghost writing experiences! Also! What's the pay for it? I have a person offering me $15 for 5,000 words.

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   1. 88

      Cardisaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I am a ghost writer and that rate is highway robbery. My regular rate for 5,000 words would be $100 but no less than $50. And the rate all depends on what I'm writing. General articles of interest would be $10 for 500-1,000 words. Some articles cost more than that as well. Fiction is more expensive.
      
      Ghost writing for me is a means to an end, just a temporary financial fix. No real writer wants to be a ghost writer. As far as building a portfolio you can add your work to your portfolio for future references. Any employer who asks you not to use your work as sample turn them down.
      
      Ghostwriting is also a great way to build a freelancing business and reputation.

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   2. 46

      Ericdierkerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Well in a sense you are lucky. No need to debate the Ghost writer issue if that is the pay, it is a non-starter.
      Secretaries are cool people and they mainly Ghost Write. My wife used to write letters and such for illiterate (in English) refugees and that was rewarding.

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   3. 84

      psycheskinnerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The point is money, and they are not offering enough if it.

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2. 87

   Zelkiiroposted 10 years ago

   It takes more than 2 hours to write 5000 words, so you're being paid less than minimum wage.
   
   Turn it down.

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3. 61

   LindaSmith1posted 10 years ago

   That rate is ridiculous. It is less than a fraction of a penny per word. You should get at least, the minimum of $150.  I have done ghostwriting and supported myself on it, as my sole income, a few years ago.  I have not done so much lately due to health issues.

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4. 80

   HollieTposted 10 years ago

   I sometimes ghostwrite when other work is in short supply, and I earn earn around $15 for 400 words. So  yes, you're being offered third world rates. You can do much better than that.

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5. 66

   ThompsonPenposted 10 years ago

   You're all completely right, and I don't know why I even entertained the idea. He got kind of assy with me when I declined. I just saw 5,000 and it didn't really register to me until I looked up one of my stories in word and saw just what it meant - 8 pages! Unless it's for a classes as well as getting the $15 per, it's certainly not worth it. Plus, if I'm going to put that much effort into it, I want some recognition.

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6. 81

   Anaydenaposted 10 years ago

   That's not a lot for ghost writing services. But, you also have to draw up a contract as in saying you'll have to claim credit on your resumes and things of that nature. Its just like how singers have songwriters and get credit for singing and writing the song when it wasn't even them.

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7. 92

   Susana Sposted 10 years ago

   Can't believe some of you are writing for these rates. 
   
   I wouldn't write that many words for anything less than $750 and I'd definitely be aiming for at least twice that.

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   1. 66

      ThompsonPenposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Wow! I gotta figure out how to land a gig at that price! let loose your secrets! 

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