Imagine this: you've decided to write that book you've been dreaming about for years. You sit down with your notebook or your computer, poised to write. You keep sitting there. The words refuse to come. When you finally start wrestling them out of your brain, they're awkward and messy. Your sentences lurch from topic to topic. The pictures in your mind's eye don't match the letters on the page. You give up. Again.
Publishers rarely talk about ghostwriting and co-writing programs. To me, this is a shame. Ghostwriting and co-writing have always been a part of publication. Today, I'd like to shine a light on these overlooked writing methods. I'd like to explain what they are, who uses them, and what advantages they can give clients.
What are ghostwriting and co-writing?
Ghostwriting is a form of writing in which the person writing the words remains anonymous. Usually, the writer is an independent contractor working for a client. You've probably read ghostwritten content without knowing it. Works credited to institutions, or with no authorship attached would be ghostwritten. For example, if these blog posts had the byline "Siretona Creative," I would say they are ghostwritten.
Co-writing is a form of writing in which two or more authors work closely to develop a book together. They work together early on, sometimes from the first draft. In a co-writing project, both of the authors share credit: Author Name with Co-writer Name.
Some publishers combine ghostwriting and co-writing. The Stratemeyer Syndicate, responsible for series like Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and Tom Swift, would put multiple ghostwriters on one project. One ghostwriter would outline a book according to the syndicate's standards, and other ghostwriters would produce the drafts. Caroline Keene, the author of Nancy Drew, was not one but many secret people. Fitting for mystery novels!
Who uses ghostwriting and co-writing?
Ghostwriting and co-writing clients come in all shapes and forms. Celebrities are the most notable clients since their fame in other fields makes recognizing them easy. Prince Harry has been quite open that J. R. Moehringer ghostwrote his memoir, Spare. Business professionals hire ghostwriters for articles and books that enhance their brand image. Authors work with ghostwriters or co-writers when they want more reach or output. Some ghostwriters have continued producing work based on a deceased author's outline or style, like Tom Clancy.
But you don't have to be rich or famous to benefit from hiring a ghostwriter or co-writer. If you struggle with making your written words match your voice, a ghostwriter and cowriter can enhance your writing skills. If you are short on time, a ghostwriter or co-writer can speed up the process.
How do ghostwriting and co-writing work?
Each ghostwriting or co-writing project is unique, but they follow similar steps. Initially, a client will meet with a ghostwriter or co-writer to discuss project goals, timelines, and fit. Ghostwriters may show you work from a portfolio to give you an idea of their style. Co-writers may do a small sample for you. Once the client and the writer are sure they're a good fit, they make a contract, and the work can start.
Ghostwriters will interview their clients and examine documents to create an outline, or work from the client's outline. They will create a draft based on those resources. The client and the ghostwriter will go through several rounds of revision before bringing in outside editors. At publication, the ghostwriter may not be credited, or might be credited in the acknowledgements at the back of the book.
Co-writers can also start working from an outline. They will collaborate with the client to draft the book. They'll guide the client through editing. Co-writers usually get credited in the published book.
Advantages of ghostwriting
Ghostwriters allow clients to make good use of their time. Writing is a skill, and it takes years of study to master. People with busy schedules or lower energy levels can benefit from somebody else doing the heavy lifting.
Ghostwriters are experienced in conveying other people's words. Many of them come from advertising or journalism. They understand how to make complex topics easy to understand and how to make a client's voice come through in the finished product.
Ghostwriters can bring a level of polish to a book that debut authors might struggle to reach on their own. They can address writing problems before they become overwhelming and can make decisions to match the client's intent.
Advantages of co-writing
Co-writers can share their perspectives and experience with a client. That means no more getting stuck worrying an idea is bad before you've written it. They can also support your brainstorming to get the best ideas possible.
Dividing workloads makes jobs easier, and the same is true for writing. Co-writers help clients manage their writing process and keep them accountable to deadlines. They can also take over areas of a book with which you might struggle.
Co-writers offer learning opportunities. Exchanging ideas helps both writers grow and improve.
Conclusion
Ghostwriting and co-writing are not lesser than traditional solo-author ventures. They provide useful frameworks and skills to launch people to greater success.
As writing evolves, more writers may choose to go down one of those routes. If you're interested in a project like this, arrange a discovery call. Our Siretona Scribe program can suit you and your book. This free thirty-minute call will let you understand your book. Contact us now!
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