Considering a Ghostwriter? We’ve Got All Your Queries Covered
First of all, what is a ghostwriter? To put it simply, they’re someone hired by an author to complete a writing project without receiving any credit. They might work independently or in collaboration with the author, offering structural and stylistic feedback when appropriate, but the client’s name appears on the finished product. Ghostwriters work behind the scenes, putting into words the story in their client’s voice. Essentially, they’re “ghosts” as far as the reading public is concerned.
Who should consider hiring a ghostwriter?
When discussing ghostwriting, your first thought might be celebrity memoirs, but anybody with a fascinating story to share can benefit from hiring a ghostwriter. However, ghostwriters aren’t just for memoirs. Any project that entails writing—whether an engaging newsletter, an informative article, or an Instagram caption—can be handled by a ghostwriter. Still, most of the time it is books: memoirs, business books, nonfiction books, and other types of books whose authors are famous people or subject matter experts.
Anyone wishing to share their story objectively
While you may be the expert on your life, a good ghostwriter will present your narrative in your own style while also remaining objective. Readers will find your memoir more relatable as your personal feelings and biases won’t distort the story you want to tell. Since ghostwriters are professional writers, they know how to take your story and make it as appealing as possible while including all the details you want to relay. If you’re planning on publishing a memoir, our expert ghostwriting team can help you immortalize your legacy.
Anyone requiring help with the publishing process
For those who have already written their book, what’s next? Getting it finished is one thing, landing a publishing deal is another, and selling the book is yet another. Hiring a ghostwriter with publishing experience and a good grasp of what editors are looking for might be the missing ingredient in getting your story out there for the world to read. Don’t underestimate this step since the publishing industry is fiercely competitive.
Anyone looking to grow their business
Whether you want to attract clients by showcasing your knowledge or advising other entrepreneurs on how to reach your level of success, a ghostwriter can help flaunt your expertise. Indeed, there’s no shortage of business professionals with published books to their name, and any one of them would attest to the clout and credibility this has added to their personal brand and company image.
Additionally, ghostwriters can assist with a client’s online promotion to maintain stylistic consistency across all platforms. Check out how we can help successful top-level executives share their knowledge and inspire future entrepreneurs.
Anyone struggling to satisfy their fandom
Sure, creating a popular book series is every author’s dream, but if your fans are craving more than you can produce, hiring a ghostwriter (or maybe multiple ghostwriters) can be a lifesaver. This is how some authors are able to churn out so many books in short periods of time—they come up with a great plot and hand the project off to a ghostwriter to put it all together.
Not to mention that nobody lives forever, not even famous writers. Publishers often hire ghostwriters to complete unfinished works left behind by deceased authors. Doing this helps a great legacy endure while also keeping fans happy.
Anyone strapped for time
Ghostwriters can also benefit those who are looking to publish content such as essays, articles, or speeches but don’t have the time to produce quality work. Maybe your geology blog needs more informative posts on tectonic plates, or your corporation is desperate for someone to research and plan articles that cater to its audience. Perhaps you’re panicking because you’re supposed to deliver a memorable speech at your best friend’s wedding in a few days, and you have no idea what to say. Whatever your need, ghostwriters have your back. Just make sure you hire one with sufficient expertise in the subject matter.
What can you expect when working with a ghostwriter?
While everyone’s experience will vary, we’ve examined and answered the most common questions people ask when hiring a ghostwriter. Whether you’re wondering about costs, ethics, or the difference between ghostwriting and co-authoring, we’ve got you covered.
How much should you expect to pay?
Ghostwriters typically don’t receive royalties or a portion of the profits, which should all be outlined in the contract. Instead, they receive a flat sum, which depends on several factors, such as the type of project they’ll be taking on, the commitment required in terms of time, their professional history, and the demand for their services. You may also be able to negotiate a price with the ghostwriter; as long as you both feel it is fair, the project can proceed smoothly.
Another factor you should consider is how much involvement you want your ghostwriter to have in completing the project. Sometimes, ghostwriters are hired to fill in the gaps in a book gone in limbo because of writer’s block. Others are expected to spend extensive time with the client to forge a more intimate relationship before starting on a memoir. These are all factors that should be taken into consideration before negotiating payment.
How does ghostwriting differ from co-authoring?
Simply put, co-authors operate as writing teams, with everyone receiving acknowledgment and credit. Ghostwriters serve the same purpose but don’t get credited for their work. Instead, the client is the only one acknowledged in the byline although some people may choose to credit their ghostwriter on the book cover.
Just to be clear, is ghostwriting even ethical?
One could argue that ghostwriting deliberately misleads readers. However, this depends on the intention of the named author and the effect on the audience. If an author with vast knowledge in a subject wishes to write a book but is struggling to convey their ideas and proficiency in writing, then hiring a ghostwriter is an ethical choice to help share their wisdom. In this case, all the information in the book still comes from the author; it’s just that they had help putting the words together.
As long as the content is thoroughly researched and the credited author isn’t feigning expertise to take advantage of readers and lure clients, there are no ethical issues with ghostwriting.
Why would ghostwriters put in so much work for no credit?
You might also question whether ghostwriting is fair to the ghostwriters themselves—after all, they’re the ones writing the book, but only the author receives credit. You don’t have to worry about this. Ghostwriters willingly accept the conditions of their profession, and what they lack in credits they make up for in handsome fees. They not only tend to work with more interesting clients but also usually make more money than other freelance writers, which are two incentives to surrender the byline credit. For both the ghostwriter and the client, it’s a win-win.
Ultimately, ghostwriters provide a unique and valuable service to those with good ideas who lack the time or the skills to put their thoughts on paper. If you feel it’s time to share your story, reach out to our skilled ghostwriting team.
