Comments on: Is Ghostwriting Cheating?

By: Ghostwriter Dad - The Ethics of Being a Ghostwriter

Ghostwriter Dad - The Ethics of Being a Ghostwriter — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:37:37 +0000

[...] people argue that claiming credit for another’s words is wrong no matter the circumstances, but if a ghostwriter is fully aware that they will receive [...]

By: Forrest

Forrest — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:27:03 +0000

Great rationalization! However, from the perspective of a reader, I feel like I have been deceived when I read a book and later learn it was not actually written by the author printed on the cover. When an author’s name is printed on a book I wrongly assume that the voice belongs to that author – to learn about the world of ghost writing is a disappointment. It seems a great number of “authors” deserve no such credit – I would like to see the ghostwriters acknowledged on the book cover so I know who deserves my respect.

By: Ghostwriter Dad - The Original Ghostwriter

Ghostwriter Dad - The Original Ghostwriter — Mon, 18 May 2009 20:39:34 +0000

[...] it seem strange: a hundred cutthroats against one poor poet? It is not strange. It is a minimal defense, mademoiselle, when that poet is a friend of Cyrano de [...]

By: Sherice

Sherice — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:40:52 +0000

Excellent comparison of what could seen as essentially – the same thing. It’s interesting to note that when ghostwriting, I often learn more about all kinds of different topics than I ever did in school ;)

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:30:27 +0000

Janice: Smiles… yup, good sense. That’s exactly what it is!

Hayden: I never even thought of that, but you’re totally right. A ghostwriter can help get the ball rolling, which is sometimes all we need.

Jamie: I’m thrilled as well. It’s gonna be a fun climb from here on out. And no, your writer’s license is still in excellent standing.

By: Jamie Simmerman

Jamie Simmerman — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:36:23 +0000

Just stopped by to do the Snoopy Dance with you. I could cry. :)

Yeah for Ghostwriter Dad! And, my desk often looks like it belongs to a child (cat on the keyboard, cookies in the corner, colored pens strewn everywhere). Does that mean I get my writer’s card revoked? ;)

By: Hayden Tompkins

Hayden Tompkins — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:16:15 +0000

I think a ghostwriter also helps if you are stuck and don’t know how to move forward (which often happens with “big” projects). Having something to work with first, instead of starting from scratch, can be a HUGE help.

By: janice

janice — Wed, 06 May 2009 07:40:27 +0000

Adults, hopefully have come to learn what their strengths are. If someone chooses to have their ‘content’ and essence expressed in your voice because you write so well, it means they’ve recognised that, for them, sharing some form of content is worth more than personally expressing their own style through their writing. They’ve recognised that they have limitations but trust that you can capture and express their style well. If they were getting you to ghost write a book of poetry, that would be different; style is what we attribute to a poet.

Personally, if someone has the sense to hire you, Sean, hats off to them. It’s not cheating – it’s good sense!