Writing as both a service and a profession has evolved in the last few years. With more and more people hiring writers, the need for different kinds of writers is also increasing. While many people are bending toward ghostwriting services, some also require services from freelancers and hired writers.
But what exactly is the difference between the three? In today’s blog, we’ll cover the different types of writers.
The Perks of Ghostwriting
As the name suggests, ghostwriters work in “ghost” mode. This means that whatever content they produce is owned by the individual or company paying for their service. Ghostwriters are the most unique type of writers who do not take any credit for the content they offer to create for you. The type of content produced by ghostwriters can range anywhere from a blog to a book.
In many cases, working with a ghostwriter requires the signing of an NDA to ensure that the details of your content are not released. This will allow you to keep your ideas confidential and safe before publishing or releasing them yourself.
Ghostwriting explained comprehensively in previous blog: Guide To Ghostwriting
Working as a ghostwriter is a great option for individuals looking to pursue their passion for writing. Letting go of the credit and ownership of your content does come with the perk of being paid more than freelancers or other types of writers. However, this type of writing work could reduce the visibility you get as a writer.
Benefits of Hiring a Ghostwriter
Hiring a ghostwriter to create the content from your defined outline can save you a lot of time and effort. This can be allocated elsewhere, especially if you’re not a writer yourself.
The most important aspect of hiring a ghostwriter is that you get to keep ownership of the content produced. Ghostwriters generally don’t take credit for their work and prefer to keep themselves anonymous.
They are also usually paid more than freelance writers, so if you’re looking to pursue your career as a writer, ghostwriting may be a good option. Usually, they work as both freelancers as well as hired writers.
A ghost who has only a lay knowledge of the subject will be able to keep asking the same questions as the lay reader, and will therefore open up the potential readership of the book to a much wider audience.
Robert Harris
Cons of Hiring a Ghostwriting Service
Relative to other types of writing services, ghostwriting generally costs more. This is due to the fact that ghostwriters have to let go of the ownership of the content and do not take any credit for it.
It may also be a bit difficult for you to find a reliable ghostwriter compared to other types of writers. The process of a ghostwriting project may also prove to be a bit complicated for both parties as it involves an NDA and other legally binding agreements.
How is Freelance Writing Different from Ghostwriting?
Freelance writing is completely different from ghostwriting. The most significant difference between the two is content ownership. Unlike ghostwriting, freelancers reserve the right to own the content they produce.
In some cases, they may agree not to claim it, but usually, they do get credit for their work. This includes notability and visibility when the content is published traditionally or on any online platform.
Freelance writing is usually suitable for smaller projects such as blogs and articles and, in most cases, requires a lesser level of experience. They are generally more easily accessible than other types of writers and can be found on various online platforms.
Working as a freelancer is a completely different story. Due to the number of available freelance writers available, it could be difficult to land successful gigs, especially at the start of your career.
However, there are some companies who hire freelance writers on a contract basis as well. Generally, freelance writing can be considered slightly unreliable in the long run.
Advantages of Freelance Writing
Hiring a freelancer is generally much easier than finding the right ghostwriter. They are easily accessible, and it’s just convenient to hire a freelance writer.
As they are paid on the basis of completed tasks and often charge per word, it is a cost-effective solution. Usually, every experienced freelance writer has worked on a wide range of projects. This allows them to bring a lot of expertise to the table.
While working as a freelance writer, you would have the opportunity to work as per your own schedule, and there wouldn’t be any pressure of working a full-time shift.
Drawbacks of Freelance Writers
Freelance work is generally a little unreliable for both parties. If you’re hiring a freelancer for a project, they may only be accountable for the content for the duration of the work.
On the other hand, working as a freelancer may offer little to no security. The freelance market is also extremely saturated, which makes it difficult to find work.
Moreover, most platforms that allow freelancers to advertise their talent and land a gig charge an additional fee. Generally, freelancing also pays the least out of all the writing options.
The Third Type of Writers – Hired Writers
Hired writers are usually employed by companies on full-time employment. They are on a fixed payroll and cater to content-related tasks assigned by the employer. Due to the fact that hired writers are not on a task-based contract like freelancers, there is much more reliability in their content, even after finishing the project. The ownership of their content varies, unlike ghostwriters, who usually don’t take any credit for their work.
Generally, the company that has employed the hired writer determines whether they work as ghostwriters or not. In most cases, the credit and ownership of the project are given to the client paying for the service.
If you’re working as a hired writer, the need for constant tasks is eliminated. It is a secure way to show your writing talent. The reliability factor makes a lot of difference for all such writers. However, they usually need to work in-house, and the company may ask them to cater to more tasks than what a freelancer would charge.
Why is Hired Writing So Great?
Working as a hired writer allows you to have security and reliability in the long run. You would be working on the basis of permanent employment.
Furthermore, they also get to keep ownership of the content they create. Hired writers are able to take credit for their work and gain much more visibility as a writer.
For employers, it’s a cost-effective solution as they no longer need to pay them on the basis of each task. Having the writers work in-house also makes collaborations and discussions convenient with them.
Disadvantages of a Hired Writer!
It is much more difficult to get the services of a hired writer independently. In many cases, you may need to go through the company employing them. This could result in a higher cost for the service.
On the contrary, working as a hired writer could result in lower pay. Moreover, you may not have a lot of say in the ownership of the content you produce. That matter remains between the client and the company.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the writing world is constantly evolving, and as such, the need for different kinds of writers will continue to increase. If you’re passionate about writing, pursue a career in this field and showcase your talent as either a ghostwriter, freelance writer or a hired writer.
