Ryan Guthrie’s story is one of reinvention and embracing the unknown. Early in his 20s, Ryan was on a path toward nursing, but soon realized it wasn’t for him. Facing a major career shift, he discovered copywriting through a course, and in just about a year, he was making a consistent six-figure income as a copywriter. But Ryan’s journey didn’t stop there.

One day, a client approached Ryan with a new challenge: to help write a book. With no prior experience in book writing, Ryan immersed himself in research and took on the task with an open mind. The result? A well-received book and a new calling. This project sparked his transition from copywriting to ghostwriting, where he now writes books for politicians, TV personalities, and digital marketing experts.

What sets Ryan apart is that he has no formal background in writing or journalism. Instead, he developed his skills through hands-on experience and self-education. Ryan’s approach focuses on capturing his clients’ unique voices and styles, which he often refines by writing a sample chapter to gather feedback before diving into the full project.

Of course, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Ryan faced tough clients early on, which taught him valuable lessons about setting boundaries and managing expectations. Imposter syndrome was another challenge, but he views it as a sign of growth rather than a roadblock. The ability to learn from setbacks and push forward has been key to Ryan’s success.

As a ghostwriter, Ryan works with clients who have specific goals for their books, such as building thought leadership or securing speaking opportunities. And this career has proven to be highly lucrative. Depending on the client’s needs, ghostwriters can charge anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 per book.

Today, Ryan doesn’t just write—he teaches. Offering one-on-one mentorship and client acquisition programs, Ryan helps aspiring ghostwriters develop their skills and land their first clients.

Ryan’s story serves as a reminder that with the right mindset and willingness to dive into new opportunities, anyone can reinvent themselves and find success in an unexpected field.

Action Steps for Aspiring Ghostwriters:

1. Start Small, Learn Big: Like Ryan, you don’t need formal education to get started. Focus on learning through experience. Take on small writing projects to build your skills and portfolio.

2. Capture the Client’s Voice: Focus on understanding your client’s unique tone and personality. Start with a sample chapter to ensure the style is aligned with their vision.

3. Set Boundaries Early: Client management is as important as writing ability. Set clear expectations, timelines, and boundaries with your clients from the beginning.

4. Embrace Imposter Syndrome: Don’t shy away from feelings of doubt. Use them as a motivator for growth, knowing that pushing yourself into new areas leads to development.

5. Leverage Ghostwriting as a Business: Ghostwriting can be lucrative, but it requires business acumen. Learn how to price your services based on the value you provide and be ready to showcase your work to high-level clients.

6. Seek Mentorship: If you’re serious about ghostwriting, consider finding a mentor like Ryan who can guide you through your first project and help you land clients.

Ghostwriting is not just about writing books—it’s about turning stories into opportunities for growth and transformation. With determination and the right skills, the possibilities are endless.