Writers are called and credited in different ways: an author of a book, editor, copywriter, and a ghostwriter usually fall under the same “writer” umbrella.
So, what’s the point of trying to differentiate a ghostwriter and an editor?
Their job requires them to put their knowledge and thoughts into words, but that’s the only similar thing they share.
Ghostwriting and editing are ostensibly different disciplines. A ghostwriter creates content on behalf of someone else who gets the credit.
The term “ghost” means that the writer doesn’t exist. It’s a gibberish way to put it, but it is what it is. If you choose a career in ghostwriting, you must be prepared to swallow any trace of pride for your work because you’re not supposed to get credit for it.
On the other hand, an editor doesn’t create content from scratch. If you’re paid as an editor, your job is focused on fixing someone else’s work.
How Ghostwriting Works
Ghostwriting became a legitimate gig when authors realized they needed help. Most books written on behalf of the author were memoirs, ideas, and occasionally, a rejigged version of previous work.
The ghostwriter is paid but usually needs to make a compromise. In this case, the concession is that he or she doesn’t get credit for the book or any other written material.
In the most traditional sense, the “ghost” does the majority of the writing. However, credit is justifiably given to the authors since the concept and ideas discussed in the book come from them.
There are times when the author already has a manuscript, from which the ghostwriter must build up on.
Author’s Note: If you want to know the difference between a co-writer and a ghostwriter read our blog post HERE
Ghostwriting has since evolved, covering everything literally. Back then, it was all about memoirs and autobiographies.
Today, there’s ghostwriting work for business and marketing material, lifestyle-related content, and fiction books. Some “ghosts” moonlight as freelance writers, producing content for blogs, websites, and even news articles.
Moreover, it’s commonplace for ghostwriters to write speeches for public figures and politicians; others are in-charge of creating emails and social media posts for celebrities and influencers.
Whenever there’s a job that requires topnotch and premium content writing, a ghostwriter will work on it.
Why Do People Hire Ghostwriters?
Ghostwriters are suddenly an in-demand commodity, especially in the business and corporate world. Company owners and executives – those who belong to the top of business hierarchy don’t want to “waste” their time writing emails and marketing material. They like being busy with other stuff.
The same holds for business owners focused on selling products and offering services online.
They choose to delegate the job of marketing their products and services to someone else. Hiring a full-time employee to cover writing responsibilities is out of the question since it’s too expensive.
This is why ghostwriters will always be a valuable commodity.
Author’s Note: If you want to learn how to start your ghostwriting career start HERE
How About an Editor?
From the perspective of writing a book, the role of the editor is to give the green light for publishing.
Once the author and ghostwriter complete the manuscripts, there must be someone, theoretically a third party, who will edit the work before it officially becomes a published work.
It means that the agreement and satisfaction of both the author and the ghostwriter aren’t enough to publish the book.
The term “editing” translates to a handful of tasks, i.e., proofreading, checking for spelling and grammar errors.
More importantly, the editor offers a fresh pair of eyes, a new perspective. The job demands an exceptional talent in picking up inconsistencies in the story and identifying the lack of clarity in the plot.
No matter how skilled the author and the ghost are, mistakes of this nature are bound to happen.
It is why an editor must take a tough stand since it’s the only way to rid the book of its imperfection.
Keep in mind that an editor doesn’t rewrite or rearrange the paragraphs or chapters in a book. The job is to suggest (or insist) revisions, and the author or ghostwriter works on the corrections.
The partnership between the author, a ghostwriter, and the editor doesn’t have to be serene. At times, the corrections and suggestions are delivered harshly – but that’s how it’s supposed to work.
Like the ghostwriter, the job of the editor continues to evolve with time.
They’re no longer just about books.
As a critical reader, he or she has the knack for polishing and refining content in different forms. Editors are in high demand in several industries.
You don’t just see them in publishing houses – they’re valuable in advertising and marketing, corporate settings, news, and even in online business and e-commerce.
As long as there’s a need to check facts and correct errors in grammar and spelling in content, the editor is there to get the job done.
Ghostwriting and editing are two vastly different trades, but the similarities are unquestionable. A ghostwriter and editor both share the talent of creating content in ways that an audience deserves.
They possess a solid grasp of language and the dexterity to deliver entertaining and inspiring words. Calling them “creative” is quite the understatement.
Joel Mark Harris graduated from the Langara School of Journalism in 2007. Joel is an award-winning journalist, novelist, screenwriter and producer.
He has ghostwritten numerous books in all types of genres including true life crime, business, memoir, and self help. With over 1,000 blog posts to his name, he has helped hundreds of business owners scale their business and increase their visibility. You can email him at info@ghostwritersandco.com
