π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Freelance Ghostwriter
πΉ Company: Reedsy
πΉ Location: New Zealand
πΉ Job Type: Freelance
πΉ Category: Writing & Editing
πΉ Date Posted: June 27, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: Remote (New Zealand only)
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Ghostwriting for bestselling authors and traditional publishers
- Flexibility to choose projects and set own rates and workload
- Collaboration with a vetted community of top publishing professionals
- Opportunity to work on various genres and gain exposure for your work
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for experienced ghostwriters looking for flexibility and exposure in the publishing industry. It offers a unique opportunity to work with renowned authors and publishers without the constraints of a full-time position.
π Key Responsibilities
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Ghostwrite books for clients, maintaining confidentiality about the author's identity
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Edit and proofread manuscripts to ensure high-quality content and adherence to publishing standards
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Collaborate with Reedsy's community of professionals to deliver projects on time and to client satisfaction
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Manage your workload, rates, and working times independently
ASSUMPTION: The primary responsibility of this role is to provide high-quality ghostwriting services, with a focus on maintaining client confidentiality and meeting project deadlines.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Not specified (industry experience is the primary requirement)
Experience: 3+ years of ghostwriting experience with traditional publishers
Required Skills:
- Proven experience on at least 5 published books with positive reviews
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Strong understanding of publishing industry standards
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with specific genres or niches
- Familiarity with self-publishing platforms (e.g., Amazon, Google Play, Apple Books)
ASSUMPTION: While a formal education is not required, candidates should have a strong portfolio of published works and a solid understanding of the publishing industry.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Industry standard for freelance ghostwriters in New Zealand is NZD 60-100 per hour, depending on experience and project complexity. Reedsy allows freelancers to set their own rates.
Benefits:
- Flexible working hours and project selection
- Exposure to a wide range of genres and clients
- Opportunity to work with renowned authors and publishers
Working Hours: Flexible, with the ability to set your own workload and working times
ASSUMPTION: The compensation for this role is competitive with industry standards for freelance ghostwriters in New Zealand. The benefits are primarily focused on the flexibility and exposure that the role offers.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Book and Periodical Publishing
Company Size: 11-50 employees
Founded: 2014
Company Description:
- A friendly place for authors to learn, create, and market the best indie books
- Connects authors with top professionals in editing, design, marketing, and ghostwriting
- Offers resources for authors and professionals to develop their skills and careers
Company Specialties:
- Self-publishing
- Publishing
- Writing
- Book editing
- Book marketing
- Book promotion
- Ebooks
- Editing
- Cover design
- Ghostwriting
- Books
- Book reviews
- Writing craft
- Freelance editing
- Book editor
- Book cover design
Company Website: reedsy.com
ASSUMPTION: Reedsy is a well-established and respected platform in the publishing industry, offering a unique opportunity for freelance ghostwriters to gain exposure and collaborate with top professionals.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Experienced (5-10 years of industry experience required)
Reporting Structure: Freelance ghostwriters work independently, collaborating with Reedsy's community of professionals as needed
Work Arrangement: Remote (New Zealand only), with the ability to set your own workload and working times
Growth Opportunities:
- Exposure to a wide range of genres and clients
- Potential to build long-term relationships with authors and publishers
- Opportunity to develop skills and expertise in specific genres or niches
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities through exposure to diverse projects and clients, as well as the potential to build long-term relationships with industry professionals.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (no physical office)
Office Location(s): New Zealand
Geographic Context:
- New Zealand has a strong publishing industry and a vibrant literary scene
- The remote work arrangement allows for flexibility and work-life balance
- The time zone (Pacific/Auckland) may require some adjustment for collaboration with international clients
Work Schedule: Flexible, with the ability to set your own workload and working times
ASSUMPTION: The remote work environment in New Zealand offers a high quality of life and the flexibility to balance work and personal responsibilities.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Submit application through the provided link
- Complete a writing test or provide writing samples
- Participate in an interview to discuss your experience, skills, and availability
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Understanding of publishing industry standards
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
- Availability and flexibility to take on projects
Application Tips:
- Highlight your experience with traditional publishers and well-reviewed published books
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experience
- Provide writing samples that demonstrate your ability to work in various genres
ATS Keywords: Ghostwriting, Editing, Publishing, Collaboration, Creativity, Time Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to involve a writing test or the submission of writing samples, as well as an interview to discuss your experience and availability.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Word or Google Docs for writing and editing
- Communication and project management tools (e.g., email, Slack, Asana)
- Self-publishing platforms (e.g., Amazon, Google Play, Apple Books)
ASSUMPTION: The tools required for this role are primarily writing and communication software, as well as self-publishing platforms for delivering final products.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Quality: Reedsy is committed to delivering high-quality books and services
- Community: Reedsy fosters a supportive and collaborative community of professionals
- Expertise: Reedsy values the knowledge and experience of its freelancers
Work Style:
- Independent: Freelance ghostwriters are expected to manage their own workload and projects
- Collaborative: Reedsy encourages collaboration and communication among its community of professionals
- Adaptable: Freelancers should be able to work in various genres and adapt to client needs
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong portfolio of published works and experience with traditional publishers?
- Are you comfortable working independently and managing multiple projects?
- Can you adapt your writing style to work in various genres and with diverse clients?
ASSUMPTION: Reedsy values freelancers who are experienced, adaptable, and committed to delivering high-quality work. Successful candidates will be able to work independently and collaborate effectively with other professionals.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing workload and deadlines independently
- Adapting to the unique requirements and styles of various clients
- Maintaining confidentiality about the identity of authors and projects
- Competing with other freelancers for projects and clients
ASSUMPTION: The primary challenges of this role involve managing independent workloads, adapting to diverse client needs, and maintaining confidentiality. Competition among freelancers may also pose a challenge.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional in-house positions, this role offers flexibility and exposure to a wide range of genres and clients
- Compared to other freelance ghostwriting roles, Reedsy offers access to a vetted community of top professionals and exposure to renowned authors and publishers
- Career progression in this role may involve building long-term relationships with clients, developing expertise in specific genres, or transitioning to a full-time in-house position
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique benefits and challenges compared to traditional in-house positions and other freelance ghostwriting roles. Career progression may involve building relationships, developing expertise, or transitioning to a full-time position.
π Sample Projects
- Ghostwriting a bestselling novel for a renowned author
- Editing and proofreading a non-fiction book on a specialized topic
- Collaborating with a team of professionals to deliver a high-quality self-published book
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects for this role may involve ghostwriting, editing, or collaborating with other professionals to deliver high-quality books for a variety of clients.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What is the typical workload and project timeline for freelance ghostwriters on your platform?
- How does Reedsy support its community of freelance professionals?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the Reedsy community?
- How does Reedsy ensure the confidentiality of authors and projects?
- What is the typical communication and collaboration process with clients and other professionals?
ASSUMPTION: During the interview, it is essential to ask questions about workload, support, growth opportunities, confidentiality, and communication to ensure a successful and productive freelance experience.
π Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Highlight your experience with traditional publishers and well-reviewed published books in your resume and cover letter
- Provide writing samples that demonstrate your ability to work in various genres
- Prepare for a writing test or interview to discuss your experience, skills, and availability
- Follow up with Reedsy after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.