Is Ghostwriting Ethical?

Ghostwriting means you produce written content for another individual, and they get all the copyright and credit for it.

It is a centuries-old practice that has been taken advantage of by a handful of personalities, including famous political figures, celebrities, and even bestselling authors.

A ghostwriter usually possesses extreme versatility when it comes to writing different types of content.

You may write marketing content for a client, including:

• blog posts
• newsletters
• social media posts
• emails
• white papers
• books
• customer testimonials

Another client may hire you to ghostwrite for an autobiography or a novel. Like freelance writers, a ghostwriter may accommodate all sorts of content creation.

Honourable or Unethical?

Even some of the most historically prominent names have acquired the services of a ghostwriter, including presidents George Washington and John F. Kennedy.

It is not as shocking as someone might think since many political figures with massive influence are excellent with their words, but they sometimes need someone to write those words for them.

Think of the job of a speechwriter.

A speechwriter has an extremely important job of putting the words in the mouth of an important person.

The speechwriter usually tries to convince a crowd of people on a particular viewpoint.

Even though the ones who write the pieces do not usually get the credit, it is the way how the profession works.

You will not hear the ghostwriter accusing their employer of plagiarism.

Ghostwriting is an honourable job. An arrangement that benefits both parties involved is never unethical.

If the ghostwriter agrees to sign a nondisclosure contract in which he or she works for someone else to get the credit, then it means that he or she consents to it.

There is more to ghostwriting than most people realize. Not all writers can ghostwrite. The job requires the skill of capturing and emulating the client’s voice.

A ghostwriter must grasp the idea and goals of his or her client and put it into words. The ghostwriter cannot in any way incorporate his or her opinion, views, and personal style.

The responsibility involves getting the client’s message across without a hint of the ghostwriter’s perspective.

Fine Line of Ethics

People hire ghostwriters for varying reasons.

For example, an author who plans to write a nonfiction book needs a different approach and skill set compared to a ghostwriter whose expertise is fiction pieces like novels.

The varying requirements, including the amount of guidance in every project, is what feeds the notion of ghostwriting being unethical.

Some clients will provide the ghostwriter with a topic or subject and nothing more. Others will hand out an outline, rough draft, and specific instructions on the tone of the voice.

Some clients are even generous enough to provide some notes and research. The claim of it being unethical lies in the perception that the ghostwriter does everything, while the client gets the credit.

Critics of ghostwriting contend that for the job to be considered ethical, the “ghost” must be given at least a hint of credit for the work.

Some authors choose to divulge the name of the ghostwriter by placing a title such as “co-written” or “co-authored.”

So, does it make things ethical?

As I mentioned earlier, if the ghostwriter embraces anonymity and agrees to hide his or her contribution to a piece of content forever, then it is his or her right.

It does not mean that the one who gets credit for the work is corrupt or dishonest.

Not All People Can Write

There always has been this stereotype against people who cannot write well. Some people think that those who possess the skills to write are more intelligent than those who cannot.

It is a grossly unfair label. I believe that writing skills are never a basis or measurement of one’s intelligence.

A brilliant biologist or scientist is not less intelligent because he or she does not have the aptitude for writing.

A CEO of an international firm should not be unfairly called dumb because he or she has other people who write communications on his or her behalf.

Ghostwriting is a Legitimate Service

People from all walks of life will eventually need someone to produce content for them in one way or another. It is one of the realities of life.

It is the same concept as a manufacturing company or retail brand that needs to hire an advertising agency to formulate and work out on a marketing strategy.

Political figures, celebrities, and social icons hire ghostwriters because they need someone to convey their knowledge, experiences, message, and life stories in words that can quickly pique the interest of a target audience. I

f they can do it themselves, then why would they bother hiring a “ghost” to write for them?

Simply put, ghostwriting is just like any other service. It is legitimate, which means it is also ethical.

To say that ghostwriting is unethical means that hiring a courier to send your package to the recipient because you cannot do so on your own is immoral.

But no one will accuse you of paying for a courier’s services, right?

After all, ghostwriters make a decent living. The most experienced ones can even make a lucrative deal out of it.

A handful of bestselling authors acknowledged the contribution of a ghostwriter in writing their books. It is a testament of how prevalent the practice is, even to those who are renowned for their writing prowess.

Final Thoughts

Ghostwriting is something that both the author and “ghost” can be proud of, even if the latter may not get credit for it.

A ghostwriting gig is a collaboration just like any other and should be seen as such.

Just the thought of seeing the book sell and become ultimately successful is in itself a reward.

There is no shame in admitting that you had help in telling your story or imparting your knowledge, and it is your right to deny the “ghost” upfront credit should you be comfortable with it. For us, ghostwriters, it is nothing personal.