Ghost Writing: Who or What Are Ghostwriters - and What Are They Ghostwriting?
Ghostly Images: The Art of Ghostwriting
Many authors regularly use ghostwriters to either aid them with delivering content in formats they are not comfortable with, to meet a pressing deadline, to present their ideas and concepts in a professional and timely manner or simply to take advantage of a skill set which they lack but require for achieving an end goal. Ghostwriters may also be called upon in the form of experts to lend a level of expertise when the concept is known but details and skills to complete the project are lacking.
Even top name artists and authors have commonly released works which are based on their notes and story plots or rough overviews but which were actually completed by a ghostwriter in able to meet a timeline or allow the author to make other commitments. There is certainly no shame in the practice, and the successes that have grown from it have increased the demand until today it is difficult to find a quality ghostwriter when one is needed. Despite hundreds of sites and freelance writers being available finding the one that is right for you and that can meet your deadlines with a product that reflects your goals is where the art of hiring a ghostwriter comes in.
The profession of ghostwriting is not new - many of the works of Shakespeare himself are said to have been written by his students in 'his' style. Unlike its inverse and deadly literary enemy plagiarism, ghostwriting is the art of a writer putting an author's words and concepts onto paper for them with the full understanding that they will not be acknowledged except for financial recompense. The ability to do so in a seamless manner is where this type of writing becomes a true art form.
As you can imagine it takes a special type of writer to be a ghostwriter - first and foremost they have to be skilled, quick, and imaginative since in many cases they will be writing from the notes and existing knowledge of the author about the subject in question - about which they may know little to nothing! Secondly they have to be able to 'take on' different writing styles and tones to allow the book or article they are writing to properly reflect the authors point of view. Perhaps most importantly they have to accomplish this whether or not they agree with the author, and without allowing any personal sentiment or viewpoints to become involved. In rare cases where the author wants the personality or opinions of the ghostwriter to come through striking the balancing act to allow that but not overpower the message the authors seeks to portray becomes the principal goal.
In addition to needing excellent technical skills, quick response to feedback, an ability to take direction but still be able to work with little to no supervision a ghostwriter must above all else be able to turn out enjoyable and informative prose in a timely manner which reflects the author's intentions. For you the customer seeking assistance with creating your masterpiece finding the right writer to do with you is truly magic!
Published by Julie-Ann Amos
International professional freelance writer/author and consultant. Author of books on business management topics. I run a resource freelance/ghost writing worldwide. See www.exquisitewriting.com or www.ha... View profile
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- The author runs a resource for people worlwide interested in obtaining ghost writing or freelance services. See www.exquisitewriting.com for more information.
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3 Comments
Post a CommentI can write anything hiphop Ive got stacks of notebooks how do I get noticed been writeing off and on for 20 yrs
I wanted to write about all the paranormal experiences I have had. I have been writing stories on ghost forums they have been published I guess they own the rights now to my stories. However I still have more to write where do I start?
Carri
Excellent and informative article.