Is Ghostwriting Legit?
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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11 opinions for Is Ghostwriting Legit?
Jessica
Apr 9, 2007 at 12:16 pm
I’ve tagged you on a meme about your favorite type of writing. I’m eager to see your response!!!
Anne Wayman
Apr 9, 2007 at 1:40 pm
where do I find it?
Carma Dutra
Apr 9, 2007 at 8:22 pm
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.
Anne Wayman
Apr 10, 2007 at 8:20 am
obviously, I agree ;)
A Writer’s Words, An Editor’s Eye » Blog Archive » Ghost-writing: is it ethical?
Apr 11, 2007 at 4:43 am
[...] Anne Weyman at The Golden Pencil responded with a post of her own defending ghostwriting - Is Ghostwriting Legit? She points out that she is providing a service for people with great ideas but without writing [...]
Contract Worker - What Cost, Greatness?
Apr 11, 2007 at 10:03 am
[...] even if you’re entirely responsible for accomplishing the project. Traditional gigs like ghostwriting come to [...]
Lori
Apr 12, 2007 at 9:16 am
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.
WritingThoughts » Blog Archive » Ethics in Writing (Part 1 of 2)
Apr 12, 2007 at 9:21 am
[...] the discussion keeps coming up. Other posts on Ghostwriting include this one from Anne Wayman at the Golden Pencil. This article from Sallie Goetsch also addresses the topic of [...]
Anne Wayman
Apr 12, 2007 at 9:58 am
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?
GROW YOUR WRITING BUSINESS - For Freelance Writers Who Mean Business » Blog Archive » Ghostwriting Dilemmas - Opinion
Apr 14, 2007 at 7:20 pm
[...] the piano and play it beautifully, note for note. He has a wonderful ear for music. That is a gift. Anne Wayman at the Golden Pencil has the knack of being able to tune into and find someone’s [...]
Yvonne Russell
Apr 14, 2007 at 7:48 pm
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
Grow Your Writing Business
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