|
I first heard the term "ghost writer" when I was a kid watching a black and white murder mystery. When one of the main characters was identified as a ghost writer, I got excited and waited for him to disappear. I can't remember if he was the murderer or one of the victims, but I do remember that he never turned into an apparition and vanished. Before the end credits rolled, I learned a basic definition, someone who writes for someone else and then disappears. Now years later, I do some ghost writing and realize that my childhood understanding was basically correct. Unfortunately the term has taken on different meanings during the internet age and is often misused. A Ghost Writer is a writer that works with one or more individuals to translate their story, experiences, ideas, or concepts into written content. After the story, book, or script is complete the ghost disappears and the originator of the content claims all rights to authorship. This definition assumes that the "author" was part of the process and generated the history, biography or ideas that make up the written content. This is different than hiring a writer to fully research and create material and then taking credit for the content. Today there are experts setting up websites, selling books, and giving speeches who know little or nothing about the material they claimed to write. Apart from the obvious unethical nature of this practice, the buyer may also be at risk. Since these invisible writers lay no claim to the content, material is often inaccurate or plagiarized. So when is ghost writing legitimate? When an individual has a story or idea that is noteworthy, but does not have the writing skills, discipline, focus, or distance, a ghost writer can transform these ideas into words. Since many speakers, celebrities, innovators, and CEOs want a book, CD, or other material available to present at events or investment opportunities, working with an invisible writer is a viable option. Ghost writing is a niche writing skill, and not all (or many) writers are great ghosts. So if you are interested in working with someone to transform your ideas into print, here are a few things to look for in a professional Ghost Writer. · Availability - You'll want plenty of one-on-one time for the writer to understand your voice, learn your unique view point and work out your ideas. This can happen in person, on Skype, or on the phone. · Open mindedness - Look for a ghost who wants your voice to be heard. After all the end product is meant to be your book, not his or hers. Avoid ghost writers that don't want to spend much time talking or don't listen to what you have to say. · Courage - A good ghost knows how to listen, but they also know how to ask questions and tell you when something isn't working. If something is unclear or incorrect you want to be told, otherwise you could just hire a stenographer. · Attention to details - Ghosts need to check and double check facts, names, places, and information. · Good writing skills - Look for a writer who understands different formats and styles. Although an honest ghost writer will not show you samples of other ghost writing work, they should have other writing samples available. · Confidentiality - At the end of the process ghost writers need to disappear. They should provide a legal contract which both parties should sign. Please note: not all ghost writers are invisible, some are acknowledge as co-writers, editors, or assistants. (In many cases, the writer may be willing to reduce the fee in consideration for a by-line.) Make sure the relationship is clear in the beginning. Also beware of very low priced ghosts; these contracts are often outsourced to writing mills and your confidentiality may not be protected. Remember, you really do get what you pay for. essay writing
Related Articles -
What, Look, Professional,
|
