How to Become A Ghostwriter

Steps to Become a Ghostwriter in Australia

Step 1: Complete a Writing or Communications Qualification

Build your writing foundation through formal study. A Bachelor of Creative Writing or Bachelor of Professional Communication takes 3 years full-time at university. TAFE and RTO providers offer writing diplomas such as the Diploma of Creative Writing. Confirm the current code at training.gov.au before enrolling. This takes about 2 years. Study covers narrative structure, research methods, and editing. Formal study is not a legal requirement for ghostwriting. But it builds the skills and credibility clients look for.

Step 2: Build a Diverse Writing Portfolio

You need writing samples that show your range before you can attract clients. Write articles, blog posts, short stories, and opinion pieces across different topics and tones. Publish where you can, including community publications and online platforms. Aim for a portfolio that shows two things: clear writing and the ability to match different voices. Most ghostwriters take 1 to 2 years to build a solid body of work.

Step 3: Learn the Ghostwriting Process and Legal Basics

Ghostwriting involves more than writing. Learn how to conduct client interviews, run projects, and draft contracts and non-disclosure agreements. The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) offers a Ghostwriting Agreement Template that outlines key legal and ethical terms. Familiarise yourself with Australian copyright law, including how to assign your writing rights to a client under a work-for-hire arrangement.

Step 4: Join the Australian Society of Authors

Membership with the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) is one of the most useful professional steps for any ghostwriter. The ASA offers standard contracts, rate guidance, and a member directory for ghostwriting work. It also provides professional development resources. Visit asauthors.org.au to join and list yourself as available for ghostwriting projects.

Step 5: Start with Smaller Projects and Build Your Reputation

Begin with short articles, speeches, or blog posts to build your ghostwriting experience. Connect with other writers, join industry networks, and let potential clients know you are available. Over time, take on longer projects such as memoirs or business books. Keep client testimonials where permitted and ask for referrals after each successful project. Most ghostwriters spend 1 to 3 years building their reputation before landing larger commissions.

Step 6: Set Up as a Professional Freelancer

Most ghostwriters in Australia work as freelancers. Register an ABN, set your project or day rates, and use written contracts for every engagement. The MEAA’s 2025 benchmark is $1,154.53 per day for freelance writers (Australian Society of Authors, 2025). Make sure clients sign a non-disclosure agreement before work starts. Manage your tax as a self-employed person and set aside funds for quieter periods between projects.

A ghostwriter’s day blends research, interviews, and writing. They might start by reviewing client notes, then spend time drafting and revising to get the voice just right. Along the way, they check facts, ask follow-up questions, and deal with their own project timelines to meet deadlines.

A ghostwriter produces content for clients who take the credit. The role covers everything from research to final delivery across many different genres and formats.

• Client consultation — learning about the client’s goals, voice, and story
• Research — reading background materials to build knowledge of the subject
• Interviews — capturing personal details and authentic voice from the client
• Drafting — writing content that reflects the client’s personality and message
• Revising — updating drafts based on feedback so the text reads naturally
• Style matching — adjusting vocabulary, tone, and phrasing to suit the client
• Proofreading — reviewing the final text for errors and consistency
• Confidentiality — following non-disclosure agreements and keeping client details private
• Project management — tracking deadlines and keeping the project on schedule
• Networking — connecting with publishers, agents, and potential clients

• Strong writing and editing skills
• Voice and style matching
• Research skills
• Client interviewing techniques
• Active listening
• Adaptability across genres and formats
• Attention to detail
• Time management and deadline focus
• Confidentiality and professionalism
• Project management
• Networking and relationship-building
• Understanding of publishing processes
• Ability to act on feedback
• Knowledge of Australian copyright and contract law
• Creativity and storytelling ability