Yes, ghostwriting really is a thing. I’m not going to do that whole make-you-wait-until-the-end-of-the-article-to-answer-the-main-question thing. That is not my style. Everyone’s time is precious and valuable and I don’t believe in drawing things out when it isn’t necessary.
So, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way. How about we talk a little bit about what ghostwriting is? For those who are not that familiar with it, ghostwriting is when one person writes something for a different person as though that other person wrote it, with the non-writing person receiving the credit for the work. For example, if you hire me to write a book for you with the understanding that your name will be associated with the book that is drafted rather than my name, and I then write that book, which is then credited to you, then that book is a product of ghostwriting.
That sounds pretty straightforward, right? Well, it actually is. Now, of course, depending on who and what is involved, the process can be more complicated than that. But more often than not, it’s a pretty simple, straightforward experience.
Now, you may be asking yourself “Is ghostwriting really all that popular?” The resounding answer is yes. Many books (including many of the books that bear the names of our favorite celebrities), speeches, articles, letters, work-place produced works, etc. are all products of ghostwriting. In fact, many people have ghostwritten items for others without even realizing that they were doing so. Think about it. That letter that you wrote for your boss on his behalf to a client last week without significant input from your boss. The article that you wrote on behalf of your CEO for the company’s monthly newsletter. And even the research paper that you wrote for your child because they were having a tough time thinking of what to say and the paper was due the next morning. Of course, I don’t condone or encourage doing your child’s homework for them. I’m merely pointing out the fact that these things happen.
You may also be wondering if ghostwriting is okay, ethical, and appropriate. Well, you are not alone in questioning that. This aspect of ghostwriting is a rather heated point of contention currently and I really don’t have a neat and tidy answer that will pacify all of that. But I will say that ghostwriting can be ethical and appropriate when the entities involved approach it in an ethical, respectful, and integrity-centered way. And many people do have that approach.
I imagine that the questions that we’ve already touched on have led you to the question of “Is ghostwriting a good and viable option?” And that is a question that can truly only be answered on an individual basis. But I will say that for many people it is a good and viable option, especially when the process is handled in a professional and integrity-based manner, where the appropriate boundaries are set in place, criteria and parameters are spelled out clearly up front and throughout the process, and each entity is committed to the process.
This is just a brief overview of what ghostwriting is. If you would like to learn more about ghostwriting or you have a project that you would like to have ghostwritten, feel free to give us a call at 727-238-7797 and we would be happy to provide you with more information and discuss your unique opportunity. Be blessed. #sanguinemango
Sanguine Mango 