In my optomisim, I am hoping to be in the position soon to go into writing full time. Obviously I will need to supplement my income once I take that step and I am confident I have the experience and track-record to make a good ghost writer. But how does one advertise this service? In short - how does one get into Ghost Writing? I also took a course and earned a diploma in Proof Reading so that is another option. Any advise gratefully received.
Beanie

Beanie, are you a member of the Society of Authors? They keep a register of members who do ghosting, for people who want a ghost to write their biog for them or whatever. I'm sure they'd also advise how to go about finding work by other routes, and I know they have a booklet on the legal side of the contracts and so on, which you can buy even if you're not a member (free if you are.)

http://www.societyofauthors.net/soa/section_page.php4?hp_nav_id=16&urlsection=Publications

Emma

There are various sites you can advertise on (freelance writers sites, easily Googleable) - when I started out it was free but I think they now charge an annual fee. You should also have your own website, of course, and get some advice on how to make it come up top on Google. And be specific about what kind of ghost-writing you'd be willing to consider...lots of people want their biography done, I found, but don't want to pay you up front for it. Avoid them like the plague! Fees for ghostwriting can be a bit hazy, so work out some basic prices by doing a bit of web research (I'm too out of touch now to be of use, unfortunately).

There's lots of proofreading work to be had (freelance editing sites also Googleable) but I found it didn't pay quite as well and it also ended up boring me to tears, but then I'd had years as an editor in-house and wanted to move into writing so anything that wasn't writing tended to get right up my nose.

If I think of anything else I'll drop you a WWmail.

Emily

Hi Emma. Thank you for your feedback. Yes I am a member of SOA and I received a copy of their ghost-writing guide on Saturday so thanks for that. I will let you know what I do after I have read it.
Best wishes.
Beanie

Thanks for all your advice, Myrtle. i am most grateful.
Beanie

You're welcome, Beanie, and good luck with it. And do let us know how you get on - I'm sure there are other WWers who might be thinking along the same lines.

Emma