What is ghostwriting and what are the job prospects if I embrace it as a career?
Answers
Being a ghostwriter can be a fascinating and very profitable career. It is really just a case of matching up your skills, expertise and interest with those of paying clients willing to pay good money for well-written content.
A ghostwriter writes a piece of work, such as non-fiction or fiction, but does not put their name on it. Rather, they allow another person to put their name on it and give them the copyright to it (that is, full permission to use the work as if it were their own creation).
Ghostwriters commonly produce what is termed work for hire. They work on a project with the person who hires them on the understanding that the written outcome of the two working together will be a product the client will get full rights to.
A wide variety of people hire ghostwriters. They are often busy people with websites who need content, and are looking for articles and other informative pieces they might not have the time or ability to write themselves.
Many people also want to “be a writer” in the sense of publishing a book with their name on it and hoping it will bring money and prestige. They might not have the skill to write an entire book, or the patience. Some business owners want “instant books” published digitally and in paperback so they can use them as promotional tools for their business. A ghostwriter is one of the best shortcuts for this type of person.
Famous people also often aspire to writing a book, but don’t have the skills or time. They will usually give the ghostwriter materials to be included in the book, and perhaps be interviewed. Final approval of the (flattering) book will usually rest with the client.
Some clients take a hands-off approach. They write the specifications for the job, choose from the ghostwriters who apply, and let the one they have selected get on with things. Others might look over the ghostwriter’s shoulder a bit more, or micro-manage every step.
Ghost writing is when a person anonymously writes for someone else.
So the literary piece is published in someone's name, but the actual content is written by an anonymous person in exchange for pay.
I do not think job prospects for this are especially high since I don't think it paus all well. If anuway you want to write and pu lish, why not do ot under a pseudonym instead by yourself.
Self publication is easy nowadays due to digital media anyway.