Can I include ghostwritten work in my portfolio without breaking NDAs?
You’ve poured your skill into fantastic content, but it’s all under someone else’s name, locked behind a Non-Disclosure Agreement. This is a classic ghostwriter's headache.
You know you need a portfolio to attract those ideal clients who see you as a strategic partner, not just a typist. But how do you showcase your best stuff when it's officially invisible?
The Rules of the Game: Understanding NDAs
First off, let's be clear: NDAs are serious business. They're legally binding contracts that protect confidential information.
Breaking one can lead to nasty legal and financial trouble. So, rule number one is respecting these agreements.
But that doesn't mean you're out of options. It just means you need to be smart and ethical.
Smart Moves: Getting Your Work Out There (Legally)
You have a few solid paths to ethically build that portfolio. These will help you showcase the unique value you bring, especially the kind that AI tools can't mimic, like deep strategic thinking and genuine brand voice embodiment.
1. The Direct Approach: Just Ask!
It sounds simple, but often the most straightforward way is to ask your clients for permission.
- Clearly explain what you’d like to use. This might be an excerpt or a case study without revealing sensitive data.
- Always, and I mean always, get this permission in writing. It protects both you and your client.
- In my experience, many clients are reasonable, especially if you've built a good relationship. They often understand your need to showcase your skills.
- They might say no, or ask for certain conditions, but asking is a crucial first step.
2. Plan Ahead: Build it into Your Contracts
For future gigs, this is where you can be proactive.
- Consider adding a clause to your ghostwriting contract. This clause would allow you to use the work (or parts of it) as a confidential sample, shared privately with potential clients.
- Specify that client identity can be protected. Many clients are perfectly fine with this, especially if it’s for private showings only.
- This foresight can save you a lot of hassle down the line.
3. Can't Show Theirs? Create Yours – And Make It Shine
If explicit permission isn't on the table, it's time to create dedicated portfolio pieces.
- Write articles, blog posts, or even mock-up projects in the style and niche you want to attract.
- This is your chance to really show off what you can do – the strategic depth, the unique insights, the compelling storytelling that sets you apart from generic AI output.
- Think of it as crafting your own signature dishes because the restaurant's menu is secret. This directly addresses the need to develop a clear value proposition highlighting human advantages.
Beyond the Obvious: Clever Portfolio Tactics
Okay, so you're working on getting permissions and creating your own samples. What else can you do to demonstrate your value, especially in a market where you're competing with the idea of cheaper, faster AI?
- Describe, Don't Display (When Necessary): Even if you can't show the final product, you can describe the project. Talk about the client's goals (anonymously, of course), the challenges, your strategic approach, the scope of the work, and the (positive) outcomes. This showcases your thinking process, a key differentiator.
- The Private Collection: Create a password-protected section on your website or a private folder for your best samples. You only share access with serious prospects after an initial conversation, respecting confidentiality while still allowing you to put your best foot forward.
- Publish Under Your Own Name: This is a big one. Writing and publishing your own high-quality content (like a blog in your niche) not only serves as a sample but also builds your authority and online presence. It’s tangible proof of your expertise and helps clients find you.
Don't Shoot Yourself in the Foot: What to Avoid
It’s easy to get frustrated, but cutting corners here can backfire badly.
- Never Share Without Permission: It's unprofessional and a legal risk. Full stop.
- Messy Redactions are a No-Go: Trying to black out parts of a document often looks unprofessional. It might not even satisfy the NDA terms.
- Ignoring the Fine Print: Read your NDAs. Understand what they cover, for how long, and if there are any specific exclusions because what you don’t know can hurt you.
Future-Proofing Your Ghostwriting Career
Building a strong portfolio is key. But it's also about how you position yourself in this evolving market.
- Diversify Your Showcase: Aim for a mix – client-approved samples, your own published work, detailed project descriptions, and perhaps some non-ghostwritten pieces if you have them.
- Build Your Online Brand: A professional LinkedIn profile, your own blog, or active participation in relevant online communities can demonstrate your expertise and passion. This is where you can also subtly educate potential clients on the value of strategic, human-led content versus mass-produced AI text.
Ultimately, while NDAs add a layer of complexity, they don't have to stall your growth as a ghostwriter. By taking thoughtful, ethical action, focusing on clear communication with clients, and proactively creating opportunities to showcase your unique skills, you can build a portfolio that truly reflects your talent.
In a world increasingly curious about AI, your ability to demonstrate strategy, originality, and deep understanding through your portfolio will be what helps you not just survive. It will help you thrive and secure that role as a valued strategic partner.