Happy March! Happy Wednesday! And last but not least, Happy Ghostwriters’ Week!
Let’s jump right into how you can create winning proposals! One of the most important aspects of being a successful ghostwriter is finding and landing the right gigs. The secret to this is being able to write a winning proposal. There are different rules and regulations depending on which freelance marketplace you use, but here are some guidelines that should help you secure some great ghostwriting gigs.
Read the Assignment Details Carefully
Most prospective clients will first see your proposal, not your profile, so it is important to follow all instructions carefully, ensure the details you provide match what is needed, and explain how effectively you will give them what they want.
Be picky about what you apply for. For example, don’t apply for finance writer jobs if your portfolio shows nothing but health samples, no matter how many job listings there are.
One of the main things to watch out for is a code word. Clients put this in assignment listings at popular freelancing sites to ensure you are paying attention and customizing your proposal instead of utilizing the plug-and-chug method in a template.
Also, watch out for any assignments that are vague or incomplete. You really don’t have any time to waste when you are working as a freelancer. The sooner you get a gig successfully, the sooner you start earning. Be really cautious with assignments written by people for whom English is not a first language, as things can get lost in translation, costing you time and money.
Finally, make sure that you answer any questions completely and honestly. Note that the replies are sometimes visible before your proposal, so be sure to make a good impression.
Play the Match Game
Once you have found an assignment you think would be a good fit, copy and paste it into a word processing document and save it in a folder with a keyword that will help you find it again as needed. Create a second copy for your proposal.
In this second copy, delete any extra words, so all you have is a list of what is required for the assignment. Place them on the left-hand side of the page. Place the reasons you are a good fit for the job on the right-hand side of the page. In this way, you will show you’ve read the assignment and put thought into how your skills genuinely match what is required.
Don’t try to get too creative or introduce other topics into the mix. You want a happy client who will feel confident they have hired the right person – someone who is reliable and can follow instructions, not go their own way all the time.
Template Your Introduction and Conclusion
Each proposal you send will be created from the assignments you find in the freelance marketplace, but there are some items you can template, such as your introduction. State how many years you have been writing. At the end, include the URL for your portfolio and anything else you think they need to know.
Write as you would a letter, with “Dear [First Name Last Name]” at the start and a “Sincerely yours” at the end. Keep the tone friendly but formal. Date the letter as well. Then keep it in a safe place until you hear back one way or the other.
Provide Your Contact Information and Availability
Now, depending on the marketplace, you may not be allowed to provide your direct contact information. However, if it’s not allowed, you can tell them the time zone you are working in, so you can connect with each other more effectively. Tell them to feel free to contact you if they want more information or would like a brief chat or interview. Be sure to check back and respond promptly to any requests.
Make Sure Everything Is Error Free
Maintain the highest standards of professionalism at all times. Triple-check your work. Proof everything before you send it over for review. You don’t want to miss out on an amazing opportunity because of poorly constructed sentences or typos.
Well, that about covers it! If you have questions or need an editor for your next ghostwriting project, please fill out the Let’s Connect form on https://iamediting.com, and we will be sure to help you.
Adrienne Michelle Horn is the owner of I A.M. Editing, Ink. Although she has a full-time professional career in healthcare, she is also a South Florida-based editor, poet, author, entrepreneur, and mother of her beautiful daughter, Paris.
For more information about Adrienne and her company, follow I A.M. Editing, Ink on social media or visit https://linktr.ee/iamediting!