5 Must-Read Books for Aspiring Nurse Ghostwriters

According to recent surveys, 36% of freelancers have ghostwriting experience.

And that’s not just for popular topics like business and technology – it’s also for healthcare. Heck, there's a massive need for ghostwriters in dozens of different genres.

If you're a nurse looking to break into the world of ghostwriting, these five must-read books will help you hone your skills and understand the industry.

"On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft" by Stephen King

Stephen King's classic book offers valuable insights and advice on the writing process. Here's what you need to know:

Action to take: Apply King's advice on writing routines and create a consistent schedule to improve your productivity.

Mistake to Avoid: Don't get caught up in over-editing while you write. Focus on getting the words down first and refine them later.

This book is one of my personal favs. Not just because it's Stephen King but also because his advice is timeless.

"The Well-Fed Writer" by Peter Bowerman

This guide to freelance writing success is an indispensable resource for aspiring ghostwriters.

Action to take: Bowerman suggests creating a marketing plan to attract clients. Implement his advice by networking within the travel nursing community.

Mistake to Avoid: Underpricing your services can be detrimental to your business. Research market rates and set prices that reflect your expertise.

Personally speaking, I found this book to be an eye-opening read. The biggest reason is that it helped me understand how to value my work.

"Travel Writing 2.0" by Tim Leffel

Leffel's book is an essential read for understanding the current state of the travel writing market.

Action to take: Keep abreast of industry trends by subscribing to newsletters and following influential travel nursing blogs. This will help you create relevant and engaging content.

Mistake to Avoid: Don't rely solely on generic travel writing tips. Understand the unique needs and interests of travel nurses to create content that resonates with them.

Why is this book on the list? How about for this reason: it taught me the value of staying up-to-date with the industry. It sounds elementary, but you'd be surprised how many writers stop learning when they feel they've become an "expert".

"The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

Every writer should have a copy of this classic guide to grammar, punctuation, and style.

Action to take: Implement Strunk and White's advice on concise writing by eliminating unnecessary words and phrases in your work.

Mistake to Avoid: Neglecting grammar and punctuation can undermine your credibility. Regularly review the rules outlined in "The Elements of Style" to keep your writing sharp.

A classic read for sure. My biggest takeaway was how to make my writing more concise and impactful.

"Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon

Though not specifically aimed at ghostwriters, this book provides invaluable advice on how to generate creative ideas and find one's unique voice.

Action to take: Kleon suggests keeping an idea notebook to track your creative journey. Put this advice into action by jotting down ideas for articles, stories, and other projects you're working on.

Mistake to Avoid: Don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other writers. Instead, focus on creating content that reflects your own experience and perspective.

Kleon emphasizes the importance of being influenced by others' work while also developing your own style and approach to writing. This is particularly important for ghostwriters, who must capture the client's voice while still staying true to their own writing style. By reading "Steal Like an Artist," aspiring travel nurse ghostwriters can learn how to balance these competing priorities and become more effective and confident writers.

These five books will give you the foundation you need to excel as a travel nurse ghostwriter.

By applying the tips and avoiding common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to a successful career in this growing niche market.

Make the leap, and take command of your freedom.

Grab your FREE 5-Day Crash Course On How to Land Your First $25,000 Client as a Travel Nurse Ghostwriter (from a travel nurse who's done it!)