Member Spotlight: Jordan Ring

How did you land your first book ghostwriting project?

I became a ghostwriter because I decided I wanted to be a ghostwriter. I strongly believe in intention and focus, and this played a major role in my desired reality coming true.

Once I decided to go for it, I found a listing online for a book writing job, and I applied. Somehow, I got it!

I jest, but my background of being an author of six books and my years of experience helping authors market their books helped me to get started.

Landing a first client in this field is tough, but having confidence and some experience goes a long way.

What has been your secret to building a steady stream of ghostwriting clients?

In a phrase: become someone people reach out to. Applying for job postings is a numbers game mixed with a high level of competition. It is hard to stand out this way.

But to be totally honest? This question strikes fear into the heart of me. It is the hardest thing about being a ghostwriter. It has gotten easier, but I can’t imagine it will ever be easy.

The Upwork platform worked for me when I was first starting out. Actually, some of my favorite clients have come from platforms like this. But these clients didn’t come from applying directly to job postings. They found my profile and reached out to me directly.

And as of 2023/2024, LinkedIn has been my primary stomping ground to attract quality leads. The reason it works for me is because I enjoy spending time there. I’ve made a ton of new connections and I no longer work in isolation.And lastly, joining AOG has been a boon for me to meet other ghostwriters and become “known”. One of the worst things you can do (that I was doing for years…) is to do it all alone without a network.

What do you wish clients understood about the ghostwriting process?

The #1 thing some clients don’t understand is that they still need to put work in. They are not handing off the football and joining the crowd to watch the game; they are hiring someone to help them put their ideas into the world. They need to be a part of the process from start to finish to get the best book possible. They don’t have to write, but that doesn’t mean they get to sit back and sip martinis while we create.

Ghostwriters are organizers, thought leaders, idea machines, and pretty darn good writers, but we are NOT mind readers. We can’t create from nothing. The book will be better the more you, the author, put into it.

How would you describe your favorite type of project and client?

My ideal client is someone with the basic pillars/foundations of an idea who needs someone to help iron everything out.

If you already have a ton of “shit” written down, keep sticking notes to your computer screen, or you have a Google Drive full of random content, I’m your guy.

I also love writing on topics that you are an expert in that might be new to me. Turning high-level content into relatable and actionable copy is one of my writing superpowers.

What are the best parts of this career?

I love organizing and creating. This is the best part of what I do every day.

My #1 Clifton Strength is Arranger, and I get to organize ideas for a living. I am truly blessed to be in a perfect fit “job.”

Ghostwriting has allowed me to work from anywhere in the world (with anyone in the world!), and now I get to call Lisbon, Portugal home.

Getting to spend my days learning from industry leading experts and coaches is a close second.

How can people reach you?

People can connect with me on LinkedIn here, and/or schedule a call with me on my website here.