Ghost Writers: What is your opinion on them?

wiseagent Level 1

August 29, 2017, 7:56 pm

46

Write the reason you're deleting this FAQ

I think the term "ghost writers" is known to everyone who likes to write, but in any case... "Ghost Writers" are anonymous writers who are hired to write stories on behalf of other people (usually famous people who only sign the project and launch
it with their own authorship) or people who use a pseudonym to simply not be identified.
Do you think this practice is valid?

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galegatling

galegatling

Funny that you made this thread about ghost writers because I remembered something from my 'dark' past when I first heard that term. I thought it means that someone who writes about ghosts lmao. Anyway, some people want to have stuffs written depending on their needs and having a ghost written article or whatever it is that you needs written, ghost writers are you safest bet since you have a proof about your transaction and they can't sue you anymore since you bought it from them.

9 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

I know many people who have thought the same thing as you about the term "ghost writer". It seems to be a "common" mistake (probably because of the nomenclature of the term), but I've never done this kind of association... Haha!

I think depending on what you want to write, it's a safe bet... But you need to do a wide search before you can decide to make the correct bet. But anyway, I think it's like walking in a minefield.

9 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

I thought a "ghost writer" was this undead motorcyclist with a flaming skull tearing down the highway hellbent on revenge slinging chains.

I am just kidding.

In any case, I think that giving your mind to someone else to enhance their project takes away from giving your mind to your own self to enhance your creative expanse.

9 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

I see tour point here. Yet, can;t we write under pseudonyms and till have some sort of legal protection? I am not sure how that works either, especially in the digital environment. However, writers have been doing this for years.

9 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

I guess if the two clients agree to this type of relationship, then fine for them; however, I must admit, and this might be arrogant, but I have a fear that I would write something for someone, just to get a paycheck, and then later really like it, or wish that I could extrapolate upon it for my own creative needs, but the content would not be mine, legally, to re-discover or re-visit. I could ghost-write a manual about lawn mower repair for someone, but I could never ghost write about a subject near or dear to me, if that makes any sense.

9 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

A friend of mine says that working as a "ghost writer" is like having a child and putting it to adoption. After a while you end up regretting it, however, you can't do anything else to reverse the process. Once done, it can never be undone and you don't have the right to complain about anything.

Does that make sense to you? Haha!

9 years ago

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radiowaves

radiowaves

I don't think using a pseudonym is the same as writing while pretending to be someone else; in the first you just don't want to be identified and there is no problem with that, JK Rowling herself used pseudonym for her mystery books because she didn't want to be get tied down by the association with Harry Potter. Regarding actual ghost writing, I guess money is money; still, you probably can't expect royalties or much room for professional growth. Ghost writing is kind of a necessary evil since it's mostly employed by celebrities that just can't write that well and it's fine as a side-job, but you're actually aiming at becoming a brand name you need to be able to sign your own stuff.

9 years ago

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Barida

Barida

We can't blame them for employing others to do the job for them. As long as there is contracts signed, I don't see anything wrong with having such ghost writers work for you.

9 years ago

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Painterly

Painterly

Ultimately, if the business is agreeable to both the client and the author then it is just fine. As a reader, I don't prefer to spend my time on literature that has been ghost written. I feel it's a little shady to take credit for the work, even when it was specifically ordered. Good writing has to have an element of trust to it, otherwise, it will lack the authenticity it needs to stand as a solid piece of work. I relax that particular attitude when it comes to the business of hiring a ghost writer to pen an autobiography. To some extent, I can understand this practice. If you cannot write well but have a life with literary merit then it is better to have it put to paper than to have the story go untold.

9 years ago

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Tronia

Tronia

I don't mind the ghost writers. I know that there is quite a handful out there that make money like this so why not? They aren't doing anything bad or illegal. They get paid for their writing, usually, a ton more as well since they literally give away their work to the client without attaching their own name next to it. As long as the two parties agree beforehand I think that ghost writing is fine. I personally wouldn't do it since I always want my work to be mine but hey Ghost Writers: What is your opinion on them?

Ghost Writers: What is your opinion on them?

9 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

In fact, what I wanted to focus on was not their work (which, as you said, is something valid... after all, it's a job like any other), but the fact that famous people benefit from them (many time not paying what they really deserve, among many other problems that can happen in the middle of this kind of negotiation).

9 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

I wasn't aware that there were ghost writers for books. I just assumed that it was a music thing because there have been a lot of musicians that have been caught out for having "ghost writers". I don't see a problem with them because if both parties are fine with it then there really isn't a problem. As long as the "ghost writer" is getting paid fairly for what they write then it is fine.

9 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Exactly, same thing here, i don't think it really matters, as long as the ghost writer is cool with it, it's about the contract, and it was agreed by both parties, so i really have no problem with them as long the ghost writer or both parties is not complaining, then it's no big deal.

9 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

If both sides agree, I also don't see any problem. But unfortunately, it's not always the way things work and many "ghost writers" outhere are harmed by people who want to take advantage of their work (and that's where famous personalities often come in).

9 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Well, you might be right in a way, but since the deal has been done, and the contract has been signed and all part meets to the agreement. The person that paid the ghost writer to write for him/her, has the right to take whosoever advantage he feels like taking with the written content, as long he paid for it.
But when there is no agreement, and someone steals another writers content or book, because he perceived the writer is anonymous, and thinks he will take advantage of it and claim the writers book or content, then it's very wrong.

9 years ago

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rj02jogoy

rj02jogoy

For some circumstances, the concept of ghostwriting is fully expected, as in the writing of presidential speeches. “Ghostwriter” has even progressed to a commonly accepted job and function with no embarrassment attached (although even those who proudly proclaim the title will generally consider it in bad form to identify whom their clients may be.)

However, Ghostwriting, when it means the creation of material without the participation of the represented author, or without disclosing having utilized a ghostwriter, is a terrible idea, and in my opinion, an ethical breach, especially when non-transparent ghostwriting is used to promote a leader’s or public figure’s image or brand.

9 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

Well, there are still writers who prefer to be called ghosts specially if they can't land a gig in the writing business. There are also some, just for the sake of being anonymous, would prefer to have ghost writers write something specially if contains unusual stuff which some people would find offensive.

9 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

I don't see a problem with ghost writers so long as the client is agreeing pay the writer to produce content for them and everything is good between the two parties. I can understand that for those of us who produce all our content on our own, this can seem like a cheap way out, but I don't think it's something that's a huge issue.

9 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

Has there been a case wherein the ghost writer of a certain sold article or book, published the same writings? I mean, we all know writers make a copy to almost every work that they've done since it's just one way of telling themselves that they've gone this far but has it really happened? Probably it's very temping and a little forge here and there wouldn't hurt the original buyer. Not sure if what kind of agreement the ghost writer and the client has.

9 years ago

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iamawriter

iamawriter

I have written articles for iwriter where requesters give us topics on which to write. Ghostwriters could probably those who write books and are paid by those in whose name those books are published. I wonder even those who write articles for others are also called ghost writers.

9 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

I think it doesn't matter exactly what is being written (a book, a text, an article...) if you aren't the person responsible for it and hire someone to write to you where you just pay and sign the project when it's done... Well, that person is a "ghost writer".

9 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I am for it, because if ghost writers are agreeing to such a deal, then there must be a good reason for them to do so. I think in the end, these deals usually work out for all parties involved, so I don't think I would be in a position to judge or say whether or not the practice is bad or not. If the ghost writer prefers not to be recognized, then I'm glad this exists so they at least could still have a process wherein they can get paid and make a living.

9 years ago

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DanoCath

DanoCath

I have an admiration for all the ghost writers. They're so cool and amazing people. What I don't understand why they choose of becoming anonymous when they're so good. Well, I believe most of the ghost writers are excellent writers.

9 years ago

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wiseagent

wiseagent

This is one of the issues that usually makes me very thoughtful about this choice of their actions (it may be a choice of their own or not). I think one of the motivations is anonymous visibility, because even if invisible... It does well for the ego.

They may feel more encouraged to think aboutf a future on their own.

9 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I could see why as I would also consider being a ghost writer myself if the pay is good. I don't really care much about the credit in anything in my life and mostly I just want the monetary reward so I would be okay with it as long as the money compensates for the credit I would get and the clout that would have come with it. I agree that it is cool for those people to be able to do it and make it feel like the writing came from someone else.

9 years ago

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Soulwatcher

Soulwatcher

I think a ghost writer is ok. A lot of people have a heck of a story to tell and lack the writing skills necessary to make a book come alive. I know myself I have a heck of a story to tell for my life time, but I lack the writing skills. Anyone want to be my ghost writer lol.

9 years ago

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tiffiecute

tiffiecute

I respect them a lot because fame is the least of importance in their list of priorities. They prefer to showcase their talent and skills discreetly, unnamed, anonymous as long they're being paid well enough. I don't find it uncool or a bad move for a writer or a blogger. It's a choice. They are humbled by their gods' gifts.

9 years ago

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ballyhara

ballyhara

Well, years ago, when women weren't allowed to be public about writing, they used to go anonymous or by a man's name. I'm pretty sure, there are a lot of very important docs and books, that were written by brilliant female authors, and we still think those were written by guys. I think that depends on the writer, and that person should be respected. Not everyone is able to get rid of possible fame, by own decision, and specially when you know your work can be really good.

9 years ago

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anjanetteclyde0

anjanetteclyde0

As for myself, I would not allow to be a ghost writer because I so love writing that I want to be recognized my writings to be mine only. I know it sounds selfish or greedy but that is the truth. Actually, I experience that once before, to be a ghost writer. I was in college then and I needed some money so bad because that time I needed to pay my tuition, some funds for my research paper and many other expenses. And here came a subject that obliged us to submit a short story for the finals but you know short story that takes 4, 5 pages or more but then that made me happy because it was never a problem to me. However, unlike me, this was just another burden to some of my classmates and so they asked me to write something for them and they will just pay me. I agreed on it because of my situation back then. I think I wrote 3 short stories for three different people and all of them including me got a very positive comment aside from such a very high score. So that was the time I decided not to write to anyone anymore.

9 years ago

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coolavender

coolavender

I don't mind being a ghost writer. I am a ghost writer. I write articles and e-books for clients and make money out of my writing. In most cases, it's the client that provides the subject and the ideas. Sometimes, he/she may even provide the Table of Contents or the web pages I should use as references. My job is to just flesh it out. It's a collaboration where I get the assurance that I'll get paid while the client doesn't have any assurance at all that the book will sell. As long as I get paid the amount I asked for the writing job, I don't need a byline. I can always write for myself if I want to. Ghostwriting is just one of the ways a freelancer can earn money.

9 years ago

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mar06

mar06

Literally they are not really ghost, they are still people. But they have unique talent to write those awesome and rare interest that can catch up easily those people who reads article or also called reader. They have something unexplained talent to explained, there are rare people like that existing right now in this world.

9 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I've been a ghost writer before for a magazine, I have a friend who works for a lifestyle and travel magazine and she needs 7 articles done right away, so I did it took me 24 hours to write the content and another 24 hours to edit.
It was a bit hard but it was lots of fun, I had to tailor my content with the location and the mood of the people in the photos of each article.
I got paid and it's pretty good.

Been looking for another ghostwriting job since then but can't find one. There are a lot of online clients but sadly, most of them are fake.

I met a guy online looking for a ghost writer and when were discussing payment terms, he told me that I have to qualify first, he wants me to submit 5 articles of his chosen subject, then if he sees that its good, he'll hire me to do 20 articles at $10 each. Hello...go fish !

Being a ghostwriter is another way of earning decent money nowadays. The hard part is getting a legit contract.

9 years ago

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Pixie06

Pixie06

If the customer is paying me a decent amount then I wouldn't mind being a ghostwriter. I have never been approached by people to write such articles. I would be glad to try something different like this. However, it can be challenging if I am approached to write something I am not knowledgeable about. Some people prefer to be ghostwriters for personal reasons and we must respect their choices.

9 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I did some ghostwriting for several articles and usually my output would also be edited by the one who commissioned it. Most people who needs ghostwriters are busy corporate writers who just needs ideas to write about so the fastest way of getting ideas is to get a ghostwriter to make some stories.

9 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

The problem with ghostwriting right now is the unfair treatment of clients to ghostwriters with the pay being so low and it usually takes a month before you get paid. Another concern would be the contracts in most cases it's unsecured that's why there's a lot of talk regarding ghostwriters who never got paid for their work.

9 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

Yes I think Ghostwriting is valid since what is being bought is the content and rights thereof it's up to the ghostwriter and the buyer to strike a bargain.

9 years ago

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treecko142

treecko142

This is a valid practice and as long as the actual writer is credited for the work, it's actually recommended when someone has a very interesting life story or anecdotes that is best shared to the public. Some famous people aren't particularly known for being writers and partnering up with a ghost writer really helps bring the story out.

9 years ago

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aecel

aecel

For me as long as they have an agreement it's legal then it's valid. Ghostwriter chose to be a ghostwriter so they can't blame their clients, business is business nothing personal. The only problem being a ghostwriter they wouldn't be able to enjoy the positive benefits if ever their works will hit the market.

9 years ago

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jaymish3

jaymish3

I think it is valid. Is it fair is another question all together. Unfortunately we live in a very shallow world. We live in a world that values celebrities above talent. Look at the rise of the Kardashians if you look at their social media accounts they have millions of followers. Every aspect of their lives generates millions in views.Unfortunately famous people have more clout so you may as well be a ghost writer. Unless you get published by a good publisher the chances of your own book doing well are next to nothing. You can take ghost writing as a side gig while you try to get published.

8 years ago

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cmoneyspinner

cmoneyspinner

I think being a ghostwriter is an honest living. When I started writing for Hubpages I met a lady who was an HP contributor who was also a ghostwriter. She even wrote a book about it.

8 years ago

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beerthooyah

beerthooyah

It is an agreement between the the author and the ghost writer. As long as there is no copyright infringement involve, I have no problem with it. In fact, I'm considering a career in that kind of field just to polish my skills in writing.

8 years ago

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jpk0007

jpk0007

I think that ghostwriting is a very common practice and it is done after a mutual agreement between the ghostwriter and the person for whom the work has to be done. If the ghostwriter is given enough incentives and perks for the work he does and the ghostwriter is happy about the arrangement then I think there is nothing objectionable in this practice. Some people are more comfortable in writing anonymously, ghostwriting can be the best option for such individuals

8 years ago

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jaymish3

jaymish3

I think that ghost writing is not a bad practice. It helps both the author and the ghostwriter. I gives the ghost writer a job and it gives the author a way to get his book written without going through the tedious process. I think though that you need to be careful about hiring a ghost writer. Who has the ideas. Is the ghost writer writing the book with their own ideas and the author attaching their mane to it? Or is the ghost writer simply implementing the authors ideas? However I don't mind this practice.

8 years ago

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sonnyisabeast

sonnyisabeast

I am currently ghostwriting, it's good pay and I am lucky to be writing articles that are diverse and always interesting every time. It's a good job to hone and imrpove your writing skills on. Even better if the articles that are asked of you are topics you have an interest on.

8 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I do think that it's valid but there's still a lingering question about ethics. Ghostwriting has another counterpart in another field. In art there's such a thing as a Ghost Artist. One who draws, makes, paints art for someone else.

8 years ago

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