Books and Resources to Start Strong
Before you invest in equipment, invest in understanding the craft and business of ghostwriting. These books will teach you how clients think, how to structure projects, and how to build a sustainable writing practice that actually pays your bills.
The Business of Being a Writer by Jane Friedman
This book covers everything a professional writer needs to know about contracts, pricing, taxes, and building a sustainable career. For ghostwriters specifically, the sections on negotiating rates and protecting your work are invaluable. You’ll learn how to value your time and not undercut yourself.
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Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
A practical guide to writing clearly and persuasively across different formats. Since ghostwriting ranges from web copy to memoirs to business books, this book teaches you how to adapt your voice and approach to different projects and audiences. The mindset it builds—writing for readers, not for yourself—is essential for ghostwriting success.
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Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
This short, visual book teaches you how to develop your craft by studying work you admire. For ghostwriters, this means reading widely in your niche and understanding what makes good writing work. It also normalizes the idea that all writing builds on what came before—a mindset that helps you work faster and with less impostor syndrome.
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The Copywriter’s Handbook by Robert W. Bly
If you plan to ghostwrite sales pages, email sequences, or marketing copy, this book is your reference manual. It covers persuasion principles, structure, and testing. Even if you focus on longer-form content, understanding copywriting fundamentals makes you a stronger, more valuable writer.
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Equipment You Need
Ghostwriting is one of the lowest-overhead businesses you can start. Your primary tools are your brain, your writing ability, and reliable software. You don’t need expensive gear, but you do need quality tools that won’t fail you during client deadlines.
Computer Hardware
- A reliable laptop or desktop computer: You need something stable that can run multiple applications without crashing. This is not the place to use a five-year-old machine held together by willpower. Budget for something built in the last 2-3 years with at least 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.
- A backup external hard drive: Client work is irreplaceable. A 1-2TB external drive ensures you can recover if your computer fails.
- An ergonomic keyboard and mouse: You’ll be typing for 6-8 hours a day. A $30-60 keyboard and mouse protect your wrists and hands from repetitive strain.
- A monitor (if using a laptop): A 24-inch external monitor reduces eye strain and improves productivity when you’re working for extended periods.
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Software and Subscriptions
- Microsoft Word or Google Docs: Most clients use Word. You need to work in the same format they do. Google Docs is free; Microsoft Word is $70/year or included in Microsoft 365.
- Grammarly Pro: Catches grammar and clarity issues before you send work to clients. $12/month or $120/year.
- Project management tool (Asana, Monday, or Notion): Track deadlines, client requests, and revisions. Many offer free tiers; premium versions run $10-15/month per user.
- Email service (Gmail or Outlook): You likely already have this. Use a professional domain email address (name@yourbusiness.com) once you formalize your business.
- Password manager (1Password or LastPass): Securely store client logins and credentials. $3-5/month.
Communication and Recording Tools
- A quality microphone for video calls and interviews: Clients and interview subjects deserve clear audio. A USB condenser microphone runs $30-80.
- Headphones with a microphone: For calls and to minimize ambient noise. $40-100.
- Zoom or similar video conferencing (usually free): For client calls and interviews.
- A voice recording app: Many ghostwriters record interviews or brainstorming sessions with clients. Your phone has a built-in recorder, or use Rev Recorder (free).
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Optional But Useful
- A standing desk or desk riser: Working standing part of the day reduces fatigue. $150-300.
- Noise-canceling headphones: Helpful if you work in cafes or shared spaces. $100-250.
- A second monitor: Reference material on one screen, writing on the other. $150-250.
- Transcription software (Otter, Rev): Automatically transcribe interviews so you’re not typing them out manually. $10-30/month.
What to Buy First vs Later
Start lean. You need less than you think.
- Month 1-2 (before your first client): A reliable laptop or computer, external hard drive, Grammarly Pro, and a project management tool. Total: $200-600 depending on whether you already own a computer.
- Month 2-3 (once you land clients): Add an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, a decent microphone for client calls, and headphones.
- Month 4+: Upgrade to a second monitor, standing desk components, or transcription software based on the types of projects you’re actually taking on.
- Never rush to buy: If you’re considering a tool, wait a month. If you miss it and feel the pain, buy it. If you forget about it, you don’t need it.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy computers and monitors new or refurbished from a reputable seller. A used laptop from an unknown source is a liability—you don’t know its history, whether the battery is shot, or if it’s been properly maintained. A refurbished machine from Amazon, Best Buy, or the manufacturer carries a warranty and is a safer bet. Budget $600-1,200 for a solid laptop; $300-600 for a refurbished one.
Peripherals can absolutely be used. Keyboards, mice, monitors, and external drives work the same way whether they’re new or used. Buying these secondhand on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay can cut your costs by 30-50%. The only exception: if something is cheap enough new that used doesn’t meaningfully save money, buy new for the warranty.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping, easy returns, and competitive pricing for most tech and office supplies.
- Best Buy or B&H Photo: Computers, monitors, and audio equipment. Better return policies than Amazon for high-ticket items.
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Used peripherals, monitors, and refurbished computers. Inspect in person before buying.
- eBay: Used and refurbished electronics with buyer protection.
- Your computer manufacturer (Apple, Dell, Lenovo): Direct purchase or refurbished models with warranty.
- Microcenter or local tech stores: Immediate availability and in-person support if something goes wrong.
- Software directly from publishers: Buy Microsoft 365 from Microsoft, Grammarly from Grammarly.com. You’ll avoid markups and get support directly.