5 Hilarious Mistakes New Ghostwriters Make (And How to Dodge Them!)

So, you’ve decided to become a ghostwriter, congratulations! 

You’re officially in the business of making other people sound smarter while staying invisible like a literary ninja. 

But before you start raking in cash and pretending you don’t exist, let’s talk about the five biggest mistakes new ghostwriters make. 

And trust me, you don’t want to be that ghostwriter.

1. Leaving Fingerprints Everywhere

Ghostwriting is like being a secret agent—you don’t want to leave any traces. 

But some newbies can’t help but sprinkle their own style all over the project. 

If your client is a buttoned-up CEO and you’re tossing in phrases like “bruh” and “YOLO,” you might as well sign your name at the bottom.

The Fix: Study your client’s voice like it’s your job (because, well, it is). 

Read their past work, stalk their tweets (in a non creepy way), and mimic their tone so well that even their own mother wouldn’t suspect a thing.

2. Forgetting the Invisible Paycheck Rule

New ghostwriters sometimes crave credit. 

They write an amazing piece and suddenly feel like they should get a little shout out. 

Maybe just a tiny “by Your Name” at the end? Nope. 

That’s the whole point of ghostwriting you get paid not to exist.

The Fix: Accept that your name won’t be on the masterpiece.

 

But hey, you can still admire it from afar like a proud parent at a school play. 

If you need public recognition, work on your own projects too.

3. Ignoring the Client’s Wild Ideas

Clients sometimes have, let’s say, creative ideas. 

They might ask for a blog post about why cats should be elected to public office. Your gut reaction? “Absolutely not. ” 

But guess what? Your gut doesn’t pay your bills.

The Fix: Your job is to make your client’s vision work, even if that vision is, uh, unique. 

Instead of rejecting their idea, find a way to make it engaging and polished. 

(And hey, maybe a cat president wouldn’t be so bad.)

4. Over promising, Underperforming

You tell your client, “I’ll have that 10,000-word eBook done in two days!” because you want to impress them. 

Then reality hits, and you’re curled up under your desk, questioning your life choices.

The Fix: Set realistic deadlines. If something will take a week, say so. 

Clients appreciate reliability more than lightning speed.

 

(Unless you’re literally ghostwriting for The Flash, in which case, good luck.)

5. Ghosting as a Ghostwriter

Ironically, some new ghostwriters think it’s okay to ghost their clients. 

Maybe you missed a deadline and feel awkward, or maybe life got in the way. 

But disappearing is not the move.

The Fix: Communicate! 

Even if you’re behind, a quick “Hey, I’m on it!” can save your reputation. 

Being reliable is what keeps clients coming back.

 (That and your dazzling ability to write about cat politicians.)

Final Thoughts

📍Being a ghostwriter is a wild ride, but avoiding these mistakes will keep your career hauntingly successful. 

📍Master the art of invisibility, respect your deadlines, and for the love of words, don’t ghost your clients. 

📍Now, go forth and write like the friendly literary ghost you were born to be!