Let’s talk about how to be someone else. I’m not entirely joking, here.

Becoming a ghostwriter who can write in another’s “voice” is a journey of deep listening, keen observation, and meticulous practise. It’s about disappearing into your client’s persona, where your words no longer sound like yours but like theirs.

Ghostwriting is an art, one where the ultimate goal is to become invisible in your own work. Imagine you’re a chameleon, adapting not just to the environment but to the very essence of another person’s thoughts, style, and voice. This is what you’re signing up for if you want to thrive as a ghostwriter. Here’s how you can learn to write not just in your client’s voice, but as if you were your client.

Tips on understanding the client

First off, you need to know your client inside out. This isn’t about stalking or being overly intrusive, but rather about understanding who they are:

• Read everything they’ve written. Start with what they’ve already written. Blogs, books, tweets, emails — consume it all. Notice their choice of words, sentence structure, and even punctuation preferences. Are they formal or casual? Do they use metaphors or stick to straight talk?
• Talk to them. If possible, have conversations. Listen to how they speak. Do they have catchphrases? How do they express emotions? This verbal interaction will give you insight into their rhythm and tone.
• Cultural context. Understand the cultural, professional, or personal background that shapes their voice. This might affect how they express opinions on certain topics or the kind of humour they employ.

Mimicking style

Once you’ve gathered enough material, the mimicry begins:

• Vocabulary and phrasing. Make a list or mental note of unique words or phrases your client uses. If they’re fond of saying “absolutely” instead of “yes”, or “it’s not rocket science” when simplifying concepts, include these in your writing.
• Sentence length and structure: Some people write in short, punchy sentences; others in long, flowing ones. Adapt your writing style to match theirs. If your client’s sentences are complex, practise crafting similar structures.
• Tone and mood. Is your client’s writing sarcastic, optimistic, or perhaps very academic? The tone should be consistent. If they’re known for their humour, your work should incorporate that humour, not just in content but in style. 

Practise makes perfect

• Draft and redraft. Write a piece as if you were your client. Then, set it aside, come back, and revise with a critical eye. Does it sound like them? If not, where does it falter?
• Feedback loop. If possible, show drafts to your client early on. Their feedback can be invaluable. They might catch nuances you missed or guide you further into their voice.
• Role-playing: Imagine scenarios where you would be your client. What would they say at a dinner party discussing politics? How would they describe their first love? This exercise can help you think in their voice.

Technological aid

• Voice recognition: While writing, you can use voice recognition software to dictate as if you are the client. This can make the process feel more authentic and help with capturing natural speech patterns.
• Style analysis tools: There are tools online that can analyse writing style. Use these to compare your writing to your client’s. They can highlight discrepancies in style elements like readability scores, word choice, or sentence length.

Ethical considerations

Remember, ghostwriting involves a dance of ethics:

• Transparency. Ensure there’s clear communication about the extent of your involvement. Clients should know their voice is being crafted by your hand.
• Authenticity. While you’re adapting your voice to theirs, never fabricate or misrepresent their views or personality. Your job is to echo, not to create a new persona.

Each client teaches you

This skill not only makes you an invaluable asset but also enriches your own craft as a writer. Each client teaches you a new way to see the world, a new voice to speak through, and ultimately, a new aspect of the human experience to explore through words. So, dive in, listen, adapt, and write as if you are them, because in the world of ghostwriting, the best compliment you can receive is when someone can’t tell you wrote it.

In marking matters, you can prominently state in your social media accounts and your website that you guarantee to write in your client’s voice. In professional ghostwriting circles, that aspect is not usually promoted, which provides you with a promotional advantage. Imagine a headline on your homepage: “My writing will sound exactly like you…and nobody will know!” That’s what I would do.

I’m Michael McKown. I am the co-founder and president of Ghostwriters Central, Inc., where we have been helping clients find and hire a ghostwriter since 2002. I’ve got many outstanding writers under contract. Each one is an expert with an excellent client service attitude. If we can assist with your project, begin by clicking the link. Your consultation is free. Best wishes and good luck!