The art of ghost writing – should I offer it as a service?

[Denver]

I'm a freelance writer, and I've been approached by several people asking if I do ghost writing. At first, I felt weird about it—like I was hiding someone else's truth. But the more I think about it, the more I see it as a legitimate skill.

One client is a busy doctor who has amazing ideas for a wellness book but literally zero time to write. Another is a young entrepreneur who can't structure his thoughts clearly. I'm not stealing their voice—I'm amplifying it.

For those of you who have used ghost writing services, what made you choose that path? And for writers, how do you navigate the ethics of representing someone else's voice? I want to offer this service, but I want to do it with integrity. Thoughts?

 

[ThomasCher]

I've been ghost writing for five years and I've thought a LOT about the ethics of it. Here's my rule: I will only work with clients who have genuine expertise and just need help with execution. I won't write for someone who has nothing to say and wants me to invent it. I ask potential clients: "What do you want people to know?

What's your unique perspective?" If they can't answer, I pass. Also, I always insist on interviewing them extensively so their voice comes through. I've turned down lucrative offers from people who just wanted "something inspirational" with no substance.

Integrity matters. If you go into it with clear boundaries, ghost writing can be an incredibly fulfilling and ethical career. Good luck!