Do You Approve of Ghostwriters?
I seem to be referring to Joe Wikert’s blog a lot - but he keeps pointing to things I wouldn’t find on my own, like: The Life of a Ghostwriter. That post in turn points to an article in the New York Times by fellow ghostwriter Christine Larson called: Expressing Passions (Just Not Your Own)
The article, which is definitely worth a read if you’re at all interested in ghostwriting, talks, among other things, about how some of her friends and acquaintances seem to disapprove of the fact she earns her living ghostwriting. You know what? I often experience the same thing.
It’s surprising to me how many people don’t know what a ghostwriter is - someone who writes a book or other work on behalf of someone else who pays the ghost and gets credit for the work. Then, as Christine well knows, many of them turn up their nose in some fashion or another.
So I thought I’d ask you - fellow freelance writers, etc., to tell me exactly what you think about ghostwriting.
Write well and often,
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4 opinions for Do You Approve of Ghostwriters?
Graham Strong
Jul 22, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Since most corporate copywriters are ghostwriters to some extent, I think you are preaching to the choir on this one…!
That being said, I think there is a fine line when it comes to book writing. Most that are ghostwritten these days say “with (insert name of real writer here…)”. Further, I don’t believe that many actually believe that Donald Trump or Paris Hilton write their own books.
So this little doff of the hat is enough in my mind to give the “wink wink” that the Donald wrote this book — because who really cares anyway?
On the other hand, if Ernest Hemingway wrote his memoirs and then revealed later that someone else actually did the writing, that could be a problem. (BTW — can you imagine anyone being able to ghostwrite for him?) Theoretically at least, this would raise issues, though I can’t see anything like this ever happening.
In the corporate world, do people think that the CEOs actually write their own introductions to the Annual Report? Do banks write their own brochures? Does Starbucks come up with its own posters? No, no, and no.
But they take responsibility for the messaging, which is ultimately most important. “I’m this Starbuck’s owner, and I approve this P.O.P…”
Whoever does the actual writing is simply secondary.
~Graham
Anne Wayman
Jul 22, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Graham… I suppose there are folks trying to mimic Hemingway just as there are artists trying to imitate Rembrandt! And I never could have ghostwritten for him even if I could have gotten along with the old crudgmudgeon/woman hater. Great writer tho’
I’ve been really surprised at how many people have no clue that ghostwriters even exist… teachers, other writers, lots of folks… but then lots of things surprise me.
And you’re probably right… about the choir… oh well.
Johnny Mulder
Jul 22, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I really appreciate ghost writers. As a small business owner there are some things that can be done much better by a professional.
I have on occasion hire ghostwriters for articles and press releases.
It has worked well for us!
You can’t do it all……well.
Johnny
Anne Wayman
Jul 22, 2008 at 8:47 pm
thanks Johnny, we appreciate you right back
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