An entire world of writing exists for which you’ll never see a by-line. Welcome to the world of corporate ghostwriting, where product descriptions and press releases pay. Here’s what you’re in for, and why it’s a great writing gig any day.

What You’re Writing

Corporate ghostwriting is a vast field that includes product descriptions, manuals, press releases, packaging content, site blogs, reviews, newsletters, lessons and sometimes internal training content. Most ghostwriting is handled by in-house writers, but much gets outsourced to contracted copywriters or agencies.

Corporates Prefer Agencies

Most of my corporate ghostwriting work has been through leading copy agencies: Large companies like Coca-Cola usually prefer to hire equally large agencies. Sure, you’ll still get work as a sole writer, but join forces with a copywriting agency, and you’ll get your ‘in’ faster.

Getting In

Establish connections with copywriting agencies, CEOs, company marketing heads, and other “corporate types” – long-term relationships and word of mouth carry faster than ads when people are looking for writers, and it’s a good thing if your name comes up. Cold pitch: One e-mail placed right can launch a thousand jobs. “Hey, I used this writer. Try him.”

Startup Companies

Target smaller, startup companies with pitch emails before larger corporations: Site content and press releases are usually needed. Checklists of startups, like Angel.co, Startups-List.com and 500.co – or visit Google News and search “startup” for company suggestions.

Finding More Clients

To find more clients, ask yourself where corporates look for writers. They often put out ads first for jobs like Product Description writers. Job boards and classifieds like ProBlogger, MediaBistro and FreelanceWritingGigs are good resources.

Opt for Contracts

Suggest contracts over once-off writing when possible. Companies (and copywriters!) prefer long-term relationships. Suggest, for example, a contract for six months (or six press releases) rather than just one.

Proofreading as an In

Spotted a spelling mistake on a cereal box? Proofreading is sometimes a good “in” for corporate ghostwriting in places where their current company isn’t doing the job. Contact the company, mention what you saw, and note that you can do it better. You’d be surprised at how successful this can be.

What About Platforms?

Writing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork rarely pay well but can put you in touch with good contacts you wouldn’t have found outside of these platforms. Don’t discount them. Make a profile and check back about once a month.

Press Releases 

Press releases usually don’t just have to be written: They often require distribution to newspapers and blogs, too. If approaching press releases, have an “I’ll send this to” list ready.

Samples for Ghostwriting

Have a separate portfolio (or website page) for ghostwritten work – and always check with the initial client whether it’s OK for you to mention their content as a portfolio sample.

Keeping Proof of Authorship

Ghostwriting goes in so many directions, it’s hard to keep track. Keep contracts, brief emails, and invoices safe as proof of authorship for ghostwritten content. Otherwise, there’s no real way to prove that you wrote it at all later on.

About the Author:
Alex J. Coyne is a journalist, writer, and card player. His interests and passions include poker, bridge, cats and content writing.