By Michael McKown
Journalism jobs are going away. As newspapers fold, digital news outlets shrink, and media conglomerates consolidate, many seasoned journalists find themselves at a crossroads. One alternative career path for these professionals is ghostwriting, a field that, while different in many respects from journalism, leverages similar skills. Here’s what a journalist transitioning to ghostwriting might expect to encounter.
First and foremost, the shift from journalism to ghostwriting involves a change in recognition. Journalists are accustomed to bylines, accolades, and public acknowledgment for their work. Ghostwriting, by contrast, is all about anonymity. A ghostwriter’s work is published under someone else’s name, often for high-profile individuals like celebrities, politicians, or business leaders. This anonymity can be challenging for those who valued the personal recognition that comes with journalism. However, the trade-off is often in the form of higher payment or more consistent work, as clients are willing to pay a premium for quality writing without the personal branding that comes with bylined articles.
The nature of the work also shifts significantly. Journalists are trained to report facts, maintain objectivity, and adhere to strict ethical standards concerning truth and accuracy. Ghostwriting, however, can involve crafting narratives, opinions, or even fictional elements under the guise of the client’s persona. This might mean writing memoirs where the emphasis might be on storytelling rather than strict factual recounting. A journalist turned ghostwriter must navigate this new terrain, learning to balance creative writing with the client’s voice and perspective, which might not always align with their journalistic integrity.
What sorts of projects do ghostwriters undertake? Here are some examples:
- Writing blog posts for clients.
- Social media content.
- Email campaigns.
- Product descriptions.
- White papers and case studies.
- Press releases.
- Website sales and landing pages.
- Novels, memoirs and autobiographies.
- Film and TV scripts.
- Speeches for weddings, fund raising and business.
Moreover, the pace and environment of work change. Journalism often thrives on deadlines, breaking news, and a fast-paced environment. Ghostwriting can be more project-based, with longer timelines for books or extended content series. This shift could provide a more relaxed work-life balance or, conversely, require bursts of intense work to meet book publication deadlines. Ghostwriters might work from home or travel with clients, offering a level of flexibility not always present in traditional newsrooms.
Networking and client acquisition become pivotal in ghostwriting. Unlike journalism, where one might land a job through traditional application processes or by reputation within the industry, ghostwriting often relies on personal connections, referrals, or direct pitches to potential clients. This transition involves becoming more entrepreneurial, possibly learning to market oneself as a service provider rather than just a content creator. The former journalist must now cultivate a network not just within the media but across industries where their writing skills can be applied, such as in politics, entertainment, or corporate communications.
Marketing oneself should include building a website, then having a search engine optimization (SEO) expert modify it as necessary to facilitate ranking on the likes of Google, Bing, Yahoo, and so on. Also, there are freelancer opportunities of sites like Fiverr.com, on which the writer can offer their skills.
The content focus also shifts. While journalists might cover a broad spectrum of topics from daily news to deep investigative pieces, ghostwriters often specialize in areas that align with their client’s expertise or public image. This specialization can be intellectually engaging, offering deep dives into subjects they might not have explored as journalists. However, it also means less variety and possibly working on topics they might find problematical.
Ethically, ghostwriters face different challenges. Journalists are bound by a code that often includes transparency about sources and avoiding conflicts of interest. Ghostwriters, while not bound by the same codes, must navigate confidentiality agreements and ethical considerations like ensuring they don’t inadvertently plagiarize or misrepresent the client’s views or life story. This aspect requires a nuanced understanding of ethics tailored to ghostwriting rather than journalism.
Finally, the emotional and psychological adjustment cannot be understated. Moving from a career where one’s work is publicly acknowledged to one where it’s intentionally hidden can be disorienting. However, many find satisfaction in the craft of writing itself, the impact of their work behind the scenes, and the often lucrative compensation that ghostwriting can offer.
Transitioning from journalism to ghostwriting is not merely a career shift but a transformation in professional identity and practice. It demands adaptability, a reevaluation of one’s relationship with recognition, and a reorientation towards new types of ethical and creative challenges. For a journalist willing to embrace these changes, ghostwriting can offer a rewarding new chapter in their writing career.
I’m Michael McKown. I’m the co-founder and president of Ghostwriters Central, Inc. We’ve been providing exceptional ghostwriter services to clients worldwide since 2002. Come visit our website and explore the many types of projects we undertake. All you have to do is click the link. Thanks for reading.
