Is Ghostwriting Legit?
April 9, 2007 by Anne Wayman
Filed under Jobs
I was surprised when Devon Ellington, who blogs at Ink in My Coffee, wrote a screed more or less against ghostwriting over at Deborah Ng Weekend Discussion. She wants the books she reads written by the author on the cover, even if that name is a pseudonym. She is, I gather, particularly leery of celebrities who use ghosts.
It’s interesting because as people discover I’m a ghostwriter I get a variety of reactions.
- A surprising number of people have no idea that many books are ghostwritten.
- A few, like Devon, find ghostwriting disconcerting and somehow cheating.
- Some think it’s a nifty way to earn a living.
- One writer friend couldn’t quite believe I didn’t feel an ego blow when I wrote but for cash only, no credit.
I stumbled into ghostwriting when I was asked to take over from another ghost. I discovered I liked it and had a talent for picking up someone else’s voice and getting it expressed on paper.
Last week a potential client asked me how I do that, and the truth is I don’t really know. I suspect it’s because I’ve learned to listen at many levels. Plus I’ve got a fair amount of intuition, which doesn’t hurt.
The fact my name doesn’t appear on the book is such a non-issue for me. I suspect that’s because I’ve got quite a bit written and published on my own, with my name right there where folks can see it.
Besides, when someone has an idea or a new approach to an old problem, and can’t get that expressed, it gives me great joy to help them do it. I’m always aware that it’s their idea, not mine and maybe that’s why I don’t want or need credit for it.
I was so surprised when, early in my writing career, I discovered that most people can’t write well. Of course, there are lots of things I don’t do well too, like accounting ;) I’m just delighted to ghostwrite and find no conflict in it at all.
Write well and often,
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I’ve tagged you on a meme about your favorite type of writing. I’m eager to see your response!!!
where do I find it?
In my opinion, Ghost writing is helping people who have information and expertiese but do not know how to express it in words.
Ghost writing a book is what propelled me into this freelancing business in the first place. I raised my hand when a friend asked for help.
I am looking at ghost writing as very legitmate and a great way to help me gain confidence in other areas where I can also publish with my name.
obviously, I agree ;)
Honestly? How is ghostwriting different from hiring an editor to clean up our work because we haven’t bothered to learn our craft?
I’m a ghostwriter. There is nothing wrong with helping someone tell their story. Their ideas – not mine. I do object to companies that hire “ghostwriters” to conceptualize and write stories from scratch. That’s exploitation of our talents because these companies are too freaking lazy to come up with their own ideas.
One of the subissues is, apparently, writers who subcontract work… I’m not clear yet on why at least some think this is wrong, but… who knows?
Hi Anne
I wrote a post about this topic in response to a challenge by Laura at Writing Thoughts. I linked to your post and referenced you as a good example of a ghostwriter.
Ghostwriting is a new area to me, but I’m finding the conversation very interesting.
I enjoy your site.
Thanks
Yvonne
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