She’s Invisible…She’s Powerful…She Helps People…She’s the Ghostwriter!
What’s the essential characteristic of a ghost?
Invisibility.
And, along with being invisible, the ghostwriter is a powerful tool for people who struggle to turn their ideas into readable and publishable stories, don’t have the time to write it themselves, or don’t have the necessary skills to write a story.
The ghostwriter is kind of like a superhero in the writing world. She lifts you up and helps you create what you don’t have the time, energy, or skill to do yourself.
She is a modest gal and takes no recognition for her feat. The individual who hires her gets all the credit for the finished product. The ghostwriter gets paid for her services.
In other words, the ghostwriter can be a ‘dream-fulfilling’ superhero.
Okay, maybe not a superhero, but you get the idea.
Moving quietly behind the scenes, the ghostwriter helps turn your dreams into reality.
Wait. Maybe she is a superhero!
What Can She Do?
• Does your story need a makeover?
• Do you have a story outline but don’t know where to go from there?
• Do you have a story idea but don’t know what to do with it?
• Fiction, nonfiction? Short story, long story? Essays? Speeches? White pages?
NO PROBLEM. There are ghostwriters who can write in any niche.
How Does It Work?
The client (individual hiring the writer) may provide an idea, an outline, a draft, a keyword, or a topic. Or, he may need a piece rewritten.
The ghostwriter does her homework and accomplishes what is requested.
She turns whatever you have into an engaging and publishable story.
Does the Ghostwriter Ever Get Recognition?
It should be noted that ghostwriters sometimes receive recognition or credit. This is something the client and writer decide upon. The project’s cost may be less if credit is given. But, most often, the ghostwriter remains anonymous.
In other instances, the ghostwriter may reduce his fee for a percentage of the profits from the finished product.
Is Ghostwriting Popular?
According to the article “What is a Ghostwriter?” by Gary McLaren, “Statistics are hard to come by since many people don’t want to reveal that their book or other content is ghosted. But, some industry estimates suggest that up to fifty percent of all non-fiction books are ghostwritten.”
A couple of famous ghostwriters are:
– Barbara Feinman ghostwrote, It Takes a Village and Other Lessons Children Teach Us by Hillary Clinton.
– H.P. Lovecraft was a ghostwriter for Harry Houdini.
– A.E. Hotchner ghostwrote the autobiographies of Doris Day and Sophie Loren
– And you have series writers like Tom Clancy and James Patterson who share authorship with their ghostwriters.
– Even the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series have ghostwriters.
Confidentiality and the Ghostwriter
Professional ghostwriters will absolutely keep your idea, outline, draft, or other information completely confidential.
If you’d feel more comfortable with that in writing, the ghostwriter will supply you with an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).
Hiring One
It may be difficult for a ghostwriter to obtain testimonials from all her clients, so when looking for one, you should ask for samples of her writing in addition to testimonials.
Another tip for hiring a ghostwriter is to check if her site is active and looks professional. Is there a helpful blog?
If you’re interested in a ghostwriter, ask for a brief phone consult or send an email to start a conversation and get a feel for the writer.
Wait a minute! What about AI-generated stories?
I’ll admit AI is getting better at writing content, but aside from the ethical issues, AI is not human. This is especially important for children’s books that need to be age-appropriate, relatable, and subtle.
Keep in mind that AI sources information from across the internet. It may pick up content from authors like Roald Dahl, Eric Carle, and Judy Blume, but it will also pick up content from hack-authors who create AI-generated stories and self-publish them as is.
But what if?
What if you create an outline or draft with AI?
That’s fine, as long as you realize that shouldn’t be your final product. You may not need ghostwriting, but you will certainly need rewriting.
Sources:
http://www.arthistoryclub.com/art_history/Ghostwriter
http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/ghostwriting.htm
(Unfortunately, these original post links don’t seem to work any longer)
The Front Matter – Before the Story Text Begins
Building a Writing Career Takes Practice and Focus
What is Your Writing Forte?
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter/editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
PICTURE BOOK and CHAPTER BOOK COACHING
Four to twelve-week programs.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
