Ghostwriting gets a bad rap. A reveal of a public figure using a ghostwriter is usually met with disdain. People feel misled, cheated, and fooled. Some say, rightfully so. But here’s another truth.
In today’s world, ghostwriting plays a crucial role in the relationship between a company and the public. In an online environment, where the written word is golden, key players are required to connect with their audience through content. And a lot is at stake if they fall short.
That’s where ghostwriting comes in. It provides a voice for those who don’t know how to speak or write and allows their truth to be heard even when they don’t have the skill of articulation.
We sat down with our head ghostwriter to find out more about her industry and what she feels about this line between connection and deception.
How did you get into writing?
I got into writing as a child. I still have my journals from that time and they are my biggest treasure. I continued to write throughout high school and college – also taking writing courses in foreign languages. I started my career as an event planner traveling from Hawai’i to Las Vegas to Florida for events. The switch to writing professionally happened when I immigrated to Israel and saw an opportunity.
Why do people hire a ghostwriter?
I think people hire a ghostwriter because they feel daunted by the task of putting the right words on paper (or on the screen 🙂 Either because of lack of experience, patience, imagination, time, or all of the above.
How do you prepare to write in the place of someone else?
I pay attention to the way they talk. I look at things they have written before if any. I ask them what their goals are, what tone of voice they feel the most comfortable with. My goal is to give a physical form to their vision. It’s not about me, but about them. Their thought and ideas. What do they want to tell the world?
Do you find ghostwriting a more difficult form of writing?
Quite the contrary. Sounding like someone else is easy. Whereas sounding like one’s own self is a challenge. It’s easier to conceptualize another person in my mind – than to conceptualize myself.
Is it hard to be writing under someone else’s name and not receive public recognition?
Not at all. I once read that submitting your work is like getting on the stage, taking your underwear off, and asking for opinions. When my name isn’t on a piece of writing, I feel more confident. I feel free. Whereas when my name is on it, I feel like I am baring my soul. Anonymity creates a degree of freedom and safety, which can create better writing.
Some people think that ghostwriting is like cheating, do you agree?
Not at all. I wish there was ghost-painting and ghost-singing. My biggest fantasy is singing opera in front of a mesmerized audience. But even when I sing pop, people run away. Singing is not a talent of mine. And I don’t have the voice for it. If someone could sing for me, the way I imagine myself singing, I’d hire that person. Ghostwriting is empowering someone else while staying authentic.
Contact us and start being heard.