How ghostwriters create portfolio samples without violating NDAs
Imagine you're a talented chef who helped a restaurant earn rave reviews for a specific menu item. When applying for a new head chef position, you can't exactly serve that signature dish if it was developed under wraps. As a ghostwriter, you're in a similar spot.
You craft compelling content, help clients succeed, but your name isn't on the final plate. When a potential new client asks for a taste of your abilities, it can feel like a tough spot: needing samples to land the job but being bound by confidentiality.
It's a common challenge in this field, but definitely one you can work through with the right approach.
The Ghostwriter's Catch-22
The core issue is that you often can't put your name on the work you're most proud of. Ghostwriting means the credit goes elsewhere, whether it's for blog posts, speeches, web copy, or even books. It's the nature of the job.
So, when someone asks, "Show me what you got," you can feel stuck. How do you prove you can write in different styles, cover various topics, and meet client needs if you can't point to specific projects? It’s frustrating.
Be Your Own Best Client: Crafting Your Samples
Sometimes, the best way forward is to create something for yourself. In this case, it means becoming your own client. Write portfolio samples specifically to showcase your abilities. These aren't pieces you plan to sell; they're purely for demonstration.
- What to Create: Think about the work you've done successfully or the kind of work you want to do. Write samples that reflect those styles, topics, and lengths. If you nailed a technical piece for a software company, write a similar piece on a related topic. If you want to write engaging marketing blogs, write one.
- Show Your Range: Aim for a handful of diverse samples – maybe 5 to 10. Show you can handle different tones (humorous, authoritative), different subjects (marketing, tech, finance), and different formats (blog post, press release, short article). This proves your adaptability, which is valuable in ghostwriting.
- Quality is Key: Remember, these samples represent you. Since there’s no client editor, you have to be your own writer, editor, and proofreader. Make them shine. Consider adding brief notes explaining the imagined brief or the style guide you followed to give context.
Talking About Past Work (Without Spilling Secrets)
Another solid approach is talking about your experience in general terms. You don't need to name names or projects to show you've been in the game.
- Generalize Smartly: Instead of saying, "I wrote blog posts for ACME Corp," you can say, "I've ghostwritten blog content for clients in the SaaS industry" or "My experience includes creating whitepapers for Fortune 500 tech companies."
- Categorize: Group your past work by industry (e.g., healthcare, finance), content type (e.g., email newsletters, case studies), or client type (e.g., startups, established brands). This highlights your breadth of experience without breaking any NDAs and shows potential clients you know your stuff.
Building the Foundation First
Before you even worry too much about the perfect sample, make sure your core skills are sharp. Trying to build a portfolio on shaky foundations won’t hold up.
- Master Different Voices: Practice writing in various styles. Can you sound like a CEO one day and a casual blogger the next? This flexibility is crucial. Writers who adapt best are the ones who practice stepping into different shoes.
- Get Some Bylines (If You Can): While ghostwriting is the goal, getting some freelance work published under your own name can help. It builds credibility and gives potential clients something public they can look at, proving you can write professionally.
Remember the Relationship
It's easy to focus just on the writing samples, but don't forget that good client relationships are vital. Treat your clients well, deliver solid work, and maintain that trust.
- Testimonials: Happy clients might give you a great testimonial you can use.
- Referrals: Word-of-mouth is powerful. A referral often needs fewer formal samples.
- Potential Permission: Sometimes, a client might let you use a piece (maybe anonymized) if you ask politely and have built a strong relationship.
It's Not Magic, It's Strategy
Building a ghostwriting portfolio when you're bound by NDAs requires thoughtful strategy. You can't just show everything, so you need to be smart about what you show and how you show it.
Create specific samples, talk generally about your wins, keep honing your craft, and build trust with your clients. It's about demonstrating your value and skill without breaking promises.
That’s how you navigate this particular challenge and keep moving forward.