It's basically a how-to manual for ghostwriting. Not my niche so I'm happy to say: if you want to be ghostwriter and make bank that way this is THE book to read. It does have advice about writing which is applicable to other fields: that's why I read it. I enjoy Cole's writing style: tight, impactful, yet reflective. I prefer longer paragraphs but there's more in here than 1/3/1. Good book, highly recommend.
"Swan dive in, my friend."
Before reading this book, I was a couple years into running my b2b freelance content writing business.
When an inbound prospect told me they wanted "thought leadership for the CEO," I had no idea what to offer them.
Speed-reading through this book gave me the answer - and I was able to land this client for a LinkedIn ghostwriting project at around $2.5K per month.
It was incredibly meaningful work - and far more profitable than slaving away over the typical SEO blog for a marketing team.
At the same time, it took courage. Showing up to interview this CEO for content was absolutely nerve-wracking!
But I clung to the book life a life raft, and I made it through.
Now, a year later, I have 4 ghostwriting clients. I'm right around that 10K/month mark - which had always felt so far out of reach as a freelancer.
This book is where it all started - and it opened up a pathway for me.
When I'm thinking about how far I've come, I often think of this part in the book where Cole writes:
"If you’ve never heard the term “ghostwriting" .. I’m here to tell you: swan dive in, my friend.
Ghostwriting is a goldmine. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another career path as a writer as profitable, as fun & entertaining (as you’ll gather from some of the stories I’m going to share in this book), as mentally stimulating, and as beneficial to your craft and your career as a writer. It’s your fastest path out of poverty."
Was I skeptical when I read that?
For sure - but I had a glimmer of hope, too.
And now, I can honestly say that if you're a freelance writer who cares about your craft, is willing to do the work, and is tired of burning out on low-paid work, it's very, very true.
One of the most inspiring books I’ve read in years. The lessons inside are practical, and the writing is so easy to connect with.