Hi,

I've been thinking about authors who are writing a book but either just want to dictate it or write it and then have someone type it. I'd be very interested to know if anyone had come across any work like this and how much demand there is?

Thanks
Hayley

Hayley,

I haven't had any author ask me to type from dictation but there are transcriptionists here on VAF who do this type of work.

Most of the authors I work with ask me to edit their work where I double as a fresh set of eyes. I make comments, suggestions and mark up corrections when needed. It is one of my specialties. But I have only done this type of work for coaches who write eBooks.

You may wish to check with our Virtual Transcription thread here on VAF for more information on dictation and the demand for this service.

You may also wish to check out Author's Assistant in Google. There is an array of services that an Author's Assistant offers which does include transcription if the author needs that. Most days authors type directly onto the computer instead of speaking into a dictaphone.

Ghost writing is actually writing for someone else in their name. I offer this service as well and write articles for coaches. This is an in demand service.

Janine

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Thanks Janine, I'll have a look at the treads etc that you mentioned!!

Talk soon,
Hayley

Thanks for sharing. How did you get started in that field of Ghost Writing?

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Christine Thomas -"It's that Simple"
Assistants Made Simple

Christine,

I always offered writing as a side service whether it was blogging, article marketing or newsletter creation.

But most of my work has come from clients just asking me to write something for them.

People know if someone can or cannot write properly as seen through regular correspondence. I have been asked, "Janine, please rewrite this for me" or "Janine I need an article on such and such, will you do the research and get back to me?"

So over time those clients with whom I corresponded often asked me to write a whole piece or simply to edit their work and make suggestions. Eventually I realized it could be a service I could offer aside from my regular VA work.

Since I work primarily with coaches who often write ebooks, newsletters and utilize email marketing, writing is often requested.

It is important to know, that if you wish to ghostwrite consider the fact that you would not receive public credit for your writing. The owner of the book or article receives the credit for your work. So I feel that it is important to excel in other areas where there may be other opportunities for people to know who you are and what you can do. I bring this up because if you like to receive compliments for your work, ghostwriting does not afford this. The satisfaction and the rewards for ghosting come from within oneself and from the client contracting the work. So not every type of personality can thrive on public anonymity particularly in the virtual field where nearly everything we post garners some kind of comment or praise.

If you are interested in offering ghostwriting, write as much as you can as you will need samples of your writing to show to perspective clients. Often a PC will ask for links to prior ghostwriting work.

When I started ghostwriting all I had was my blog and several articles I wrote for my business. It was enough to secure my first ghostwriting contact.

Janine

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