Introduction
The Dickie Bush and Nicholas Cole – Premium Ghostwriting Academy (Group Buy) represents a transformative opportunity for writers looking to elevate their careers and income potential in the digital age. This comprehensive training program is designed to take writers from any skill level—including complete beginners—and transform them into premium ghostwriters capable of commanding $5,000+ per project. Created by two of the most successful figures in the digital writing space, Dickie Bush (founder of Ship 30 for 30) and Nicholas Cole (founder of Digital Press and author of The Art & Business of Ghostwriting), this academy provides a proven blueprint for building a lucrative ghostwriting business. Unlike traditional freelance writing courses that teach you to compete on price, the Premium Ghostwriting Academy focuses on positioning yourself as a high-value service provider who charges premium rates for specialized, outcome-driven writing services. The program has already helped over 700 students worldwide, from teenagers to 80-year-olds, escape the low-paying content mills and build sustainable writing businesses that provide both financial freedom and creative fulfillment. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore everything this course offers, from its curriculum and teaching methodology to its community support and real-world results.
Course Description
The Dickie Bush and Nicholas Cole – Premium Ghostwriting Academy (Group Buy) is an intensive, hands-on training program that goes far beyond typical online courses. It’s built on a three-pillar framework: Premium Positioning, Premium Offer, and Premium Outreach. First, the academy teaches you how to specialize in an industry and position yourself as a trusted advisor rather than just another writer. This strategic positioning is crucial for attracting high-quality clients who value expertise over low prices. Second, you’ll learn to create and sell packaged services—particularly 5-Day Educational Email Courses—that deliver immediate business value, allowing you to charge premium rates based on outcomes rather than hours or words. Third, the program provides a sophisticated outreach methodology that has generated over $5,000,000 in ghostwriting sales, teaching you how to spark conversations, educate potential clients, and close high-ticket deals without using aggressive sales tactics. The course is delivered through a 9-module curriculum hosted on Skool, complemented by weekly live clinics, personalized coaching, and a vibrant community of fellow writers. This combination of self-paced learning and real-time support ensures you not only understand the concepts but can immediately implement them in your business.
What sets the Premium Ghostwriting Academy apart is its focus on becoming a “full-stack ghostwriter” who can handle multiple aspects of a client’s content needs. The program specifically trains you to ghostwrite three high-value assets: Educational Email Courses (EECs), weekly newsletters, and social media content. This strategic approach creates a natural upsell pathway—once you create an email course for a client, you can then offer ongoing newsletter and social media services, turning one-time projects into recurring revenue streams. The course also includes extensive resources on using AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance your productivity without compromising quality, positioning you at the forefront of the evolving ghostwriting industry. With its blend of strategic business training, practical writing skills, and personalized mentorship, the Premium Ghostwriting Academy offers the most comprehensive path to building a six-figure ghostwriting business available today.
Ideal Student
- Ambitious 9-5ers – Professionals looking for a lucrative side hustle or complete career change who enjoy writing and want more freedom and flexibility in their work life. The academy provides a clear path to replacing or exceeding their current income through ghostwriting.
- Stuck Freelance Writers – Existing writers earning $5,000-$8,000 per month who can’t seem to raise their prices or attract better clients. They’re tired of the per-word or per-hour grind and want to learn how to package their services for premium rates.
- Career Changers – Individuals from any professional background who have strong writing skills but haven’t monetized them effectively. The academy teaches them how to leverage their existing expertise in a new, profitable way.
- Content Creators – Bloggers, social media managers, or digital marketers who want to add high-value ghostwriting services to their offerings and diversify their income streams without having to build a personal brand.
- Aspiring Authors – Writers who want to understand the business side of writing and create a sustainable income while pursuing their passion projects. Ghostwriting provides the financial foundation to support their creative endeavors.
Learning Outcomes
- Premium Positioning Strategy – Learn how to identify and claim a profitable niche, position yourself as a trusted advisor rather than a service provider, and create a personal brand that attracts high-paying clients without needing to become an internet celebrity.
- Packaged Service Creation – Master the art of creating high-value packaged services, especially 5-Day Educational Email Courses, that solve specific business problems and command premium prices based on results delivered rather than time spent.
- Premium Outreach System – Implement the exact outreach framework that has generated over $5 million in ghostwriting sales, learning how to initiate conversations with ideal clients, demonstrate value, and close deals without using pushy sales tactics.
- Full-Stack Ghostwriting Skills – Develop proficiency in ghostwriting three core assets (email courses, newsletters, and social media content) that create natural upsell opportunities and recurring revenue streams for long-term client relationships.
- Business Operations Mastery – Build systems for client acquisition, project management, pricing strategies, and service delivery that allow you to scale your ghostwriting business while maintaining quality of life and creative fulfillment.
Course Modules
The Dickie Bush and Nicholas Cole – Premium Ghostwriting Academy (Group Buy) is structured around a comprehensive 9-module curriculum that takes you from foundational concepts to advanced implementation. Each module includes video lessons, practical assignments, and real-world examples to ensure you not only understand the material but can apply it immediately. The modules are designed to build upon each other, creating a complete system for building and scaling a premium ghostwriting business. Below, we’ll explore each module in detail to show you exactly what you’ll learn and how it contributes to your transformation into a premium ghostwriter.
Module 1: The Premium Ghostwriting Foundation
This foundational module introduces you to the world of premium ghostwriting and why it represents the greatest opportunity for writers in the digital age. You’ll learn the fundamental difference between traditional freelance writing and premium ghostwriting, understanding why charging by the word or hour keeps you trapped in low-income brackets. The module explores the psychology of high-value clients and what they’re actually buying when they hire a ghostwriter—it’s not just content, but results, peace of mind, and strategic advantage. You’ll discover the three types of ghostwriting services and why educational email courses represent the perfect entry point to premium pricing. The module also includes a self-assessment exercise to help you identify your existing strengths and how they can be positioned as valuable expertise in specific industries. By the end of this module, you’ll have a clear understanding of why premium ghostwriting works, who your ideal clients are, and how to think about your services as business assets rather than just writing deliverables.
Module 2: Niche Selection & Premium Positioning
In this critical module, you’ll learn how to select and dominate a profitable niche that aligns with your background and interests. The instructors break down their framework for identifying industries with high demand for ghostwriting services and low competition from skilled writers. You’ll discover how to research and validate niche opportunities, looking for indicators like high-ticket coaching programs, active communities, and businesses with established email lists. The module teaches you to position yourself as a specialist who understands industry-specific challenges and can speak the language of your ideal clients. You’ll learn to create a positioning statement that immediately communicates your value and differentiates you from generalist writers. The module includes exercises for defining your avatar client, mapping their pain points, and identifying the specific outcomes they’re willing to pay premium prices for. By completing this module, you’ll have a clear niche strategy and positioning framework that makes you the obvious choice for high-value clients in your chosen market.
Module 3: The 5-Day Educational Email Course System
This module dives deep into the signature service of the Premium Ghostwriting Academy: the 5-Day Educational Email Course (EEC). You’ll learn why this particular asset has become the perfect gateway to premium ghostwriting clients, delivering immediate business value while showcasing your expertise. The instructors break down their proven framework for structuring EECs that convert readers into customers, including the psychology behind educational sequences and how to balance value with strategic promotion. You’ll discover how to research and outline compelling email courses that address specific business problems, even in industries you’re not personally familiar with. The module includes templates for each type of email in the sequence, from the hook that opens the course to the conversion email that drives action. You’ll also learn pricing strategies for EECs, with examples of how to position them as $2,000-$5,000 assets based on the business results they generate. By the end of this module, you’ll have a complete system for creating and selling educational email courses that serve as the foundation of your premium ghostwriting business.
Module 4: Newsletter Ghostwriting Mastery
Building on the EEC system, this module teaches you how to expand client relationships through ongoing newsletter ghostwriting. You’ll learn how newsletters represent the perfect recurring revenue opportunity for ghostwriters, turning one-time projects into monthly retainers of $1,000-$3,000. The instructors share their framework for creating newsletters that engage audiences, build authority, and drive business results without requiring constant client input. You’ll discover different newsletter formats and how to match them to client goals, whether they’re focused on lead generation, customer retention, or thought leadership. The module includes techniques for developing a client’s voice and style guide, ensuring consistency across all their communications. You’ll also learn content planning systems that allow you to batch create weeks or months of newsletter content efficiently, maximizing your hourly rate while maintaining quality. The module covers how to upsell clients from EECs to newsletter services, using the results from the email course as proof of concept. By completing this module, you’ll have the skills to create sustainable, predictable income through newsletter retainers.
Module 5: Social Media Content Ghostwriting
This module completes the full-stack ghostwriting skillset by teaching you how to create social media content that drives traffic to your clients’ email courses and newsletters. You’ll learn how platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can be used to amplify your ghostwriting work and generate additional value for clients. The instructors break down their content repurposing system that transforms newsletter and email course content into platform-specific social posts, maximizing the return on every piece of writing. You’ll discover how to create content pillars and posting schedules that maintain consistency without overwhelming your clients. The module includes templates for high-engagement social posts across different platforms, with examples of how to adapt the same core message for various audiences and formats. You’ll also learn how to measure and report on social media performance, demonstrating the direct impact of your work on business metrics. The module covers pricing strategies for social media retainers and how to package them with your other services for comprehensive monthly retainers of $3,000-$7,000. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to offer a complete content solution that covers every stage of your client’s marketing funnel.
Module 6: Premium Pricing & Packaging Strategies
In this transformative module, you’ll learn how to price your services for premium rates without feeling guilty or facing resistance from clients. The instructors break down their psychology-based approach to pricing that shifts the conversation from cost to investment and value. You’ll discover how to create tiered packages that give clients choices while guiding them toward your most profitable options. The module includes specific pricing formulas for different services, from one-time EECs to comprehensive monthly retainers, with real examples of what ghostwriters at different experience levels are charging. You’ll learn how to present prices with confidence, handle objections, and use anchoring techniques to make your premium offers seem like obvious choices. The module also covers how to raise your prices over time as you gain experience and results, creating a clear path to six-figure income. You’ll discover the psychology behind price perception and how small changes in presentation can dramatically increase perceived value. By completing this module, you’ll have a complete pricing strategy that positions you as a premium provider worthy of high rates.
Module 7: The Premium Outreach System
This module reveals the exact outreach framework that has generated over $5 million in ghostwriting sales for the instructors and their students. You’ll learn why traditional cold pitching fails and how to initiate conversations with ideal clients in a way that feels natural and value-driven. The instructors break down their three-step outreach process: research, value-add, and conversation. You’ll discover how to identify prospects who are actively looking for solutions you provide, using signals like recent launches, content gaps, or expressed challenges. The module includes templates for outreach messages that demonstrate expertise and offer value before asking for anything in return. You’ll learn how to use social media, email, and strategic content to warm up prospects and make them eager to talk with you. The module also covers follow-up sequences that maintain momentum without being pushy, with specific timing and messaging strategies. You’ll discover how to transition from initial conversations to sales calls, and how to structure those calls to close high-ticket deals consistently. By the end of this module, you’ll have a complete client acquisition system that brings in qualified leads regularly.
Module 8: Client Management & Delivery Excellence
This module focuses on the crucial skills of managing clients and delivering exceptional results that lead to repeat business and referrals. You’ll learn how to set clear expectations from the beginning, using onboarding processes that prevent scope creep and ensure smooth project execution. The instructors share their systems for client communication, including how to provide updates, request feedback, and handle revisions efficiently. You’ll discover how to create style guides and content briefs that capture your client’s voice and preferences, reducing back-and-forth and ensuring satisfaction. The module includes templates for project management, from initial kickoff calls to final delivery, with specific tools and workflows recommended by the instructors. You’ll learn how to handle difficult client situations, from missed deadlines to scope changes, with professionalism and confidence. The module also covers how to request testimonials and case studies that strengthen your marketing materials. You’ll discover strategies for turning satisfied clients into long-term partners who provide consistent work and referrals. By completing this module, you’ll have the systems to deliver exceptional results that justify your premium rates and build a sustainable business.
Module 9: Scaling Your Ghostwriting Business
In this final module, you’ll learn how to scale your ghostwriting business beyond your own capacity while maintaining quality and profitability. The instructors share their strategies for moving from solo practitioner to agency owner, including when and how to hire your first writers or assistants. You’ll discover how to create standard operating procedures (SOPs) that allow you to delegate work without compromising quality or client relationships. The module covers pricing models for agency services, with examples of how to structure team-based offerings that increase your profit margins. You’ll learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance your productivity without replacing the human touch that makes premium ghostwriting valuable. The module includes strategies for productizing your services and creating leveraged offerings that don’t require your direct involvement. You’ll also learn how to diversify your income through complementary offerings like consulting, training, or creating your own information products. The instructors share their vision for the future of ghostwriting and how to position yourself for long-term success as the industry evolves. By completing this module, you’ll have a roadmap for building a business that can grow well beyond six figures while providing you with increasing freedom and flexibility.
Real-World Applications and Success Stories
The strategies taught in the Dickie Bush and Nicholas Cole – Premium Ghostwriting Academy (Group Buy) have been applied successfully across numerous industries and business models. Students have used the EEC system to create lead-generation assets for coaches, customer onboarding sequences for SaaS companies, and thought leadership content for C-level executives. The newsletter ghostwriting framework has been implemented for professional speakers, financial advisors, and e-commerce brands, consistently driving engagement and sales. Social media content strategies from the course have helped authors promote book launches, consultants attract high-ticket clients, and B2B companies establish industry authority. Beyond these direct applications, many students have adapted the core principles to related services like speechwriting, grant proposals, and investor communications. The course’s emphasis on positioning and packaging has proven particularly valuable for writers transitioning from corporate careers or academic backgrounds, helping them leverage their existing expertise in new, profitable ways. The outreach system has been successfully modified for different platforms and industries, from LinkedIn outreach for B2B clients to Instagram strategies for personal brands.
The success stories from Premium Ghostwriting Academy students are both inspiring and diverse. Bernadette Broderick proved that it’s never too late to start, transforming her life after 60 and building a thriving ghostwriting business that provides both income and purpose. Carolene Méli went from being broke and depressed to living her dream life in the Mediterranean, completely replacing her previous income through ghostwriting. Colin Krueger managed to double his annual income while working a full-time job and caring for a newborn, demonstrating how the strategies can work even with limited time. Harsha Agarwal started with no experience, no contacts, and no clue about the ghostwriting industry, yet quickly built a six-figure business using the academy’s systems. These aren’t isolated cases—over 700 students have gone through the program, with many reporting life-changing results within months of joining. The common thread in these success stories is not just the implementation of specific techniques, but the fundamental shift in mindset from seeing writing as a commodity to positioning it as a high-value business asset. This transformation, combined with the practical skills taught in the course, has enabled students from all backgrounds and experience levels to build profitable, sustainable ghostwriting businesses.
Pricing
The Dickie Bush and Nicholas Cole – Premium Ghostwriting Academy (Group Buy) offers a comprehensive investment in your future as a premium ghostwriter. While the exact pricing may vary based on current promotions and payment options, the program represents significant value considering the potential return on investment. The course includes lifetime access to all materials, ongoing community support, and regular live sessions with the instructors. When compared to the cost of traditional education or the potential income from implementing the strategies, the program offers exceptional value for serious writers committed to building a premium business.
- One-Time Payment: Single payment option provides lifetime access to the complete Premium Ghostwriting Academy, including all 9 modules, bonus materials, community membership, and weekly live sessions. This option is ideal for those who want to maximize value and avoid ongoing subscription fees while accessing all current and future course content.
Your investment includes the complete curriculum, personal coaching through the Slack community, access to all live clinics and hot seat sessions, and a wealth of resources including templates, frameworks, and AI prompts. Given that many students report landing their first $5,000 client within months of joining, the program can potentially pay for itself many times over with just one or two projects. The academy also offers a satisfaction guarantee, ensuring you can invest with confidence knowing the program delivers on its promises of transformation and results.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Proven Business Model – The course teaches a specific, tested system that has generated over $5 million in revenue for the instructors and helped hundreds of students build profitable businesses, rather than generic writing advice.
- Comprehensive Support System – Unlike self-paced courses, PGA includes weekly live sessions, personal coaching through Slack, and a vibrant community, ensuring you get help when you need it rather than struggling alone.
- Focus on Premium Positioning – The program teaches you how to escape the race to the bottom by positioning yourself as a specialist who commands premium rates based on value delivered rather than time spent.
- Practical Implementation – Every module includes assignments and real-world applications, ensuring you not only learn concepts but actually implement them in your business with feedback from coaches.
- Diverse Income Opportunities – The full-stack approach teaches you multiple service offerings that create natural upsell opportunities and recurring revenue streams, building a more stable business.
- Created by Industry Leaders – The instructors have actual experience building successful ghostwriting businesses and agencies, bringing real-world expertise rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Cons
- Significant Investment – The premium price point may be prohibitive for writers just starting out or those with limited financial resources, requiring careful consideration of the investment.
- Time-Intensive Implementation – Building a ghostwriting business using these strategies requires substantial time and effort, making it less suitable for those looking for quick, easy results.
- Niche Limitations – The focus on specific service types (EECs, newsletters, social media) may not align with every writer’s interests or strengths, potentially limiting applicability for some.
- Self-Employment Challenges – The course teaches you to build a business, which comes with inherent challenges of self-employment that may not appeal to everyone seeking writing opportunities.
- Market Saturation Concerns – As more students implement these strategies, certain niches or service offerings may become increasingly competitive, requiring adaptation over time.
- Requires Business Mindset – Success with this approach requires embracing entrepreneurship, sales, and business operations, which may not appeal to writers who prefer focusing solely on craft.
FAQs
Do I need previous ghostwriting experience to succeed in this course?
Not at all. The Premium Ghostwriting Academy is designed for writers at all levels, from complete beginners who have never ghostwritten anything to experienced writers looking to elevate their business. The curriculum starts with foundational concepts and progressively builds to advanced strategies, with support tailored to your experience level.
How quickly can I start earning money after joining the academy?
Results vary, but many students report landing their first premium client within 2-3 months of implementing the strategies. Some have achieved this even faster, particularly if they have existing writing experience or industry knowledge. The key is consistent implementation of the outreach and positioning systems taught in the course.
Will this work if I don’t have a large following or personal brand?
Absolutely. In fact, the entire premise of premium ghostwriting is that you don’t need to be a celebrity or have a massive following. The course teaches you to leverage your clients’ platforms and authority, positioning yourself as a behind-the-scenes expert who makes them look good.
What if I’m not a great writer or don’t have formal writing training?
The course focuses more on business strategy, positioning, and systems than on literary writing skills. While basic writing competence is important, many successful ghostwriters in the program don’t have formal writing backgrounds. The curriculum includes specific frameworks for creating effective business content that doesn’t require exceptional creative writing ability.
How much time do I need to dedicate to the course and implementing the strategies?
The course materials can be completed at your own pace, but most students spend 5-10 hours per week initially. Implementation of the business strategies, particularly outreach and client acquisition, requires consistent effort. Many students start part-time while maintaining other commitments and transition to full-time ghostwriting as their income grows.
What kind of support is available if I get stuck or have questions?
Premium Ghostwriting Academy offers extensive support through multiple channels. You get access to a private Slack community where you can ask questions and submit assignments for feedback. There are also four live sessions each week (Niche & Content Clinic, Tech & Automation Clinic, Sales & Outreach Clinic, and Hot Seat & Workshop) where you can get direct help from the instructors and coaches.
Final Verdict
The Dickie Bush and Nicholas Cole – Premium Ghostwriting Academy (Group Buy) represents one of the most comprehensive and effective training programs available for writers looking to build a serious business in the ghostwriting industry. Unlike courses that focus solely on writing craft or generic freelancing tips, PGA provides a complete business system that addresses positioning, service offerings, pricing, outreach, and scaling. The strength of the program lies in its specificity—rather than broad advice, it teaches exact frameworks and proven strategies that have generated millions in revenue. The combination of self-paced curriculum, live support, and community feedback creates an environment where implementation is not just encouraged but facilitated. For writers willing to embrace the entrepreneurial aspects of ghostwriting and commit to implementing the systems, this course offers a clear path to building a six-figure business. The investment, while significant, is justified by the potential return and the comprehensive nature of the program. The success stories from diverse students—from young professionals to retirees—demonstrate that these strategies work across different backgrounds and circumstances. While the course requires substantial time and effort to implement, it provides everything needed to transform from a struggling freelancer to a premium ghostwriter who commands high rates and works with ideal clients. For serious writers committed to building a sustainable, profitable business in the ghostwriting space, the Premium Ghostwriting Academy is an exceptional investment that delivers both the strategic framework and practical support needed for success.