Am I allowed to use a ghostwriter?
‘Isn’t that cheating?’
‘I should write my own book, shouldn’t I?’
Authenticity and transparency play a big role in business and leadership, and the idea of hiring a ghostwriter to write your book can raise questions about that. And I understand that. If you’ve built your business around certain values, hiring someone else to write your book can feel insincere.
But hiring a ghostwriter is no different to hiring a social media manager, copywriter or accountant. It’s a way of outsourcing the work that needs to be done, so you can focus on what you’re good at; running your business.
I think it’s a hangover from school where we were taught to do our own work, to ‘not cheat.’ Well, times have changed and I believe there is value in collaborating and working with people who have skills in the areas we lack. If you want to hire a ghostwriter, but are still unsure, here’s what you can do:
- Be Fully Involved in the Process: Actively participate in the writing process to ensure you are fully involved start to finish. Check in regularly with your ghostwriter, and attend all the interviews your ghostwriter requires. This will help maintain the authenticity of your voice, your ideas and messaging.
- Give Proper Credit: Most ghostwriters will happily sign an NDA and stay hidden in the shadows. However, if you want to attribute credit to your ghostwriter you can do so in the acknowledgments, foreword or say that the book is ‘co-authored’ or ‘written with.’
- Stick To Your Values: Choose a ghostwriter whose values align with your own. Working with someone who shares your values and principles will lead to a smoother collaboration and a book that more accurately reflect your work. A project can take months so ensure you choose someone you know you would be able to work well with.
If you have the opportunity to inspire and empower others through a well-crafted book, don’t let the idea of using a ghostwriter stop you. We are just freelance writers, if you think about it, and working with us will not detract from your ability to make an impact and create real change.
If you’re interested in working together, please book a free call to get started.