Ghostwriters: Your Confidential Aide

A ghostwriter is a “pen for hire” who can turn your ideas and/or experiences into the captivating text that makes for an interesting read, no matter what kind of book you envision.

• Your book may be a logical, clearly laid out presentation of information that proves a point or explains an idea.

• It may be an uplifting tale or an inspiring plan for success.

• Or it may be a nostalgic retelling of a life story.

But no matter which form the book takes, it must be yours, written in your voice and your style.

How do I know if I need a ghostwriter? Exactly what do they do?

The ghostwriter ensures that your completed manuscript is written in a style appropriate to its subject and contains all of the material desired by the client. The ghostwriter may do all of the writing, with the client providing initial ideas and information, then reading and approving the completed manuscript. Or the ghost may work from material already prepared, turning a written or dictated first draft into a polished book. The ghostwriter may even sit down with the author and create the book from scratch.

Who owns my book?

In most cases, you do. The ghostwriter is usually paid a flat fee and does not own a “piece” of the book. However, when working with celebrities or other VIPs whose books show promise of earning substantial royalties, a ghostwriter may agree to accept a lesser upfront fee in exchange for partial ownership of the book.

Is the ghostwriter allowed to tell people he/she wrote my book?

That depends on your agreement. You may agree that your book can be listed on the ghost’s website and resume as a ghostwritten project. Or you may agree that it can only be listed as “edited,” not “ghostwritten.” Or you may request complete confidentiality, meaning the ghostwriter cannot mention your book at all.

Do ghostwriters write all types of books?

Not every ghostwriter writes in every genre; many specialize in a limited number of areas because they’re most familiar or comfortable with them. But there are ghostwriters for every kind of book, from health books to novels to business books to children’s books.

Can a ghostwriter really be qualified to write on more than one topic?

Yes. Remember, the ghost is an expert at converting information and ideas into a book; he/she doesn’t have to be an expert in the particular topic. The ghostwriter’s expertise is the ability to understand the material and explain it clearly to the average person.

How do I find the right ghostwriter?

If you need a ghostwriter, simply finding one is easy thanks to the Internet  – but finding the one that’s right for you will take more effort. The best approach is to compile a list of experienced ghostwriters who can handle the kind of book you want to write, and whose fees are in your range. Then, talk to each one of them. Look for the one you feel most comfortable with, the person who has the personal characteristics that are most important to you. For example, you might want someone who is sympathetic and empathetic, or has a good sense of humor, appears professional and well-organized, and so on. Most of all, you need to feel that you can trust this person to help craft your message to the world. It’s of utmost importance, then, that you find the right “fit.”

Should I search for a “ghostwriter” or “ghost writer,” one word or two?

In the United States we typically spell “ghostwriter” as one word, while other English-speaking countries use two words: “ghost writer.” Some firms will hedge their bets, putting both “ghostwriter” and “ghost writer” on their sites.