What Is a Legal Ghost Writer?

The work of ghost writers permeates across all genres and industries.

If you believe ghost writers are characters out of a scary book, think again. Ghost writers are the professional wordsmiths behind many of the books and publications you read on the Internet and in your neighborhood bookstores.

Function

Ghost writers gather and create content that is published under the names of different authors. The people that ghost writers write for are typically the individuals who receive credit for the work.

Types

Ghost writers produce a variety of books and publications, including autobiographies, business publications, press releases, newsletters, self-help books, screenplays and e-books.

Benefits

Ghost writing is mutually beneficial for both the employer and writer. The employer can devote his/her time to marketing and production, while the ghost writer can focus on writing and will be paid a flat fee or receive a percentage of the book's royalties for their work.

Misconceptions

It is often pointed out that ghost writing is unethical since the actual writers rarely receive credit or publicity for their work. Despite this criticism, ghost writing is commonly used and widely accepted in the publishing industry.

Fun Fact

The "Nancy Drew Mystery Series," the popular book series about the adventures of teen detective Nancy Drew, were ghostwritten by several authors under the pseudonym Caroline Keene.

References

• Worldwide Freelance Writer
• AbeBooks.com