Blogger: Wendy Lawton
So. . . what about ghostwriting, anyway?
Last week when I wrote about strategies for reinventing oneself as a writer several of you asked questions about ghostwriting and I promised you a blog dedicated to the subject. As I began sketching out my thoughts, I realized one blog post won’t do. I’m going to break the subject up into three parts. Today I’ll discuss the practice of ghostwriting. Next Tuesday I’ll talk about what you need to be a ghostwriter. And the following Tuesday I’ll address how a ghostwriter does his apprenticeship and how he ultimately finds work.
So let’s talk about ghostwriting. First of all, I’m using the term ghostwriting for simplicity. Ghostwriting means writing someone’s story without receiving byline or cover credit. Collaborative writing means co-writing with the “author” of the book where the collaborator still writes the book but receives cover credit– either “and” or “with” credit. You see this on many books. Charles Colson with Nancy Pearcy, for example. Both ghostwriting and collaborating require similar skills and both are needed in publishing.
On last week’s blog someone commented, “If someone buys a book because they think it was written by a famous person but it was actually ghostwritten they’ve been cheated and that’s dishonest.” Let me address that. When it comes to nonfiction, I disagree. A good ghostwriter interviews, listens, reads everything ever written about his subject– the one we call the author. Yes, the one whose story is being told is the author even if he never writes a word of the book. The words all come from his life so it is not a stretch to call him the author of all that is in the book.
The ghostwriter is a servant in the best sense of the word. So is the editor for that matter and yet you never hear criticism for not having an editor’s name on the cover of a book despite that, in many cases, a good substantive editor will reshape a whole book. The ghostwriter doesn’t mind who gets credit, he is all about helping the author get his ideas on the page or to get his story told.
Some wonder why a publisher or author prefers a ghostwriter over a collaborative writer. Here are a few reasons:
- I’ve ghosted four nonfiction books. (No, I’m not telling which ones.) The reason I chose to stay in the background? I don’t want to confuse my own brand. I want to be known as an agent first. Some also know me as a writer of middle grade historical fiction. That’s enough.
- If the author is a well-known name– say a celebrity or a known personality— it reduces confusion to have only one name on the cover.
- It may be a brand issue. If Donald Trump were the author, say, a second name would only drain his brand.
- The ghostwriter may not want his name on the book if the author has a different take on things.
- The publisher may simply insist on a ghostwriter.
So my question for you is, what about ghostwriting? Do you think it’s dishonest in some way? Let’s hash it out.
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I don’t think it’s dishonest at all. The focus should be on the principal, person whose story is being told. The interview process by which the tale is unfolded, to be properly formatted by the ghostwriter, takes quite a bit of work.
I wonder if the phrase ‘properly formatted’ might be the key to understanding exactly what the ghostwriter does? The principal still has to tell a coherent story, often providing documentation that either supports or augments the narrative. The ghost (if I may be informal?) puts it all together in a marketable package, while retaining the principal’s voice.
Do I have this right, or have I started coloring outside the lines?
It’s a very appealing kind of work for me; I don’t need personal acclaim. I’ve worked in the shadow of people and events, and rather like it there.
Witness the shades in the thumbnail picture, and Emily, ever-vigilant in protecting my privacy.
I meant “the principal, THE person whose story is being told”.
Brain fade at 0300. Sorry.
Properly formatted is probably a mild way of describing what the ghostwriter does– he often has to pull the story out of the author, continually pushing the author to go deeper and then has to decided how best to tell the story or present the material. Linear is rarely the best way so it takes some serious experience and artistic ability. That’s why the best collaborators and ghostwriters can practically name their price and are always busy.
Ghostwriter as servant is an interesting concept and connects with Christ’s teaching. If it is something God directs me to do, I don’t need my name on the cover. It brings to mind Matthew 6: “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Yes, Shirlee … and God’s reward is always the best! He’s so faithful.
Exactly, Shirlee. A ghostwriter gets to shine the light on others.
For me, the story is the primary focus, and I have no difficulty accepting the role of a ghostwriter.
It would seem to me to be a very challenging task. The ghostwriter must be able to reproduce different voices, or personalities, on demand, to maintain fidelity with the ostensible teller of the tale.
A question – does a ghostwriter typically become subject to a confidentiality agreement, including the divulging of his or her role?
A ghostwriter can be subject to a confidentiality agreement. Look at author Donald Bain. He has written and collaborated many books, mostly mysteries. He has also ghosted many books which he is not allowed to disclosed because it would be in violation of his contract. It is believed, he ghosted many of the Capitol Crimes series mysteries attributed to Margaret Truman.
Sometimes confidentiality is contracted, sometimes it is merely an integrity issue. Other times it is disclosed with the blessing of the author. I’m reminded of The Prayer of Jabez. It was from a sermon preached by Dr. Bruce Wilkinson but his editor, David Kopp, actually put it in book form and often talked about the process at writing conferences.
Wendy, what a career you have/have had! 🙂 Ghostwriting four books … I didn’t know this about you.
Ghostwriting isn’t dishonest. I would love to ghostwrite or collaborate. But it would have to be one good story for me to take on the challenge … time with family is precious, and we only get this one earthly life to live, one go around.
A positive about the ghostwriter is that with only insiders knowing who you are, unlike the collaborator, there wouldn’t be people coming out of the woodworks asking you to write their story (if one likes keeping a low profile).
We’ll talk about this more next week but ghostwriting can be a much bigger investment than anyone imagines because you actually become a part of the authors life– a counselor, a listener, many times a friend. Sometimes it gets downright painful and trouble erupts.
Wendy, I’m so glad you’re addressing this topic. I don’t know much about ghost writing, so I’m looking forward to learning from what you share.
How fun to learn that you’ve ghost-written four books!
As for my thoughts on if ghostwriting is dishonest? I would say no, especially because I imagine most people who go into a ghost-writing situation know that they’ll be in the background. Your thoughts on the person whose story is being ghostwritten being the author because the words are from his (or her) life makes a lot of sense.
I hadn’t thought about the publisher’s side of ghostwriting and the branding aspects of this scenario for authors, but your thoughts make sense to me. Especially in this time in publishing.
I’m looking forward to hearing more from those who know more about this topic in today’s comments.
Thanks, Jeanne.
Wendy, thank you, thank you, thank you for doing a series of blog posts on this topic. I have been interested in it and frustrated by articles that claim they will give information on the topic but which, in the end, simply say, “Find a celebrity who wants you to write his / her book then do it.” I know you will give a much more practical, enlightening treatment of the topic.
In regards to whether or not ghostwriting is dishonest, I commented on that last week, so I don’t want to repeat much of that. My bottom line is this: as long as the IDEAS originated with the person whose name goes on the cover, I don’t think it’s dishonest to have a professional writer put those ideas into a clean, coherent piece of writing. In response to the comment you mentioned, most celebrities are not writers (J.K Rowling, Stephen King, and a small group of others being the exception). To believe that a non-writer celebrity wrote EVERY WORD of a non-fiction book is naive. I apologize for being judgmental but I can’t understand how anyone could be surprised that most celebrity books are ghostwritten.
Now when it comes to fiction, that’s a different story. If Carrie Fisher’s novels aren’t written by Carrie Fisher, I’d consider that dishonest. To tell your ideas or your life story to someone and have that person write it in an engaging, concise manner is fine. To present yourself as a novelist when you can write a story? That, to me, is fraud. Since it is well-known that Ms. Fisher is a script doctor (i.e. a ghostwriter), that she most likely writes her own novels. If I am wrong, then call me naive. 😉
Oops, sorry! I got so passionate at the end and revised my sentence a few times, ultimately mangling it. 🙁 The second-to-last sentence should read, “Since it is well-known that Ms. Fisher is a script doctor (i.e. a ghostwriter), it seems likely that she writes her own novels.”
I’m not as comfortable with fiction being ghostwritten but I haven’t really grappled with this much since it has not come up for me or my clients. Co-written is another thing where the novelist acts as coach and helps develop the author’s idea.
Thanks for sharing, Wendy! I haven’t thought or read much about ghostwriting, so this is a new, interesting topic for me. I’m looking forward to reading the rest over the next few weeks. 🙂
Thank you Wendy for doing a series of blogs on ghostwriting and collaborating! I know I was one several people, if not the loudest, asking you to blog about this.
No, I don’t think ghostwriting is dishonest. It’s a business. It’s a legitimate way to earn money. It only becomes dishonest or unethical if one party does not live up to the contract. The contract should be the Bible to spell out the roles of all the parties (author, publisher, ghostwriter, collaborator). If the author agreed to do A, B, adnd C and the ghostwriter or collaborated agreed to do X, Y, and Z then if the author decides to do only A and not B and C but the ghostwriter or collaborator ends up doing B and C then the ghostwriter or collaborator needs to be compensated additionally in some way. The ghostwriter or collaborator is not donating her time but is a “work for hire”.
Depending on the situation, some ghostwriter’s do donate their time. Especially when they are ghosting for a ministry. However, you are correct, that if there is a contract, it should be followed.
Absolutely. Sometimes we do this as ministry and sometimes, like getting down a family member’s story, it is an act of love.
Right. It is a business arrangement.
I’ve done ghostwriting for one book, it was early on in my writing career (my writing assignment that wasn’t on a volunteer basis), I never thought of it as dishonest in anyway. It would be no more dishonest than publishing under a pen name (think Mark Twain).
I think it’s important to remember that author has two definitions – the one who writes, and the one who starts or creates. If a famous author starts a novel, or creates the outline, it’s not a lie to say they authored it, it’s completely within the definition of author – even if they had a co-author that preferred not to be named for whatever reason (aka ghostwriter).
Yes. When you ghostwrite you do have to think about it and come to terms with the ethics of it. Once you’ve thought about it, it becomes clear whether it is right for you or not.
Wendy, thank you for taking the time to explain ghost writing to us. You’ve demonstrated that it’s both a necessary and respectable profession.
It would be intriguing to write someone else’s story for/with them without being concerned that their particular world view might affect one’s own brand (vice versa too). It sounds like a win-win to me.
Blessings ~ Wendy Mac ❀
It definitely can be win-win, plus there are so many amazing stories in the world that need to be told.
So true, Wendy. We weren’t comforted just for our own sakes. There are people out there in the world who need to be comforted/encouraged with the same Good News and healing that we’ve received. ❀
If ghostwriting means you write and someone gets credit for it, then I have done that most of my career 🙂 I didn’t realize when I wrote for answers.com that my articles were going under someone else’s name. I thought it was for general question and answer purposes, so I when I saw one of mine on the website, I admit that my stomach did a twist. I know now to ask if who gets credit for my work 🙂
The whole issue of who gets credit is a complex one isn’t it. Much of the writing we do– like ad copy for instance– is never credited.
I have nothing against ghostwriting, at all. I do have problems with a celebrity saying that the book he/she wrote was actually written by him/her. If the person says “Yes, I had a lot of help with this”, fine. If the person tries to convince me that the articulate wordings of a reality TV show contestant are in fact, on the level of Faulkner, then umm, NO.
A ghostwriter is like a carpenter. A house may be pretty to look at, but it had better stay standing in a storm.
It’s a fine line. All the events, all the words in the book are from the author’s life. The crafting of the book is the work of others. So if an interviewer says for instance, “I love the way you wrote. . . ” if the words were right out of the authors mouth, I have no problem.
Thank you so very much for this series of blogs. I’ll be waiting with bated breath for the others.
On a side note: Hooray for you Judith. I rarely see bated (from the word, abated) spelled correctly. You must be a writer!
As a ghost- and (now) collaborative writer, I appreciate this honest treatment as well as the positive responses to a challenging topic. I’ve just submitted my seventh book written for another author–this will be only the third with my name on the cover as a “with,” however. And all but one were traditionally published, in case anyone wonders.
But yea, I’ve had the “dishonest” accusation thrown at me even in writers’ groups. Of course I don’t believe what I do is dishonest, and I fully agree with Wendy that my books would have no story or message without the authors I serve. I have no trouble referring to each one as the author.
I also see writing for others as a calling. It takes some unique talents and abilities. I also realize God has used ghosting as a tool to help me die to myself as He increases in my life. And just when I start thinking about what a wonderful servant I am (I wrote what became a CBA bestseller without financial compensation because of the special circumstances surrounding it), one of my authors refers to me as his “editor” (umm, I wrote your entire book) or thanks for me for my “organizational skills) (ditto) and I realize how small and selfish I am.
More and more, I agree with author, ghostwriter, and mentor Cec Murphey that there’s no reason not to include the writer’s name on the cover as an “and” or “with.” If the situation were reversed, I would want to give my writer credit. In some cases (branding/extreme celebrity) that may be impossible, and a ghostwriter must understand and accept that up front. I had a publisher remove my name from a project because of branding concerns when the author wanted it there, and I know longtime industry pro Les Stobbe had the same experience with the same publisher.
I have sometimes struggled with the reactions of other writers to my work (again, revealing my imperfection). I’ve had people ask questions like “When are you going to write your OWN book?” One day, I’ll do that, but I don’t see what I do now as “less than” in any way. I have the privilege of serving authors whose ministry or ability/lack of ability prevents them from writing their own books. Most if not all would not have a book without someone like me.
Serving as the words behind the story or message is a blessing, a gift, and a decent way to make a living. As long as I remember to look at it that way, I won’t worry so much about whose name is on the cover or even who gets the credit. Again, thank you, Wendy, for a thoughtful post.
You know, the more well-known you become as an excellent collaborative writer, the more you are pressed to have your name on the cover. Like Cec Murphy or Lynn Vincent.
Great insight, Marti.
I have a VERY strong view of ghostwriting fiction. It’s a total cheat and is pandering to a celebrity’s pride. There is no reason other than pride for someone to refuse to acknowledge the person who actually wrote the book. Fiction is art and craft. The writer’s art and craft.I realize non fiction is a different ballgame, but for fiction, it’s just plain wrong.
I have no respect for anyone who would refuse to recognize the person who actually wrote the novel. None, zip. You can tell I feel really strongly about this. LOL
Gosh, Colleen, you have to stop being so shy about sharing your feelings. 🙂
I liken ghostwriting to building a new home. When we say, “John and Mary are building a house!” we don’t say, “Carpenters, and plumbers, and concrete men, and cabinet makers are building John and Mary a new house.” Although every stitch of work may be done by other people, John and Mary still get the credit.
To me, ghostwriting is An Avenue for someone who has a story to tell, but unfortunately, does not have the ability to write well. Writing is a gift. Like music, it can be taught, but unless it is born in the soul, it cannot sing. Are we to deny beautiful houses because a man is unable to hammer a nail? So, are the stories of interesting people, famous people, heroic people to be lost to the world simply because their message requires another person to write it? I think not. Thank God for the ghostwriters!
Good way to describe it, Wanda.
I met a ghost one time at a Ghost Writer’s Convention.
I decided to tell him a story.
What kind of story did I tell him – you ask?
A “ghost story” of course.
I once had a salesman who, upon hearing what I did for a living, ask me if I “hung out with Stephen King and them dudes.” And just to be clear, my experience in ghostwriting is all on the nonfiction side, where art and craft matter, too.
Asked. Where’s the “edit” button when I need it?
I write all the time in my day job and it’s called “staff work.” My boss takes the credit and I get a paycheck. Pretty good trade, actually.:)
Okay, I’m the one who posted that comment you’re all talking about. And I guess I’m convinced that if celebrities spent a lot of time and effort sharing their stories it’s not dishonest to say they wrote the books. At least not VERY dishonest.
I don’t actually have an ‘opinion’ on the matter. The existence and the use of ghostwriters is a perfectly on a practice from a business and editorial perspective.