It’s a huge responsibility to be a ghostwriter. And it’s not what you may think.
It goes deeper than just feeling the responsibility of doing good writing that fulfills the investment the author made.
When an author hires a ghostwriter, they’re choosing a collaborator. It’s not transactional, it’s a relationship. It’s a sign of trust. A vote of confidence.
They’re not just choosing a ghostwriter to put words on paper. They’re choosing someone they trust to tell their story in an authentic and impactful way. They’re choosing someone they trust with the messages and perspectives they have to share. They’re choosing someone who can convey the essence of them to the world.
Here’s more on why being a ghostwriter is such a huge responsibility.
Beyond the Surface
As a ghostwriter, authors are sharing beyond what’s on the surface with you. How far below the surface depends on the book. But no matter the project, the author is trusting you with the deeper parts of themselves.
Sometimes these deeper parts are actual stories of hardship and struggle in their past. Sometimes this depth comes in the perspectives and viewpoints they have on life. Sharing these unfiltered so that they can be shaped for the book can be a vulnerable thing to do.
“But the author is choosing to share this information with the world,” might be what you’re thinking.
Yes and no. Yes, they’re choosing to share stories and information related to certain topics with the world. But there are a lot of raw elements to the ghostwriting process. Sharing stories that may or may not be included in the book. Sharing perspectives and insights that may need to still be shaped and formed. Writing a book is an iterative process… lots of trimming and adding. The author is sharing an abundance of stories and information and then deciding with the ghostwriter what should be included and what they are comfortable including.
It’s important that an author trust the ghostwriter they’re working with so they can open up and explore potential stories and avenues that may be relevant for the book.
Acting as a Vessel
As a ghostwriter, I’m the vessel or the conduit for how stories and teachings make it to the page. It’s my responsibility to share these in a way that is authentic and true to how they were shared with me. It’s important that I capture the perspective and emotions that are unique to the author with a lens that is aligned with their purpose for the book.
It’s my responsibility to share the stories, wisdom, and insights of the author as if they were writing it themselves. This means capturing their voice, their emotion, the nuances of their thought process, and more.
I’m not transcribing an interview to a page. I’m shaping stories. Sharing insights and wisdom. Conveying their years of experience and teaching. And the trick is to do it in a way that truly reflects the author while engaging and inspiring the reader.
Responsibility to the Reader
My responsibility is not just to the author. It’s also to the reader.
It’s to write in a way that is clear and understandable, while also aligned with the author’s voice. It’s to write in a way that the message is clear, but not preachy. It’s to write in a way that the reader truly gets to know the author. It’s to write in a way that the reader is inspired to take action in their own life after reading.
Fulfilling my responsibility to the reader is part of fulfilling my responsibility to the author. Making sure the reader is always at the forefront of decisions is part of my work with the author. By making sure the reader feels engaged, empathizes with the author, feels called to take action, and more, I’m helping the author to fulfill their goals as well.
If you’ve been looking for a ghostwriter to work with and want to make sure you’re working with someone dedicated and conscientious, I’d love to chat! Book a free strategy session using the link below.
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.