Contributed by Karen Cioffi, Children's Ghostwriter
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 and a huge help to people who can’t seem to get their ideas into readable and publishable stories. Or for people who don’t have the time to write themselves. Or for people who don’t have the necessary skills to write a book.
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 cost of the project 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 few 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 hiring a ghostwriter, ask for a brief phone consult or send an email to start a conversation and get a feel for the writer.
This article was first published at https://karencioffiwritingforchildren.com/2017/04/02/the-ghostwriter/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. If you need help with your story, visit Writing for Children with Karen Cioffi.
Karen also offers authors:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN'S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
