What you will learn

In 10 classes focused on the business of ghostwriting, you'll learn how to get started and what it takes to succeed. 

Classes comprehensively cover business fundamentals such as contracts, payment structures, and negotiations as well as more nuanced ghostwriting strategies on how to listen deeply, submerge your ego, and capture the author’s voice.

The course will focus on the mechanics of launching and growing a sustainable ghostwriting practice, providing step-by-step guidance on:

-Creating a business plan

-Positioning and promoting your services

-Setting fees

-Developing contracts

-Finding clients and closing deals

-And more

Curriculum

The curriculum for Ghostmasters 101: How to Break into the Business of Ghostwriting was developed by Gotham CEO Dan Gerstein and Toni Robino, a bestselling ghostwriter with 25 years of experience and a frequent Gotham collaborator. 

Our course is built like a university – Boo U, as we like to call it – with a diverse group of co-instructors who have developed best-in-class expertise in the different facets of running a successful ghostwriting practice, from marketing to negotiating to client management.

• Make Your Business Plan with Dan Gerstein 
• Build Your Infrastructure with Marcia Layton Turner 
• Be a Visible Ghost with Pauleanna Reid 
• Cultivate Clients with Salwa Emerson 
• Close the Deal with Dan Gerstein 
• Win the Confidence Game with Alice Sullivan
• Know Thy Client with Jordan Michael Smith
• Design a Smooth Process with Erika Winston 
• Publishing 101 with Emily Heckman 
• Write a Proposal They Can't Refuse with Catherine Whitney 
  

Past students said:

"Last year, a friend of a friend asked me to ghostwrite a book proposal for her. I’ve been a professional writer for decades, but this was a new kind of work for me. Luckily, Gotham Ghostwriters offered this master course! I learned about the ins and outs of the business, how to find clients, how to work in this odd realm where you aren’t the “Author” but you are the “Writer,” the various types of publishing options, whether it’s better to work in MS Word or the more easily-collaborative Google Docs, and so much more. I came away feeling like I could, actually, write not only this proposal, but the book if it came to that. I could see the contours of this job, finally. If ghostwriting is something you’re considering, I highly recommend this course!"

-Connie S., freelance writer

"Really enjoyed Ghostmasters 101. The content was expertly curated, the speakers engaging. Walked away with industry tips and actionable strategies to use in current and future projects. Highly recommend for anyone looking to take their ghostwriting business to the next level.”

-Diana C., Ghostwriter & Editor

"Ghostmasters 101 demystified ghostwriting, turning invisible work into visible strategies that transformed my practice. Through conversations with seasoned ghosts and Gotham’s CEO, I gained the confidence and the tools to charge what I’m worth and find clients who value the human touch behind words. The course was equal parts business savvy and creative empowerment, which is precisely what this ghost needs to thrive."

-Elizabeth S., ghostwriter and developmental editor

"Ghostmasters 101 elevated the way I approach writing as a profession. The most valuable session for me was about building infrastructure – what so many writers struggle to do. The tips on how to set up my fees, design business processes that make sense, and streamline as much of my work as possible completely changed how I run my business. Another highlight was the session about capturing an author’s voice – the very art of ghostwriting. I couldn’t have asked for a more well-rounded professional development opportunity. If you’re serious about ghostwriting as a business, this course is an absolute must."

-Amy J., Author, International Speaker

"Ghostmasters 101 gave me every possible tool to launch my own ghostwriting practice with professionalism and confidence. I've never gotten so much honest, practical information from a professional development course. Each speaker brought something unique and valuable to the table; their varied perspectives enabled us to get a multi-faceted sense of what it takes to make an effective collaboration happen. I couldn't be happier, and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand how to thrive in this competitive industry."

-Stella F., Writer

"As an experienced ghostwriter I wasn’t expecting to learn too much from this course but I came away with so many nuggets that I was able to implement in my practice. I loved the variety of presenters and topics and the inspirational ‘You Can Do It’ vibe. Ghostwriting can be a lonely gig so it was great to connect with other ghostwriters at different stages of their journey."

-Robert T, ghostwriter 

"Great concept overall, learned things I wouldn't learn anywhere else."

-Student (October 2024)

"The class was great--Toni was a fantastic guide through each session, the experts were all so helpful, engaging and approachable. ... The whole workshop really helped demystify ghostwriting."

-Student (October 2024)