Coffee With Cole: The Digital Writing Podcast
Episode: Why Ghostwriters Make More $$$ Than Freelance Writers
Host: Nicolas Cole
Release Date: February 5, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Coffee With Cole, Nicolas Cole delves into a compelling topic that resonates with many writers: Why Ghostwriters Make More Money Than Freelance Writers. Cole shares his insights, strategies, and success stories to help writers transform their careers from struggling freelancers to lucrative ghostwriters. This detailed summary captures the essence of Cole's discussion, highlighting key points, actionable strategies, and inspirational anecdotes.

The Ghostwriting Advantage

Cole begins by challenging the conventional struggles faced by freelance writers. He posits that the simple act of rebranding oneself as a ghostwriter can significantly increase earnings.

Nicolas Cole [00:00]: "Ghostwriters, on average, make more money than freelance writers. So just by calling yourself a ghostwriter means you make more money."

He emphasizes that this shift is not just a title change but involves subtle positioning, packaging, and pricing tweaks that collectively enhance a writer’s financial stability and reduce stress. Cole asserts that over a thousand writers have successfully made this transition through his guidance.

Premium Ghostwriting Academy (PGA)

Cole introduces his Premium Ghostwriting Academy (PGA), a comprehensive program designed to elevate writers' careers. PGA is tailored for various individuals, whether they are struggling full-time freelancers like Caroline, who earned over $75,000 last year, or professionals like Khaled, who transformed his side hustle into a substantial secondary income.

Three Key Strategies for Success

Cole outlines three pivotal strategies that PGA focuses on to help writers maximize their earnings:

1. Fix Your Niche

Identifying and owning a specific niche is the cornerstone of higher earnings.

Nicolas Cole [02:15]: "When you niche down, you specialize. And when you specialize, you make more money."

Cole explains that freelancers often suffer financially because they accept any client without specialization. PGA assists writers in selecting niches aligned with their career history and personal interests, while also addressing psychological barriers to niching down. This specialization allows writers to command higher rates and attract more lucrative clients.

2. Fix Your Packaging and Pricing

Moving away from vague, hourly rates to specialized, productized services is crucial.

Nicolas Cole [04:30]: "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."

Cole stresses the importance of developing repeatable services that enhance efficiency and profitability. By standardizing offerings, writers can streamline their work processes, increase their income, and maintain a healthier work-life balance. He warns that without productization, writers are unlikely to surpass the $10,000 monthly revenue mark.

3. Fix Your Outreach Strategy

Effective client acquisition is vital for sustaining and growing a ghostwriting business.

Nicolas Cole [07:45]: "It's called the free consulting approach."

Cole introduces the Free Consulting Approach as his proprietary method for attracting high-quality, high-paying clients. Unlike traditional methods like Upwork or mass emailing, this approach involves providing value upfront to build trust and establish authority. By offering free consulting, writers can connect with CEOs and founders who are more likely to hire and pay premium rates for their services.

Proven Success Through PGA

Cole shares inspiring success stories from PGA participants to illustrate the program’s effectiveness:

• Marcus: With no prior marketing or sales experience, Marcus secured a $5,000 client shortly after implementing PGA’s strategies.

  Nicolas Cole [12:20]: "Marcus joined PGA and had zero marketing experience... he landed his first $5,000 client."

• Namisha: Former freelancer from India, Namisha specialized in working with entrepreneurs offering online courses. Her refined niche and premium pricing enabled her to upscale her business and start her own agency.

  Nicolas Cole [14:50]: "She's selling a repeatable project at a premium... starting her own ghostwriting agency."

• Roman: Initially resistant to change, Roman eventually embraced PGA’s methodologies, leading to a significant business transformation and monthly earnings of around $10,000.

  Nicolas Cole [17:35]: "He clarified his niche, fixed his packaging and pricing... now he averages around $10,000 per month."

• Crystal: Transitioning from corporate America, Crystal not only increased her income but also improved her personal well-being by working fewer hours and adopting a healthier lifestyle.

  Nicolas Cole [21:10]: "She works a fraction of the amount of time... even lost weight and got so healthy that she stopped taking her blood pressure medication."

• Matthew Brown: From modest beginnings, Matthew now runs his own ghostwriting agency generating upwards of $40,000 per month, employing writers and account managers from within PGA.

  Nicolas Cole [24:50]: "He runs his own ghostwriting agency doing upwards of $40,000 per month."

The Road to Success

Cole acknowledges that transitioning to a successful ghostwriting career requires dedication and hard work. He dispels the notion of quick fixes, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort and the implementation of fundamental business principles.

Nicolas Cole [28:00]: "These tweaks I'm talking about, they're not silver bullets... it's just executing some very simple fundamentals in your writing business."

Cole encourages aspiring ghostwriters to adopt a growth mindset, unlearn limiting beliefs about business and money, and commit to the strategies that PGA offers. He highlights that the program’s success is directly tied to the writers’ willingness to apply the taught principles diligently.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In closing, Cole reiterates the transformative potential of rebranding as a ghostwriter and implementing strategic business adjustments. He invites listeners to join PGA to harness these strategies and achieve financial and professional growth.

Nicolas Cole [30:25]: "It is 100% doable to reposition yourself and start making more money as a ghostwriter."

Cole encourages interested writers to book a call with the PGA team to receive personalized assistance in overcoming their unique challenges and advancing their writing careers.

Key Takeaways

• Rebranding as a Ghostwriter: A strategic shift that can significantly enhance earnings and client quality.
• Specialization: Owning a niche allows writers to stand out and command premium rates.
• Productized Services: Offering specific, repeatable services increases efficiency and profitability.
• Effective Outreach: The Free Consulting Approach builds trust and attracts high-paying clients without resorting to traditional freelance platforms.
• Commitment and Hard Work: Success in ghostwriting requires dedication, consistency, and the willingness to implement proven strategies.

Inspirational Success Stories

Cole's discussion is enriched with real-life examples of writers who have transformed their careers through PGA, illustrating the practical applicability and effectiveness of his strategies. These stories serve as motivation for listeners to take actionable steps toward their own success in the ghostwriting industry.

For those looking to elevate their writing careers and achieve financial stability, Nicolas Cole offers a roadmap through his Premium Ghostwriting Academy. By adopting the strategies discussed in this episode, writers can transition from struggling freelancers to successful ghostwriters, enjoying higher incomes, reduced stress, and greater professional fulfillment.