Podcast Summary: "Why Ghostwriters Make More $$$ Than Freelance Writers"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Coffee With Cole: The Digital Writing Podcast
- Host/Author: Nicolas Cole
- Episode: Why Ghostwriters Make More $$$ Than Freelance Writers
- Release Date: February 13, 2025
- Description: Weekly deep dives into the Art & Business of Digital Writing, Ghostwriting, & Self-Publishing
Introduction
In the episode titled "Why Ghostwriters Make More $$$ Than Freelance Writers," Nicolas Cole delves into the lucrative world of ghostwriting, contrasting it with traditional freelance writing. He emphasizes the financial and professional benefits of positioning oneself as a ghostwriter and introduces his Premium Ghostwriting Academy (PGA) as a pathway to achieving higher earnings and greater business efficiency.
The Ghostwriting Advantage
Key Argument: Cole posits that ghostwriters, on average, earn significantly more than freelance writers simply by adopting the title and business practices of ghostwriting.
- Quote:
"Ghostwriters, on average, make more money than freelance writers. So just by calling yourself a ghostwriter means you make more money."
(00:00)
Supporting Points:
- Subtle Positioning Tweaks: Small changes in how writers market and present their services can lead to substantial financial improvements.
- Enhanced Earnings: Ghostwriters command higher fees due to their specialized services and perceived expertise.
Premium Ghostwriting Academy (PGA) Overview
Cole introduces PGA as a comprehensive program designed to help writers transition from freelancing to ghostwriting, thereby increasing their income and reducing stress.
Key Features:
- Fix Your Niche
- Optimize Packaging and Pricing
- Revamp Outreach Strategy
1. Fix Your Niche
Importance of Niching Down: Specializing in a specific niche allows writers to become experts in that area, attracting higher-paying clients who value specialized knowledge.
- Quote:
"When you niche down, you specialize. And when you specialize, you make more money."
(00:53)
PGA’s Approach:
- Selection Process: Helping writers choose a niche aligned with their career history and personal interests.
- Overcoming Barriers: Addressing fears and misconceptions about niching down through coaching and support.
2. Optimize Packaging and Pricing
Productized Services: Instead of offering vague, general writing services, ghostwriters should package their offerings into specific, repeatable services that can be sold consistently.
- Quote:
"You're going to pick a very specific service, you're going to productize it, and you're going to sell that same thing over and over and over again."
(04:20)
Benefits:
- Efficiency: Streamlined services lead to better time management and higher productivity.
- Increased Revenue: Productized services justify higher prices and attract premium clients.
PGA’s Strategy:
- Service Specification: Defining precise services to avoid the pitfalls of charging per hour or offering anything-and-everything writing services.
- Pricing Models: Establishing pricing structures that reflect the value and specificity of the services offered.
3. Revamp Outreach Strategy
Free Consulting Approach: A strategic method of providing value upfront to build trust and attract high-paying clients without resorting to traditional job platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
- Quote:
"The system I created is how I've attracted over 300 different ghostwriting clients and generated over $3,755,972 as a ghostwriter. It's called the free consulting approach."
(07:15)
Key Elements:
- Targeted Outreach: Focusing on ideal clients rather than mass outreach.
- Educational Value: Offering free insights and advice to demonstrate expertise and establish credibility.
Impact:
- Trust Building: Clients are more likely to hire ghostwriters who have already provided them with valuable information.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Quality leads resulting from targeted outreach translate to higher-paying contracts.
Success Stories
Cole shares testimonials from PGA students to illustrate the program’s effectiveness:
-
Caroline:
- Profile: Struggling freelancer.
- Outcome: Transitioned to ghostwriting, earning over $75,000 annually.
-
Khaled:
- Profile: Full-time tech employee.
- Outcome: Turned ghostwriting side hustle into a significant secondary income.
-
Marcus:
- Profile: No prior marketing or sales experience.
- Outcome: Secured a $5,000 client after implementing PGA strategies.
- Quote:
"Not long after that, he landed his first $5,000 client. Now show me another side hustle where that's possible."
(15:45)
-
Namisha:
- Profile: Freelancer from India.
- Outcome: Repositioned as a ghostwriter for entrepreneurs with online courses, leading to premium pricing and agency formation.
-
Roman:
- Profile: Previously stuck earning between $3,000 to $5,000 monthly.
- Outcome: After initial resistance, adopted PGA’s methods and now averages $10,000 per month.
-
Crystal:
- Profile: Former corporate communicator.
- Outcome: Increased income while reducing work hours, leading to improved health and lifestyle.
-
Matthew Brown:
- Profile: Limited writing experience.
- Outcome: Now runs a ghostwriting agency earning $40,000+ monthly and employs others.
- Quote:
"He's actually been hiring writers and account managers from inside PGA."
(25:30)
Commitment and Work Ethic
Cole emphasizes that success in ghostwriting requires dedication and hard work. PGA’s most successful students are those who actively participate, implement strategies, and remain committed to their growth.
- Quote:
"The more you put in, the more you get out."
(21:10)
Student Example: Derek
- Profile: Managed ghostwriting while working full-time and planning a wedding.
- Outcome: Generated over $29,000 in revenue by actively engaging with PGA resources.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Nicolas Cole wraps up by reaffirming that while the strategies shared are not quick fixes, they are fundamental practices that can lead to substantial financial gains and business growth for writers willing to invest the effort.
- Final Quote:
"If you think they are, you have a bunch of faulty beliefs around business and money that you need to unlearn. And I would love to help coach you through them because it is 100% doable to reposition yourself and start making more money as a ghostwriter."
(29:50)
Cole encourages listeners to consider PGA if they are serious about elevating their writing careers and invites them to book a call with the PGA team to address their unique challenges.
Notable Quotes Summary
-
Introduction to Ghostwriting:
"Ghostwriters, on average, make more money than freelance writers."
(00:00) -
Niching Down:
"When you niche down, you specialize. And when you specialize, you make more money."
(00:53) -
Productized Services:
"You're going to pick a very specific service, you're going to productize it, and you're going to sell that same thing over and over and over again."
(04:20) -
Free Consulting Approach:
"The system I created is how I've attracted over 300 different ghostwriting clients and generated over $3,755,972 as a ghostwriter."
(07:15) -
Student Success - Marcus:
"Not long after that, he landed his first $5,000 client."
(15:45) -
Commitment to Success:
"The more you put in, the more you get out."
(21:10) -
Final Encouragement:
"It is 100% doable to reposition yourself and start making more money as a ghostwriter."
(29:50)
Takeaways for Listeners
- Repositioning as a Ghostwriter: Adopting the ghostwriter title can significantly enhance earning potential.
- Specialization is Key: Focusing on a niche market leads to expertise and higher client fees.
- Productized Services: Offering specific, repeatable services ensures consistency and efficiency in operations.
- Effective Outreach: Utilizing strategies like free consulting builds trust and attracts premium clients without traditional selling tactics.
- Commitment Pays Off: Success in ghostwriting demands dedication, continuous learning, and active implementation of proven strategies.
For writers seeking to elevate their careers and income, Nicolas Cole’s insights and the Premium Ghostwriting Academy present a structured pathway toward achieving these goals.