As a freelance writer, I often write articles for other people. I write about a variety of topics. The articles end up being just about anything, such as running a business from home, tips for purchasing a laptop, or choosing memorable wedding favors. Lately, I’ve been trying to do my best at thinking of article ideas to pitch, and I can spend hours ruminating about whether I’m the right person for a subject. Like how dare I consider writing about something I’m not a certified expert on.
Yet, just now, it took me an hour or less to put together an article for someone whose target client are small business owners.
Why is that? Why is writing for other people so much easier than writing articles on behalf of myself? I think I figured out why
I get to be an expert.
I decided to write an article discussing tips for running a small business from home. Earlier this week I wrote an article discussing ways you can disinfect your toothbrush for a dentist office.
As I consider pitching article ideas, almost always editors want to know why you are the right person for this article. Why you should be writing it. I often have a hard time answering that question. There are things I know I can write about, but I feel nervous trying to make the case that I’m the right person for it. I guess that goes to what many people call “imposter syndrome.”
When I’m ghostwriting for someone, they are already the expert. I don’t need to worry about proving my expertise. I’ve already proven myself as being someone who can write for them and their topic. That’s all they needed to know.
I disappear behind their byline.
In the past, I worried a lot about getting my own byline in articles. I wanted to be recognized. Nowadays, it’s not like I don’t want recognition for my writing, but I find that I don’t need that all the time. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to blogging. It’s my space.
I think I feel differently about recognition now because the type of ghostwriting I’m doing now, (which is basically writing articles for companies so they get a boost in SEO) comes very easy to me. It didn’t used to. When it was difficult, I felt bad about not having my name recognized for that work.
It also helps that I do my own writing and blogging as well. I also pursue writing projects where I get recognition and a byline. That balance helps me find peace in someone else’s name getting attached to my work. In the past, when I did this before, I was only doing this type of writing and very little of my own and it drained me.
Do you do any type of freelance writing or ghostwriting? How do you feel about recognition?
I have the opposite problem. I struggle with being a people pleaser so writing for others is wayyy harder. I like your positive and confident attitude. I’ll try to be more like you and just do the work. Great job.
I have never thought about ghost writing before, but I think I would also enjoy it a lot.
I like that you are open about why ghostwriting is a great way to put yourself out there while still having your own space.
I actually like developing recipes for other people. I get to do what I love and they have to answer all of the questions!
Ghostwriting sounds incredible, but also scary at the same time. Being able to prove your expertise on a topic you are writing would definitely be challenging.
We have a friend literally live by ghostwriting for other people. This reminds me of him!