Ghost Writer? Who is that?

Mr X wants a Ghost Writer to write for him

[contentmaster]

Hi

Who exactly is a "Ghost Writer"? I mean if someone says they are looking for a ghost writer to write for them, what does it amount to? What are the legalities involved in this , if any?:o

Contentmaster

[digitalghost]

A ghost writer will write whatever they are hired to write and turn the copyright over to the person doing the hiring. A ghost writer typically writes without acknowledgement. In short, Mr X would get all the credit for the work.

A good ghost writer may ask for a portion of the royalties and the amount is sometimes capped. It's a pretty straight forward process.

[contentmaster]

Thanks for the input...but isn't that the case with any other freelance work that a person does...i mean that is what one does when they are asked to write on a freelance basis say for a website! you write for them and you get paid....nobody really knows who wrote the content for the site anyways! so why differentiate ...just a thought!

[abbeyvet]

Freelance writers are often credited, though they may not be. In the case of a ghost writer the work IS credited - but to someone else, the person you are 'ghosting' for.

[contentmaster]

Ok I think that makes sense! but there are no serious legalities to consider though, are there? if you are ghosting for someone?

[rogerd]

Contentmaster, here's one lawyer's view of the key elements in a ghostwriting agreement: ivanhoffman.com/ghost.html

[contentmaster]

Contentmaster, here's one lawyer's view of the key elements in a ghostwriting agreement: ivanhoffman.com/ghost.html

Thanks! I will go through it!