The Pros & Cons of Ghost Writing For Pay

There's no doubt about it: there are fewer ego boosts than a byline boasting our creative accomplishments to the world.
Come on, admit it. The attention is affirming. The accolades are warming. And, gosh darn it, it just feels good. ;-)
This typically applies whether you're writing for a content mill, or
an award-winning publication. You kinda' feel famous. Right?

But, what many authors are recognizing is that there is much to be said for writing "anonymously" as well. Particularly in that competition for freelance assignments is fierce due to the economy and the advent of the Internet.
I am one such author.
Long story short, a couple of years ago, seeking to expand my portfolio and my bottom line, I responded to an ad through a popular online bulletin board, and was subsequently hired. I've been on board ever since.

If you'd like to join the bandwagon, here is what you'll likely encounter based upon my experience. In the words of TV court Judge Mablean, "You better look deep before you leap."

PROS
1. Variety of assignments---Since I started these assignments, I've written on everything from marital counseling, to education, to business, and an array of topics in between.
Trust, you'll never get bored. No two days or two gigs are exactly the same.
2. Depending upon the client, pay can be quicker.
As opposed to being paid "after publication", as with magazines, some organizations and publishers actually pay the same day or within a week or two.
3. You can write in a variety of "voices".
Think of it as role playing.
4. You can expand your knowledge base.
Sometimes you may be required to write on topics or issues that are outside of your areas of "expertise". In these instances, researching and reading will help you to learn more and eventually earn more.
5. Clients can be great to work with.
And as an added bonus, they may offer you other collaborative writing opportunities, if the relationship and your skill level dictates.

CONS
1. Really unusual, difficult subject matters---When you're in this line of work, you may get good topics, and then again, you may get projects where you're writing on something that is totally foreign, uncommon, and requires an extensive amount of time to research. Be forewarned.
2. Sometimes some of your best work is something that others get to have "bragging rights" on. And you can't tell a soul that it's yours.
3. People that hire you may get significantly more compensation than the cash they pay you for the use of your work. "Don't it make your brown eyes blue?" :-)

Based upon these factors, I would recommend it, as there are typically more pros than cons. And who knows, you could ultimately ghost pen a book for a famous celebrity or athlete, and the rewards would be well worth your efforts!

How do you feel about ghost writing? Have you ever tried your pen at it?

Image Salvatore Vuono