If you’ve ever dreamed of writing professionally but struggled to figure out where to start, ghostwriting may be the perfect career path. Ghostwriting is one of the fastest-growing opportunities for writers in Nigeria today, and for good reason. From politicians who want memoirs, pastors who need books, business owners who want proposals, to researchers who need research help, the demand for a skilled ghostwriter in Nigeria is booming.
But what exactly does it mean to be a ghostwriter? How do you get started? What skills do you need? And most importantly, how much can you realistically earn?
In this guide, we’ll break it all down. You’ll learn:
- What ghostwriting really is (and what it is not).
- The skills you need to succeed as a ghostwriter in Nigeria.
- How to find clients and build credibility.
- How much ghostwriters earn in Nigeria.
- The step-by-step path to building a sustainable ghostwriting career.
- The common mistakes beginners make, and how to avoid them.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap to start your ghostwriting journey and position yourself as a professional writer in Nigeria.
What is Ghostwriting?
Ghostwriting simply means writing on behalf of someone else who takes credit for the work. Unlike co-authoring (where both writers are credited), ghostwriters remain behind the scenes.
For example:
- A CEO may want to publish a book but doesn’t have the time to write it.
- A pastor may want to turn sermons into devotionals.
- A professional may want to publish thought-leadership articles online.
- A researcher may need help structuring a dissertation.
In all these cases, the ghostwriter writes the content based on the client’s ideas, stories, and vision. The client owns the rights, while the ghostwriter gets paid for their expertise and effort.
Key takeaway: Ghostwriting isn’t about stealing someone’s work. It’s about collaborating to bring someone’s ideas to life.
Skills You Need to Become a Ghostwriter in Nigeria
Ghostwriting isn’t just about “good writing.” To succeed, you need a set of professional skills that make you valuable to clients.
1. Writing & Editing Skills
You need to write clearly, persuasively, and in different tones depending on your client. You should also be able to edit your own work to publishing standard.
2. Research Skills
Many ghostwriting projects involve technical, academic, or business topics. You must be able to research, analyze, and turn information into readable content.
3. Voice Adaptation
Clients want their book, speech, or article to sound like them. A great ghostwriter can adapt writing style to match a client’s personality and voice.
4. Professionalism & Confidentiality
Clients are trusting you with private stories, data, or intellectual property. Professional ghostwriters always protect confidentiality and keep deadlines.
5. Project Management
Ghostwriting is often long-term (weeks to months). You’ll need to manage outlines, drafts, revisions, and communication smoothly.
If you’re strong in these areas, you already have the foundation to thrive as a ghostwriter.
How to Find Ghostwriting Clients in Nigeria
This is often the biggest challenge for beginners, but also the most rewarding when you get it right. Here are the most effective ways:
1. Social Media Positioning
Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and Instagram are goldmines for ghostwriters. Post content around writing, share client testimonials, and let people know you turn ideas into publishable work.
Example post:
“Do you have a story or idea that deserves to be a book? I help professionals and entrepreneurs in Nigeria turn ideas into manuscripts without stress. Send me a DM to start your project.”
2. Referrals & Networking
Ghostwriting thrives on word-of-mouth. Satisfied clients often bring repeat business and referrals. Build relationships with pastors, entrepreneurs, lecturers, and thought leaders.
3. Freelance Platforms
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer global clients. While competition is tough, Nigerian ghostwriters who deliver quality often earn better than local projects.
4. Agencies & Subcontracting
Many ghostwriters start by subcontracting under agencies like Ensuite9, which already has a client base. This allows beginners to gain experience while earning.
How Much Can You Earn as a Ghostwriter in Nigeria?
One of the most attractive things about ghostwriting is the income potential. While pay varies based on project type and experience, here’s a realistic breakdown:
- Entry-level ghostwriters: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 per project (shorter works like blog posts or proposals).
- Intermediate ghostwriters: ₦150,000 – ₦400,000 per project (business documents, short books, speeches).
- Experienced ghostwriters: ₦500,000 – ₦1.5m+ for full-length books.
Many ghostwriters in Nigeria earn monthly retainers from long-term clients. For instance, helping a politician with regular speeches, or supporting a thought leader with weekly articles.
With consistency, ghostwriting can shift from side hustle to a full-time career that competes with (or even surpasses) traditional jobs.
Steps to Build a Sustainable Ghostwriting Career in Nigeria
So, how do you move from “interested” to “professional”? Here’s the roadmap:
Step 1: Build Your Writing Foundation
Read widely. Write daily. Practice rewriting published content in different voices.
Step 2: Create a Portfolio
Even if unpaid, create sample projects, articles, book intros, rewritten speeches. Showcase them on a personal website, LinkedIn, or Medium.
Step 3: Find Your Niche
You don’t need to write everything. Some ghostwriters specialise in:
- Books (biographies, self-help, fiction).
- Business writing (proposals, reports, speeches).
- Research writing (essays, dissertations).
Step 4: Set Your Rates & Use Contracts
Start modest but don’t undervalue your work. Always use contracts that clarify ownership, payment terms, and confidentiality.
Step 5: Build Relationships, Not Just Projects
Follow up with clients, deliver revisions promptly, and aim to become their go-to writer.
Common Mistakes New Ghostwriters Make
Avoid these traps:
- Charging too little — undervaluing your skills keeps you stuck at entry-level.
- Skipping contracts — always protect yourself legally.
- Overpromising deadlines — honesty beats stress.
- Forgetting client’s voice — don’t make it your style; make it theirs.
- Ignoring continuous learning — writing, like any craft, requires upgrading skills.
Ensuite9: Your Gateway Into Ghostwriting
At Ensuite9, we don’t just serve clients — we also train, mentor, and connect ghostwriters to opportunities.
- Training programs: Learn ghostwriting, editing, and publishing.
- Subcontracting opportunities: Work on live projects through our agency.
- Publishing pathways: See your writing actually get published, not just hidden in drafts.
- Career growth: Exposure to Nigerian and international clients.
Whether you’re an aspiring writer or an experienced freelancer looking to scale, Ensuite9 is your partner.
Ghostwriting is one of the most practical and profitable writing careers in Nigeria. With the right skills, persistence, and professional approach, you can turn words into income, while helping clients share their ideas, stories, and expertise with the world.
If you’ve been wondering how to become a ghostwriter in Nigeria, the time to start is now. Build your skills, put yourself out there, and connect with agencies like Ensuite9 that are already bridging writers with opportunities.
Start your ghostwriting journey today by joining our Ghostwriting Network — where writers get trained, connected, and paid.
