Turning Writing Work Down

I just turned down a ghostwriting gig. The reason this is news is that there have been times in my freelance writing career when I’ve taken jobs I knew weren’t right for me. I don’t do that any longer.

Of course, with an increasing flow of income it’s easier to pick and choose, but that’s not the only reason.

Over time I’ve learned that I can’t write or ghostwrite for everyone. In this case, I had a three page sample to work with. It’s hard to say exactly what in that sample told me this isn’t a good project for me. Part of it was the tone… just too bloody cheerful given the subject matter.

Another factor was the recognition that the potential client and I are operating from two completely different belief systems. Often this doesn’t matter a whit. In fact, I can write a whole book for someone and never know what they believe on a spiritual basis. But in this case, part of the reason for the book is to communicate certain spiritual or religious ideas. That’s one I won’t even try to fake.

Finally, the client included in the sample that info that you can set up in word that tells you not only how many words, but how much time you spend editing, as well as other info. I realized looking it over that the client and I have a whole different work ethic.

I know there’s a ghostwriter out there for this one; I’m delighted that I know it’s not me.

Write well and often,

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