Building a Ghostwriter's Portfolio: Should You Create Original Samples?
Imagine you're a master chef, but every dish you create gets served under someone else's name.
You know it's delicious, you know you made it, but you can't exactly point to it and say, "That's mine!" That's the ghostwriter's life. The very essence of ghostwriting means your name isn't attached to the content you produce.
This creates a unique challenge, especially for those just starting out or looking to expand their clientele: how do you demonstrate your capabilities when most of your work is confidential?
The "ghostwriting code" and those ever-present non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are often the culprits here. They're crucial for client trust, but they leave you in a bit of a bind. You need samples to get work, but you can't show the work you've done to create those samples.
It's a classic catch-22, and it can feel like your well-honed writing skills are being commoditized and devalued.
Smart Strategies for a Standout Portfolio
So, how do you navigate this tricky terrain? In my experience, you don't just rely on one approach. A multi-pronged strategy is the most effective way to build a robust portfolio that showcases your skills while respecting client confidentiality.
Crafting Original Samples: Your Secret Weapon
This is where you take control. Creating original samples specifically for your portfolio is not just an option; it's a highly recommended strategy.
Think of it like this: you're building a custom showroom to display your finest craftsmanship, unburdened by client restrictions.
Here's why this works and how to make it effective:
Demonstrate Versatility: You can write samples in various styles and on different topics to show off your range. Want to break into the finance niche? Write a killer finance blog post.
Looking to attract clients in health and wellness? Create a compelling sample in that area.
Showcase Your Best: You get to highlight your absolute strongest skills without worrying about NDAs. No more holding back because of confidentiality clauses.
Target Your Ideal Clients: Create samples that directly appeal to the types of clients and niches you want to attract. This is your chance to show them exactly what you can do for them.
Fill the Gaps: If your past ghostwritten work hasn't covered certain content types, original samples are perfect for filling those blanks. For example, if you've mostly written articles, create a website copy sample.
When you're creating these samples, treat them as if they were for a paying client. Research thoroughly, edit meticulously, and format them professionally.
The goal is to make them indistinguishable from actual client work in terms of quality and presentation.
Describing Projects Without Spilling Secrets
This is about being strategically vague, but powerfully descriptive. You can detail the scope and nature of your ghostwriting projects without ever revealing client names or specific confidential information.
When you're crafting these descriptions, focus on:
- Scope and Topic: What kind of content was it, and what was the subject matter?
- Your Contributions: What specific skills did you bring to the table? Did you structure the content, conduct research, or infuse a particular tone?
- Industry/Client Type: Mention the general industry (e.g., "tech startup," "non-profit organization") without naming names.
- Timeframes and Size: Including details like "200+ page manuscript" or "series of 10 blog posts over three months" demonstrates your experience and capacity.
Seeking Permission: A Proactive Approach
This might seem obvious, but it's often overlooked. In my experience, addressing portfolio usage upfront in your contracts can save a lot of headaches later.
Some successful freelancers build this into their agreements: "My contract states that I have permission to share my work (even if ghostwritten) on my portfolio unless the client requests me not to."
This allows you to link directly to the live content, which is fantastic for showcasing your work and preserving the client's SEO.
It never hurts to ask, especially if you've delivered exceptional work.
Publishing Under Your Own Name: Building Parallel Authority
This is a powerful long-term strategy that shifts you from being just a writer to becoming a recognized authority. Many successful ghostwriters actively publish content under their own names, building a public-facing portfolio that complements their ghostwriting work.
The two most common and effective methods are:
- Guest Posting: Find reputable blogs in your niche and offer to write a guest post. "Usually, you get a byline," which means your name is proudly displayed. This builds credibility and visibility.
- Self-Publishing Platforms: Platforms like Medium, Substack, or even your own personal blog are excellent venues for showcasing your expertise.
A lot of people who want to work with a ghostwriter simply hire their favorite writers—the people whose work they already follow and read.
By building your own visible presence, you essentially create a magnet for future ghostwriting opportunities. You become the go-to person because clients already know and trust your writing style.
Navigating the Ethics and Practicalities
When you're creating original samples, transparency is key. Be upfront with potential clients that these are samples created to demonstrate your skills, not paid client work.
The goal is to show them your capabilities, so focus on creating samples that solve real problems or address relevant topics in your target niche.
Here’s a clear breakdown of when and how to leverage original samples:
| Scenario for Original Samples | Addressing Client Concerns |
|---|---|
| Just Starting Out: Limited experience. | Be transparent about the nature of the samples. |
| New Niche/Industry: Breaking into a new field. | Create samples that solve real problems or address real topics in your target niche. |
| Strict NDAs: All previous work is confidential. | Consider including a mix of original samples and detailed project descriptions of actual work. |
| Specific Skills: Want to showcase skills not yet demonstrated. | Offer to complete a small, paid test piece for serious prospects. This shows commitment and provides a tangible example of your work in action, avoiding the trap of free speculative work that many established ghostwriters avoid. |
Your Portfolio: A Living, Evolving Document
Think of your portfolio not as a static collection, but as a dynamic, living document that grows and adapts with your career. The most successful ghostwriters don't just rely on one method; they employ a comprehensive strategy that includes:
- Original Samples: Targeted to your desired niches and showcasing various writing styles.
- Project Descriptions: Highlighting past ghostwriting work without breaching confidentiality.
- Personal Publications: Content published under your own name on platforms like Medium or your own blog.
- Testimonials: Glowing reviews from past clients (with permission) that speak to your abilities without revealing project specifics.
- Professional Website: A clean, easy-to-navigate site that clearly articulates your process, expertise, and specializations. Remember, organization is crucial—use categories or tags to group related samples logically.
Creating original samples is not just acceptable; it's often a necessary and powerful tool for blog ghostwriters.
By combining this with strategic project descriptions, seeking client permissions, and building your own public writing presence, you can overcome the inherent challenges of showcasing ghostwritten work.
As your career evolves, you'll find yourself in a stronger position to negotiate more flexible terms with clients and accumulate more published work under your own name, gradually reducing your reliance on purely original samples.
Your portfolio is your professional handshake, so make it a firm one that clearly communicates your value to potential clients.