by Leo Wiles
28 June 2014
The first rule of ghost writing is: you do not talk about ghost writing. The second rule of ghost writing is: you do not talk about ghost writing.
But hey, rules are made to be broken, right? And why shouldn’t we talk about an arm of our industry that is becoming increasingly transparent? Especially in book publishing circles which use the term ‘co-author’.
Once upon a time, I regularly wrote a column for a financial wizard, who, between daytime TV engagements, writing finance books, radio programmes and raising a family couldn’t always turn in 750 words per week. So I was hired by a section editor to fill the gaps for two years.
Did I have an ethical issue with this? No. Presenting my topics ideas and words as someone else’s wasn’t a big deal as the topic was factually based. I was basically educating people on how to rid themselves of debt and become financially secure.
It was the same working as an editor when I wanted to leverage celebrity vets and DIY experts. These people could meticulously handle the TV cameras, but weren’t as skilled with a keyboard with words. They looked great in their profile pic and drew in the readers but I needed a decent writer to bring their tips to life (and to stop those pages being turned).
And that, my friend, is where you step in – to help write blogs, social media content, speeches, books and articles.
Obviously, confidentiality is essential – as is an ability to set aside your own ego in order to harness the tone and vernacular of the person you’re writing for. This can be harder than it sounds. Often, you’re dealing with an agent or section editor, rather than the person you’re doppleganging for.
Ideally, you’ll have a meeting – whereby you pitch or are given the topics you’ll be writing on. And, you may have an opportunity to interview the person. However, more often (as was in my case), you come up with the ideas and write the pieces having studied your muse. You do this by reading everything they’ve written, or watching their videos, TV shows, podcasts etc to get a handle on their personality and ‘house style’.
PRs, too, are often called upon to ghost-write quotes for media releases, bio information, Q&As or interview responses. These can go through an incredibly arduous chain of command before final sign off by the ‘author’ – with the only acknowledgement received being the cheque made out in your name.
I went into ghost writing as an established writer, so not being recognised or having a byline wasn’t an issue. I’d had my ‘fame’ and while I didn’t receive a fortune (or any credit) I appreciated having a regular gig that paid well.
But for anyone starting out or switching niches, ghostwriting may be something you wish to explore only after you’ve established yourself as a writer – and collected enough cuts under your name to be an authority in the areas you wish to pursue. It’s these examples of your work that you’ll need to cite when actively pursuing potential clients, such as celebrity and literary agents, editors, book publishers, digital agencies and corporations.
Sure, there are online portals such as www.freelancer.com.au, www.constant-content.com/Writers/ and www.elance.com that regularly advertise for ghostwriters – but to be paid well and make a serious connection for a regular gig, I’d recommend making your own approach and cutting a better deal.
Meanwhile, add ghostwriter to your online portfolio, social platforms, CV and email signature. It’s a quick, easy way to let people know that you’re open to this line of work.
Have you ever ghostwritten a book or article? How did you get started?
Thanks for this spirited piece, Leo.
For much of my career, I’ve been ‘invisible’ because I’ve put words in others mouths — as a political speech writer, writing media releases and most recently, writing chapters or whole books for others.
A question I’m often asked is ‘what’s in it for you when you’re not recognised?’ It’s not like I’m paid super bucks or get royalties. I think of the spin-off work. Business people are told that to gain cred as a key person of influence, they need to write a book. That book needs to look professional. It needs to read well. If they’re smart, they’ll hire a ghost. And they’ll hire the ghost to do the follow on-work — the blogs, columns, even FB updates — because they need to maintain that writing standard (or they give themselves away).
And yes, some of mine have used euphemisms to provide testimonials such as ‘help behind the scenes’.
About 50% of my work is ghostwriting articles for entrepreneurs and business owners. It’s pretty good work: their ideas and insights + my writing skills = higher chance of being published and read.
I don’t necessarily want my name on everything I write but I did want to find out how other ghostwriters advertise their skills when you can’t disclose for whom you’ve ghostwritten, and can’t supply samples of your work as you would do with other types of writing. Any tips?
Dear Heather,
Wow you’re an inspiration. I never dug myself that far into the scene and of course it was pre the social media platform support.
Any tips for those trying to break in or an answer to Adeline’s query?