“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.” ― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
To become a good writer, one must develop a broad and thorough general knowledge, otherwise a specific knowledge of a few key subjects. I recommend both. A good writer is well educated and not always traditionally – but well read a width and breadth of subjects and will often know more in specific areas than even postgrad students. Writers should have a strong general knowledge of world history, geography, politics, psychology, human behaviour, literature, the sciences, art, varying cultures and current affairs in a number of countries – as well as a high knowledge in specific areas – ideally two to three. This will help you as a ghost writer because you will be able to talk with customers about things other than the content inside the book. In turn, proving, along with your portfolio… that you are not a phony.