Ghostwriter FAQ part 1

Last summer, I wrote my first book as a ghostwriter. It’s now published, and I’m watching my client, who was lovely to work with, doing cool things to market it and get it into the hands of the people who would benefit from reading it. I’m sure it will have a positive impact on their company.

A few weeks ago, I launched ExpertGhostwriter.com, to solicit more non-fiction book projects as a ghostwriter. But ever since I started using the word ghostwriter in conversation, people have had questions. So I answered a few of them in a ghostwriter FAQ in my monthly writing newsletter. Here’s the overview:

What is a ghostwriter?

A ghostwriter is someone who writes the text in an author’s voice but doesn’t take credit for the work – the text is written as though the author wrote it, and ideally in their voice. Ghostwriters historically are known for writing books, but today’s ghostwriters take on everything from regular blogging to articles.

Why would people hire a ghost? Do they just not like writing?

Sometimes. But more often they’re too busy to work on the book themselves, even though they know it would be a big boost for their business or profile. They might be CEO of a company, or someone who spends their workday at their skill. They see the benefit of hiring someone to do that writing work and make it a more collaborative effort.

Why write a book then if they don’t have time?

As I mentioned, it can be a big boost for the organization. Some businesses create books to help educate their reader or buyer about a complex concept. Sometimes an organization wants to celebrate a milestone anniversary by creating something commemorative, like schools passing along a book to their alumni in celebration of 100 years. Books can also be great for establishing an author’s authority about a subject, say for example a speaker who might want to have something to leave behind after presentations.

So why would a writer write this book or other content if they don’t get a byline? 

Dolla dolla bills? Actually, sometimes authors share credit (if you see a lesser known “with” on a famous person’s book then that’s likely their ghost). Writers wanna write, and like to help their authors achieve their writing goals too. For lots and lots of money. Also many ghostwriters have already published their own books under their byline, or plan to.

How can someone else learn to write in someone else’s voice?

That’s a central skill of a ghostwriter. Some tactics include conversations with the author, using interviews to pull out the author’s words, and reading other pieces written by the author. The ghostwriter should also be open to feedback and be eager to incorporate author suggestions. This is a collaborative process.

I’ll share a second ghostwriter FAQ here as questions arise. In the meantime, feel free to message me a project – maybe this ghostwriter can help get your project moving forward.