Member Spotlight: Carrie Glenn
How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?
I’ve taken an unconventional approach to becoming a ghostwriter. I started editing and copywriting through the platform Fiverr. Once I had earned enough five star reviews to push me up the levels, people started asking me if I could help them write their ebooks and books, so I created a “gig” for ghostwriting. Back then the pay was very little. I remember one job writing a very technical book where, at the end of the whole project when I added up the hours, I had only been paid $4 an hour—disheartening to say the least. When it became available, I applied for and was accepted to Fiverr Pro. I raised my prices, plus got a few projects through word of mouth once I was brave enough to tell people what I do.
What has been your secret to building a steady stream of ghostwriting clients?
I can’t stress highly enough the power of talking to people and posting casually on social media! When it comes to “selling my services,“ I am painfully shy (one of the only times ever, lol). But letting people know gives them the opportunity to hire or recommend me.
I’ve also had a couple of clients hit that Amazon Bestseller distinction, and that makes a big difference, especially when I make it clear to potential clients that I understand the vast difference between Amazon and traditional New York Times bestsellers. Plus, it helps that early in my career I was featured in a few top publications such as Today, Reader’s Digest, and even the Nonfiction Authors Association, so I can display these logos as such.
But my biggest career move has been joining the Association of Ghostwriters. With the support of our leader and members in the group, I have raised my prices substantially and changed the pricing in my Fiverr profile to match. I handle the platform’s pricing cap by only offering projects with lower word counts and letting clients know they can hire me for longer books at the appropriate pricing. I’m the only one on the platform charging as much as I do, and the clients I’ve attracted because of it are amazing. Charging a living wage, hoping AOG, and telling people about what I do are the three secrets to landing more and better clients.
Oh! And I’ll soon branch out to radio marketing. I live in an affluent area and think I can reach more
potential clients through radio ads.
What do you wish clients understood about the ghostwriting process?
I wish clients understood that it is, indeed, a process! Writing for one’s self is hard enough, but writing for another person in their voice takes a lot of intuition, instinct, talent, and training. It gets even trickier when you’re writing for people who want a book to attract clients. Then, you’re writing in the voice of your client and their clients! It can get very tricky and demand more time than most people realize.
How would you describe your favorite type of project and client?
My favorite type of project and client is one that serves others and understands that a ghostwriter is their partner. Books change lives. My favorite client may or may not know that at first, but they trust me to guide them through the process.
I also love it when those who self-publish hire me to complete the arduous publishing process. Book layout, formatting, ISBNs, and all those details add up to a lot of time, and I’m happy to tackle this last step for them. There’s almost no greater joy than pressing the “PUBLISH” button for a client’s book!
What are the best parts of this career?
The other day, I walked into my local bookstore and ordered a book that I had ghost written with a magnificent client (and now good friend). Because we published on IngramSpark as well as Amazon, the bookstore was able to place the order, and I am now waiting for it to arrive. That is a career highlight!
Getting to put books out into the world that make a difference to the lives of others is an absolute joy, as is helping someone achieve their (often) lifelong goal of being a published author. So many people dream of leaving behind a legacy, and a published book does that. It’s an incredible experience.
How can people reach you?
They can call or text me at 841.402.7337. They can also peruse my website at carrieglenn.com
