If you’ve heard the term “ghostwriting” or “ghosting“, maybe you’ve searched online for “what’s a ghostwriter?” and discovered more than one ghostwriter definition. Thankfully, ghostwriting is not a complex subject to grasp, and this guide will clarify the ghostwriter meaning.
There’s a demand for proficient ghostwriters, so if you have writing skills, you can get paid to ghostwrite for clients.
This step-by-step guide explains the role of a ghostwriter and how to define ghostwriter skills so that you can get hired as a ghostwriter. We also provide guidelines for hiring a ghostwriter, meaning you’re more likely to get the best writer for your project.
What is a ghostwriter? All your questions answered
What is a ghostwriter?
How do you define ghostwriter content, and what is a ghostwriter?
A ghostwriter is a writer that is paid to produce content but does not receive credit for their work. When you read articles on a website without author attribution, they are likely written by a ghost.
What is a ghostwriter contract?
Generally, it’s a professional relationship between two parties:
The Author: The person (or company) that hires the ghostwriter to write content for an agreed fee. The author takes full credit for the work that the ghostwriter produces.
The Ghostwriter: The writer hired and paid by the “author” to ghostwrite content, accepting that they will not receive credit for the ghostwriting work.
A contract between the author and writer usually involves a confidentiality clause, so the ghostwriter remains anonymous.
What sort of writing do ghostwriters do?
What’s a ghostwriter hired to write?
A writer is hired to ghostwrite non-fiction or fictional books, journalistic or literary works, blogs, podcast or video scripts, e-books, song lyrics, etc. Celebrities often hire a ghostwriter to write their memoirs, and political leaders may also make use of ghostwriters for written material, including speeches, news stories, and magazine articles.
Some authors work collaboratively with a ghostwriter. Others provide the material and leave the ghostwriter to their craft. Screenplay authors may hire a ghostwriter to improve the quality of a script by editing or rewriting the material.
Ghosting is not uncommon in the world of popular music. Music ghostwriters create songs and musical pieces, and write lyrics t
Can you make money ghostwriting?
The role of a ghostwriter can be lucrative, with some professional, highly experienced ghostwriters charging fees of $10,000 to $25,000+ for a non-fiction or fictional book. To ghost at that financial level, ghostwriters are expected to produce top-quality work and complete the project within 3-6 months.
Most professional ghostwriters request a 50% upfront fee before starting work, and some ghostwriters may accept a contract with a lower fee in return for royalties. This agreement may occur if the accredited author is a celebrity or well-known public figure.
If the anticipated book sales and profits could potentially be high, a ghostwriter may ask for 10-20% royalties on the total gross profits. The accredited author may cap the total amount the ghostwriter can earn, but it can still be a lucrative agreement.
How to Become a Ghostwriter
The primary skill required to become a ghostwriter is proven experience as a professional writer. You increase the odds of being hired as a ghost if you have a portfolio of writing work to present to potential clients.
There are writing courses available, but if you’ve worked as a freelance writer for a period, you will succeed if you know how to communicate with clients professionally and organize your workflow for a ghostwriting project.
Is ghostwriting legal?
Ghostwriting is legal, but with two defining factors that can influence the legality:
- Contracts
- Historical precedent
Many people question the ethics of passing off writing as your own, which we’ll discuss in the next chapter.
Contract lawyers and attorneys make use of ghostwriters for pleadings of law firms and appellate briefs.
An author and a ghostwriter are bound by contract law when they agree to work together. In a formal opinion, the American Bar Association (ABA) outlined in 2007 deemed that ghostwriting must meet the “Model Rules of Professional Conduct / Professional Responsibility.” What that means is that legal services must have proper disclosure. The New York County Law Association later published an opinion paper in 2010, agreeing with the ABA.
Ghostwriting is legal if both parties agree with, and abide by, the terms of the contract:
- The ghostwriter agrees to work within the brief and constraints provided by the contractor
- The contractor agrees to pay the ghostwriter for completed work
Compensation: It doesn’t necessarily have to be money. It could be an exchange of services or goods. That said, in most cases, payment is monetary.
Plagiarism protection: The ghostwriter must produce original, plagiarism-free work.
Intellectual property rights: By the contract terms, the ghostwriter hands over all rights to the work they produce, and it will likely involve an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).
Penalties for violation of the contract: Agreed penalties if either party violates the terms of the contract.
Termination agreements: Predetermined rules to anticipate the event of one of the parties wanting to terminate the contract.
The writer owns the content copyright, but when you buy the content, you purchase the intellectual property rights to the ghostwritten content to do as you want. You can legally edit, rewrite, publish, etc.
There isn’t a “one size fits all” contract for ghostwriters; in some circumstances, they receive attribution for their work. There’s a degree of flexibility because the writer and ghostwriter determine the contract terms.
So, to answer the question, “is ghostwriting legal?” the answer is yes because a contract makes it legal, and as it only involves two parties, it is not violating the law or the rights of others.
Is ghostwriting ethical?
Perhaps you’re wondering if ghostwriting is ethical. In this section, you’ll discover areas of unethical ghostwriting, so you know how to recognize and avoid the pitfalls if you’re considering ghostwriting as a career or hiring a ghostwriter for your project.
In most cases, the “client” pays the ghostwriter to produce the content. They may already be an authority in their field but want to save time by hiring a ghostwriter to write for them. The client usually provides a brief with guidelines for content structure, etc.
For blog posts, the ghostwriter can study the client’s brand and tone of voice so they can research to create the blog. Some blogging ghostwriters have niche experience and can write without a great deal of client guidance.
In these instances, ghostwriting is unalterably ethical.
Is academic Ghostwriting ethical? Writing academic essays can be an area where a conflict of ethics can materialize. For instance, asking a complete novice to write an essay on health or medical issues could be considered unethical. If someone is paying a brand leader for advice, passing off a ghostwriter for the task is ethically wrong.
Likewise, there’s a growing number of websites offering to ghostwrite assignments, thesis, and term papers for students who are too lazy to do it themselves or haven’t studied sufficiently to write their essays.
There are two reasons why this practice is unethical:
- The student’s submission is supposed to be their own work and knowledge. Suppose a C-grade student hires a ghostwriter and receives an “A” for the ghostwritten work. It’s just ethically and morally wrong.
- It violates academic honesty policies. In short, though the practice might not be considered illegal, it is academic fraud because it violates the education institution’s policies.
Types of ghostwriting
There are numerous outlets and opportunities for ghostwriters, and you may prefer to become a specialist in a chosen area.
Non-fiction ghostwriting
Non-fiction ghostwriting is in demand. Public figures and celebrities often hire a ghostwriter to write their autobiography.
The author may provide material for the ghostwriter to sort, edit and rewrite. Alternatively, the ghostwriter may have to start from scratch. In that instance, collaboration is imperative. If the credited author has existing material like podcasts, social media channels, or blogs, the ghostwriter can tap into the existing voice, transcribe, and start crafting the content.
Other celebrity projects could include “how-to” books, fitness or diet guides, and cookbooks. Publishers can capitalize on such projects knowing loyal fans will buy the finished book.
An independent consultant or coach may also hire a ghostwriter to write a book in their chosen niche to enhance their credibility as an expert. These books are often self-published and used as a giveaway or sales tool.
Fiction
Publishers may hire a ghostwriter to write books for a well-known, famous author to increase the number of books published to a waiting audience. Notably, ghostwriters often write mysteries, detective novels, and teen fiction. The work can also include writing for pen-named authors who use a pseudonym.
Unlike non-fiction ghostwriters, writers may be specialists in fiction writing. The ghostwriter must immerse themselves in previous publications so they can format the book in the same style and tone as the author.
When a publisher hires a fiction ghostwriter, they look for a writer with experience writing fiction, especially in the same genre. Alternatively, verifiable proof of writing a successful book will catch the publisher’s attention.
Religious Ghostwriting
Ghostwriters wrote several papal encyclicals. For instance, Joseph Lemius (1860 -1923), the procurator in Rome of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, wrote Pascendi.
Religious ghostwriting may not be as popular as it was in the 1800s and early 1930s, but if it appeals to you as a writer, you could pursue it as a specialism.
Academic Ghostwriting
Earlier, we discussed the ethics of academic ghostwriting. Whilst it isn’t illegal in many countries, it is academically dishonest and unethical. The practice could constitute academic fraud.
There are ghostwriting freelancers and companies openly selling thesis, dissertations, term papers, and entrance essays to students. Universities reserve the right to test students with an oral exam if they suspect the student submitted ghostwritten papers. If found guilty, the student faces a serious charge of academic fraud and could lose their place at the university.
Medical Ghostwriting
Pharmaceutical companies hire ghostwriters to write papers. When complete, the companies pay a physician or scientist to endorse the paper before they publish it in a scientific or medical journal. The practice is generally frowned on, although not, at this point, illegal.
Is medical ghostwriting unethical?
The European Medical Writers Association published guidelines for professional medical writers to ensure that ghostwriters adhere to ethical writing standards. In addition, the World Association of Medical Editors acknowledges professional medical writers’ work as legitimate.
Website content
Many businesses hire freelance ghostwriters to produce content for the company website. Some may employ in-house writers and editors but may still hire the occasional freelancer if the workload increases. As it’s a time-consuming job, hiring a ghostwriter is the most effective way to continue building business content and developing a brand.
Music ghostwriter
Mozart was hired as a music ghostwriter to write music for affluent clients who wanted to “show off” their skills as gifted composers. The film and television industry often hires ghostwriters to write music and lyrics. The music ghostwriter receives payment for their contribution, but the “composers” listed on television cue sheets receive royalties every time an episode broadcasts.
Ghostwriters also get involved in the popular music industry, often to help inexperienced songwriters and singers. They can assist with overcoming writer’s block and maybe even help to create a number one hit. Their name may or may not be listed in the album credits.
Do ghostwriters get credit?
Occasionally, some ghostwriters get attribution for their work, but in most cases, they don’t. Sometimes, you may see a ghostwriter’s name as a co-author or contributor under the author’s name.
You may be able to negotiate a deal whereby you can gain attribution by reducing your fees or instead of payment. Or you could be featured as the scriptwriter in the movie credits.
For non-fiction books, you may receive no credit or be added as a “researchassistant” or “contributor.” If the author wants to take full credit, you may have to sign a non-disclosure agreement. In this case, legally, you are forbidden to mention your role in contributing to the project.
In a Washington Post interview, discussing the distinction between “writer” and “author, “ghostwriter Kevin Anderson said, “A ghostwriter is an interpreter and a translator, not an author, which is why our clients deserve full credit for authoring their books.”
That may seem unfair, but when you hire a ghostwriter, there is a clear divide between roles. The ghostwriter is responsible for the day-to-day work, and the author retains complete control over the final ideas, the vision for the book, and the tone of voice.
Reasons to Hire a Ghostwriter
A ghostwriter is a professional freelance writer with the skills to create top-quality writing copy for “author” clients and businesses.
Memoirs
People may have an idea for a book or want to write their memoirs but not have the writing skills to do so. Writing a book is a time-consuming process requiring commitment, focus, and writing proficiency.
A ghostwriter has the writing and organizational skills to bring someone’s thoughts and ideas to fruition. You may have the most incredible life story to tell, but even though your story may appear linear, it could be hard to articulate coherently in a format that readers can understand and enjoy. A ghostwriter easily detaches from your story and brings the content together to create the fabulous autobiography you wanted to write.
Celebrities or public figures are not the only people to hire ghostwriters. Business owners may want to publish a story of how they created and grew a business.
Your story could be purely personal, perhaps a memoir you wish to self-publish and hand down for future generations to read and understand their lineage.
Ghostwriting for Business
Publishing a non-fiction book relevant to a business can help establish the business writer as a brand and an authority within the relevant industry. The book can be a sales tool or a giveaway at workshops or webinars. The accredited author can self-publish to a platform like Amazon to add to the business kudos.
A ghostwriter adapts to the tone of your existing marketing material to create a book consistent with your brand.
Writing a book proposal
Putting a professional book proposal together is tricky if you have little understanding of dealing with publishers. If that’s the case, you can hire a ghostwriter with experience presenting a book proposal to a publisher. A ghostwriter can “pack a punch” into a proposal, conveying the critical points for catching the attention of a publisher.
Even if you have already written the book, hiring a ghostwriter at this stage could mean the difference between rejection or success in submitting a book proposal to a publisher.
Writing blogs
Many businesses hire ghostwriters to produce articles or blogs. It’s an effective way to add website content consistently. For instance, many public figures and celebrities hire a ghostwriter to keep up with the demand for content from their readers and followers. Ghostwriters will create a complete content strategy for their clients, mainly in collaboration, but are often trusted to write content that reflects the client’s tone of voice and brand.
Most business owners outsource website content to freelance writers. They may not consider it ghostwriting, but the ghostwriter definition applies as the writer rarely gets accredited as the author.
Businesses also hire ghostwriters to create social media posts, such as the LinkedIn platform.
Speeches
Crafting a professional speech is an acquired skill, and today it’s highly likely that most prominent public figures hire ghostwriters. A rousing presidential speech that stirs the community’s emotions probably has a ghostwriter on its staff.
Under the ghostwriter definition, ghosts even write wedding speeches.
How to hire a ghostwriter
Finding the right ghostwriter may not be easy. Take your time, research, and qualify the best ghostwriter for the job. For instance, research marketplaces such as Fiverr, where all levels of ghostwriters are available that may be suitable for your project.Define your project goals: Get clear about your desired outcome. What is the project’s purpose, and how will it serve your clients or consumers? Do you want to expand your client base, build your brand, or tell a fantastic story?
- Know where to look for a ghostwriter: Review a marketplace like and select three or four choices. Check their listed projects and reviews to assess their suitability for your ghostwriting project. After that, contact your top two picks and start a dialogue. That lets you and the ghostwriter ascertain that you are a good fit.
- Assess the ghostwriter’s experience: Professional ghostwriters know how to craft their writing, possess storytelling skills, and the ability to capture an author’s tone of voice. A ghostwriter with a traditional publishing record is sought-after and likely more expensive to hire, although, in the long run, it could be the preferred option for best results.
- Check the ghostwriter’s portfolio: How much work have they produced, and how long have they worked as a ghostwriter? For instance, if you’re hiring a ghost for web copy, you don’t need a writer with in-depth experience.
- Can the ghostwriter capture your style and voice? If the writer has a portfolio, you can figure out the answer. If not, ask for a paid writing sample. Most professional ghostwriters are like chameleons and can adapt to various writing styles.
- Be clear about your requirements: Will you be deeply involved in the project or adopt a hands-off approach. Are you open to suggestions from the ghostwriter, or will you drive the direction of the content? Some ghostwriters prefer autonomy, and others enjoy in-depth guidelines.
- Discuss the minutia: Acollaborative approach works best with open communication between author and ghostwriter. Will you work chapter-by-chapter or check the work after a time? Clarify that the ghostwriter’s process aligns with your style. If you prefer to micromanage and the ghostwriter prefers a freestyle approach, there could be conflicts along the line.
- Don’t be in a rush: Finding the right ghostwriter for your project is crucial. Immediate availability doesn’t mean a compatible relationship. Good ghostwriters are in demand, so be prepared to wait six months and pay an upfront deposit to secure your spot if required.
- Be prepared to pay for the best: Skilled ghostwriters are more expensive but may save you money or make you money.
What’s the difference between a ghostwriter and a co-author?
A co-author is a writer that works with you to produce a book by collaborating with joint ideas and vision. It’s a combined effort, and the co-author is an author. For instance, imagine you co-found a business with a partner and want to write a book together. You and your co-founder work on the book and are both authors and co-authors.
A ghostwriter is not an author or co-author. They craft a book according to the author’s vision and ideas and do not receive credit as an author. They may contribute ideas but do not receive attribution for their work.
Conclusion
We began this guide by asking, “What is a ghostwriter?” Now you know that ghostwriters are hired to write a book or produce ghostwritten content for your business.
Hiring a ghostwriter could be the best decision you ever make. For instance, many people say they want to write a book, but they don’t do it. Structuring a book is challenging. It can be tricky to stay on top of the work and produce coherent writing in a readable format. Whether you have an incredible autobiography to share, a “how-to” book to create, or want a memoir for your descendants, a ghostwriter can make your dream a reality.
- Produce a top-quality book
- Save time and effort
- Learn valuable skills from collaboration with a ghostwriting expert
- Create consistent content for your business website
- A book can increase your credibility and authority as an expert
- Reduce time creating social media content
- And much more
