Diverse Perspectives: Insights & Stories Exploring Ideas, Sharing Knowledge
One factor that invites ghostwriting mystery is that many people who believe they require a ghostwriter are in actuality looking for a skilled collaborator to assist them create copy that does the best justice to their ideas and words. This of course is not a issue. The ethical violation is asking an imposter to create material and then claiming that it was written by the person who hired the ghostwriter.
Collaboration with professional ghostwriter services is a wonderful concept and a greatly effective means of getting the excellent thinking of a great leader into the words and format that will be interesting to readers and will make the content memorable and compelling to share. In the world of interaction, it’s an extremely valuable service, whether for a book, an article, or a speech. Also, there are many cheap ghostwriting services available to help you!
However, ghostwriting, defined as the creation of material without the participation of the represented author or without disclosing the use of a ghostwriter, is a terrible idea and, in many people’s opinion, an ethical breach, particularly when non-transparent ghostwriting is used to promote a leader’s or public figure’s image or brand.
Honourable or Unethical?
Even some of the most historically prominent figure have used the services of a ghostwriter, including presidents George Washington and John F. Kennedy. It is not as shocking as someone might think because many political figures with significant influence are excellent with their words, but they sometimes require someone to write those words for them.
Consider the job of a speechwriter.
A speechwriter has an extremely important job of putting the words in the mouth of a prominent figure. The speechwriter usually attempts to convince a large audience of a specific viewpoint.
Even though the writers rarely receive credit, this is how the profession works. You won’t hear the ghostwriter reproach their employer for plagiarism. Ghostwriting is an honourable profession. A mutually beneficial arrangement is never unethical. if the ghostwriter agrees to sign a nondisclosure agreement in which he or she works for someone else in exchange for credit, this indicates that he or she consents to it.
Fine Line of Ethics
People hire ghostwriters for a variety of reasons. For example, an author planning to write a nonfiction book requires a different approach and skill set than a ghostwriter whose expertise is in fiction pieces such as novels. The varying requirements, including the amount of guidance in each project, are what fuel the notion that ghostwriting is unethical.
Some clients will simply provide the ghostwriter with a topic or subject. Others will provide an outline, a rough draft, and specific instructions on the tone of voice.
Some clients are even generous enough to share their notes and research. The claim that it is unethical stems from the perception that the ghostwriter does everything while the client gets the credit.
Critics of ghostwriting argue that for the job to be considered ethical, the “ghost” must be given some credit for the work. Some authors choose to reveal the name of the ghostwriter by using a title like “co-written” or “co-authored.”
So, does this make things ethical?
As, we previously stated, if the ghostwriter accepts anonymity and agrees to keep his or her contribution to a piece of content hidden forever, that is their own decision. It does not mean that the person who gets credit for the work is corrupt or dishonest.
Not All People Can Write
There has always been this stereotype about people who cannot write well. Some people believe that those who earn the skills to write are more intelligent than those who cannot.
It is an extremely unfair label. We believe that writing skills are never a basis or measurement of person’s intelligence.
A brilliant biologist or scientist is not less intelligent because he or she lacks writing skills.
A CEO of an international company should not be unfairly labeled dumb because he or she has other people who write communications on their behalf.
Ghostwriting is a Legitimate Service
People from all walks of life will eventually require someone to produce content for them in one way or another. It is one of the common realities of life.
It is the same idea as a manufacturing company or retail brand that needs to hire an advertising agency to develop and implement a marketing strategy.
Political figures, celebrities, and social icons hire ghostwriters because they need someone to put their knowledge, experiences, messages, and life stories in words that can quickly grab the attention of a target audience. If they can do it themselves, then why would they bother paying “ghostwriting services” to write for them? Sometimes people hire product description writers to make their products more interesting.
Simply put, ghostwriting is similar to any other service. It is legitimate, so it is also ethical. To say that ghostwriting is unethical means that hiring a courier to deliver your package to the recipient because you are unable to do so yourself is immoral.
But no one will blame you for paying for a courier’s services, right?
After all, ghostwriters make a decent living. The most experienced can even make a good deal out of it. A few bestselling authors acknowledged the use of a ghostwriter while writing their books. It is a testament to how prevalent the practice is, even to those who are renowned for their writing ability.
Final Thoughts
Ghostwriting is something both the author and the “ghost” can be satisfied of, even if the latter does not receive credit for it. A ghostwriting gig is a collaboration, just like any other, and should be treated as such. The thought of seeing the book sell and eventually become successful is a reward in and of itself. There is no shame in admitting that you had help telling your story or imparting information, and it is your right to deny the “ghost” upfront credit should you be comfortable with it. For us, ghostwriters, it is nothing personal.
