Something I’ve noticed lately… ghostwriting can be a triggering term. While it’s a common term used to describe the work I do, I’ve learned that it can elicit some opinionated reactions.
Many of those reactions come from not fully understanding the process and the value that a ghostwriter can add. Some of those reactions come from past experiences with specific service providers. Some are simply preconceived notions that haven’t been fully vetted.
Until I come up with a better term that accurately describes the work I do and yet still acts as a quick label, I’m here to dispel some common beliefs that may bubble to the surface when certain people hear the term “ghostwriter”.
“I Want My Book to be My Own”
The most common knee-jerk response I hear in opposition to a ghostwriter is, “I want my book to be my own.” Yep, I agree! Which is exactly why your book is still your own even when you use a ghostwriter.
The book is still filled with your stories, your experiences, your ideas, and more. Basically, it’s all your thought leadership. As the ghostwriter, I’m not infusing my own thoughts or takeaways. If there’s a connection I feel may need bridging, I will ask you to confirm that connection or clarify it further.
You might be thinking, “That’s all fine and dandy, but I want it to sound like me.”
I agree again!
That’s why ghostwriters work to ensure that the book is written in your voice, not ours. We pay attention to word choice, tone, cadence, etc.
And if you’re still not fully bought into the fact that a ghostwriter can do these things, rest assured that there’s a review process. When authors work with me, they get to review a sample to ensure that it captures their voice, tone, and the structure they’re going for. I then use that feedback to write the rest of the manuscript, which they then get an opportunity to thoroughly review.
Oftentimes, the belief that the book won’t be your own simply comes from a misunderstanding of the process and the role of the ghostwriter.
“That’s Cheating”
This is something I used to hear more but have heard much less now that so many people outsource work, and particularly writing, to AI. I still feel the need to set the record straight. Using a ghostwriter is certainly not cheating.
The author is still putting in the work. They’re meeting regularly, sharing their knowledge and stories, reviewing and giving feedback on drafts, and generally collaborating in a way that ensures the book is their own.
It’s the author’s voice, the author’s stories, and the author’s expertise. As ghostwriters, we don’t just go off on our own, produce a book, and let someone else slap their name on it. We’re there to help do the heavy lifting and provide guidance.
If all of that still isn’t enough for you, as ghostwriters, we’ve signed up to do this. We don’t expect credit, because it’s not our original thought, and we do get paid for the work we do. We’re just like so many other service providers.
“I Got Burned”
As with every type of service, a few bad apples can spoil the reputation of the whole industry. While this is one I hear less often, sometimes people are averse to ghostwriters because they’ve had a bad experience with one or have heard a horror story from someone else.
While subpar ghostwriters do certainly exist, there are plenty of highly qualified ghostwriters at the ready to help bring your life’s work to the page and scale your message in a meaningful way.
That’s why it’s so important to ask potential ghostwriters thoughtful questions about their experience and approach. If you want to get a quick guide as to what to ask your ghostwriter, request my free resource using the button 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.