- A ghostwriter writes a book credited to another person.
- Common in celebrity memoirs, business books, and some fiction.
- The ghostwriter is usually anonymous or uncredited.
- A contract governs payment and credit.
- It is a legitimate, established profession.
A ghostwriter is a professional writer hired to write a book (or other content) that is credited to someone else — the named "author." Ghostwriting is common in celebrity and politician memoirs, business and self-help books by busy professionals, and even some commercial fiction. The ghostwriter typically remains anonymous or receives limited acknowledgment, with a contract governing payment, credit, and rights. It is a legitimate, well-established profession: the named author provides the story, expertise, or brand, and the ghostwriter provides the writing craft.
Chapter i·Why it matters
Ghostwriting is a significant, often invisible part of publishing, and understanding it clarifies how many books (especially memoirs and business books) are actually produced. For writers, ghostwriting is a real income path and career option; for those considering hiring one, understanding the arrangement (credit, payment, rights, contract) is essential. Knowing what a ghostwriter is demystifies a common but discreet publishing practice and reveals a professional avenue many writers pursue.
Chapter ii·What to include
- A writer credited to someone else.
- Common in memoirs and business books.
- Typical anonymity of the ghostwriter.
- A governing contract.
- The named author's story or brand.
- A legitimate profession.
Chapter iii·Example
A busy executive wants a leadership book but lacks time and writing craft, so she hires a ghostwriter. The ghostwriter interviews her, shapes her ideas, and writes the book, which is published under the executive's name. A contract governs the payment, the ghostwriter's anonymity, and the rights — a standard, legitimate ghostwriting arrangement.
WriteLoom keeps a collaborative writing project organized, whether you write under your own name or for someone else.
See WriteLoom