Ghostwriting FAQs

Since I announced my latest book project, the biography of Dr. Reatha Clark King (to be released for sale in November, 2021), I’ve been getting tons of questions about ghostwriting. People seem to be interested and intrigued by ghostwriting because it’s so behind-the-scenes and unusual. The only times we hear about ghostwriters is when they come forward and talk about their subjects, such as when Donald Trump’s ghostwriter expressed regret for penning The Art of the Deal. Other than that, we stay in the shadows.

It’s a humbling job, working as a ghostwriter. I’ve had to come to terms with the general secrecy and solitude that accompanies my work. There’s no space for ego in this profession! Sometimes, you have to sit back and watch as your client takes credit for the book you authored through hundreds of hours of interviews, research, writing, and rewriting. Sometimes, that book sells quite well, and you’d love to take credit for the creation. But ultimately, ghostwriters fall into the same camp as stunt doubles, political staffers, and all the millions of people who work behind the scenes in offices, making sure their CEO/figurehead maintains a sterling reputation and is as profitable as possible.

But all told, it’s not a bad gig. I enjoy being my own boss, setting my own hours, and earning money through my writing. I’ve been freelancing for about ten years, so I know I have the…