Marketing Guy Isn’t Afraid Of Ghostwriting

Notes from Chris

Episode 1389

Over twenty years ago, a Las Vegas local known as Brian Rouff began a new chapter in his life story. He became a partner in what would eventually become a mid-sized marketing agency serving clients both inside and outside of Sin City. Starting a new business was an exciting next step for him. Not least of all because it came directly after he achieved a lifelong dream.

You see, for his whole life until then, Brian wanted to be a writer—a novelist, to be precise. Like many aspiring writers, he found it difficult to turn the page on that career. But he kept working at it, and after much effort Brian would eventually self publish his first novel. It was called Dice Angel and revolved around a down on his luck character who meets a mysterious woman who promises to turn it all around.

Although Dice Angel never graced the bestsellers list, it still opened up a lot of doors. He appeared at local book fairs, libraries, festivals and conferences … basically anywhere he could get a leg in before the door slammed shut.

As he spoke more, more people read his book. His Amazon reviews climbed and, serendipitously, a big-time casino magnate contacted Brian with a proposition. He’d read Dice Angel, noticed Brian’s contact details in the back of the book, and reached out to discuss an opportunity.

The magnate was big on ideas, but short on time and writing talent. He loved Dice Angel and wanted Brian’s help in writing a book of his own. A deal was struck and Brian was paid mid-five figures to write the book. It was a lot of money—although, over the next year he would earn every penny.

From then on, every time he spoke at an event he’d subtly mention that he offered ghostwriting and coaching services. This led to a steady stream of interest in his expertise. Brian felt like there was really something to this ghostwriting thing, so he started taking it a little more seriously.

What's even more impressive, is that Brian has kept up this gig for twenty years, as a side hustle to his main marketing business. He did that not only because he loves writing, but because it’s also quite lucrative.

As he approaches retirement from his business, Brian hopes ghostwriting can become an even larger source of income. It can certainly keep him busy.

 

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Learn more about Brian at his website, BrianRouff.com.

SEE ALSO:

• Finance Employee Sells 200,000 Self-Published Romance Novels: When she can’t find anything good to read, a finance employee starts writing romance novels of her own. The books go on to sell hundreds of thousands of copies and pull her family out of debt.
• Mom Finds Love As Dating App Ghostwriter: When a stay-at-home mom displays a talent for helping her friends with online dating, she swipes right on a side hustle that becomes a perfect match.
• Music Teacher Quits Job to Earn $100k on Fiverr: This motivated music teaching student hits the perfect note by freelance writing on Fiverr. Later, she ends up leaving her job to go all-in.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,