The Name Game

I have heard people ask many questions when it comes to ghostwriting. Two I hear the most are “What is the difference between a coauthor, cowriter, and ghostwriter?” and “Why on earth would you give your ghostwriter credit?” Read on for my answers.

Coauthor: A coauthor is just that, a collaborating author. Two or more authors work together on the concept and creation of the book. Both will get credit on the cover, and both have equal standing when it comes to rights and authorship of the book.

Cowriter: This term is a bit more fluid. A cowriter can have the status of a coauthor or can simply be a colleague working on the project. Generally speaking, a cowriter is of a slightly lower status than the primary author. Nonetheless, a cowriter is typically credited on the cover and inside the book. For example, the cover will read “John Doe with Jane Doe,” Jane Doe being the cowriter.

Ghostwriter: A ghostwriter is a professional writer who writes and shapes a book on the basis of stipulations of a client. The two biggest differences between a ghostwriter and a coauthor/cowriter are that (1) the ghostwriter works anonymously and (2) the ghostwriter always works for a fee. Traditionally, ghostwriters are not noted on the cover but are sometimes obscurely mentioned in the acknowledgments page (e.g., “This book would not have been possible without the efforts of Jane Doe”).

Here is a great example of attribution at work:

 

Why Give the Ghostwriter Credit? For years, ghostwriters did not, or could not, lay claim to their writing.   This custom is changing, however, as more and more authors are openly acknowledging their ghostwriters.   In many cases, readers realize that the author did not write the book by himself or herself, whether that is because he or she is a busy politician or a reality TV star who hasn’t really mastered the written word.   It is common knowledge that ghostwriters are out there doing the work, and some authors are now giving credit where credit is due.   Of course, mentioning the ghostwriter is not a requirement, but admitting to seeking out a professional writer is also no longer taboo.   Many people will treat the ghostwriter much in the same way as a cowriter, as in “by John Doe with Jane Doe.”

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