How to Nail a Client's Voice in Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting is the skill of capturing a client’s voice so convincingly even their mother would be fooled. You’re partially correct if you think this gig is about typing away in your pajamas while sipping organic kombucha. But there’s more to it. Ghostwriting is all about being a writing chameleon, seamlessly blending into another’s narrative style. The trick lies in understanding the nitty-gritty of your client’s voice and then mimicking it so well they can’t help but think, “Did I write this in my sleep?”

To all you ghostwriters and ghostwriter-wannabes, here are some fab tips and tricks to up your game in capturing that elusive client’s voice. Trust me, you’ll be the Cyrano de Bergerac of the writing world sans the tragic love story after this.

Voice Snatching During the First Client Meeting

The first meeting with a client is not a date. But it’s equally important, if not more so. Because if you mess this up, there’s no second chance. So what should you do?

• Drill them with questions about the purpose of the content: Is this a fluffy blog post or a serious business report?
• Ask about the target audience: Are we appealing to tech-savvy millennials or old-school baby boomers?
• Dive into their desired tone and style: Do they like to keep it casual, or do they go for the corporate buzzword bingo?
• Understand their unique perspective on the topic: Are they the next Steve Jobs or just not that ambitious?
• Spell out the goals: What are they hoping to achieve apart from world domination?

Oh, and while you’re at it, get that contract sorted. Nothing says ‘professional’ like setting clear expectations about deadlines, payment schedules, and project scope.

The Nuts and Bolts of Voice Capturing Mimicry

Here’s where the real fun begins. Your prep game must be strong before you even start pounding on that keyboard. Research the client, stalk their social media, read their horoscope if you have to, but get that voice right!

• Start by perusing your client’s website, social media profiles, and even their diary if you can get your hands on it (just kidding, don’t invade anyone’s privacy).
• Take notes about their writing style, tone, and favorite emojis. Yes, even emojis have a say in a person’s voice.
• Take a peek at their competitors. It’s not cheating; it’s called “industry research.”

Next, mimic, not parody, your client’s voice. There’s a fine line, so tread carefully.

• Match their vocabulary and sentence structures. If they love semicolons, so do you now.
• Nail the tone. If they’re sarcastic, your writing better drip with irony.
• Keep the target audience in mind. You’re not writing for your cat, even if it’s your most faithful reader.

Become the Ultimate Ghostwriting Virtuoso

Alright, you’ve made it this far, and you’re hungry for the big leagues. You must emulate your client’s voice consistently to ensure your portfolio isn’t just a one-hit-wonder.

• Think like them: What would they say? How would they say it? Would they use an Oxford comma or not?
• Keep those contract terms at the forefront: Failing to meet deadlines is last season.
• Make sure to follow up with the client: A good ghostwriter checks in, but a great one becomes the voice inside their client’s head (in a totally non-creepy way).

To sum it up, capturing your client’s voice isn’t rocket science, but it does demand a bit of Sherlock-level attention to detail. So, dive into your next ghostwriting project with these hacks, and you’ll have clients thinking they’ve found their writing soulmate.