GHOSTWRITING

        When an author produces a book or other form of writing, but gives credit of authorship to another person or organization. The author is paid for the work, but is not given any credit as the author. Often famous people hire a ghostwriter to write their life story, if the subject does not have the time or ability to do the writing himself or herself. However, the subject will usually take credit for the authorship when it comes to dealing with the media. Some writers are reluctant to or very much against ghostwriting because they perceive it as unethical to fool the reading public. Note that articles are sometimes ghostwritten as well.

        Payment for ghostwriting may be by the page, by the hour, or by the project. Always have a contract with the subject or organization that covers all the pertinent issues, such as method and timing of payment, a time line for the writing, who has final word on content, etc. All related issues must be resolved and the contract signed by the author and the subject before the work is begun. Although ghostwriting typically means the author gets no credit, in some instances the project may be done “as-told-to,” or “with” the subject. Such details need to be decided up front and made very clear in the contract. The cost for ghostwriting a book can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. For a full explanation of ghostwriting, go to: http://andrewcrofts.com/what-is-ghostwriting.