Val Dumond

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Articles on Writing, Grammar, and Publishing
by Val Dumond

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Val writes articles on grammar, the art and science of writing, and publishing, for budding writers and seasoned authors alike. These articles are not only informative and educational, they're entertaining - written as only Val can. Enjoy this latest of her articles:

Ghosts and Ghostwriters
by Val Dumond
©2008

"I have this story that is great and would make a terrific movie. Will you write it for me?" Sometimes this is followed with, "I'll pay for your time." Or "I can't pay you, but I'll share the royalties with you."

As a writer, I receive may such offers, but I turn them down - for a number of reasons. First and foremost, I cannot write someone else's story. In order to write, there has to be passion and understanding and "insider" kind of knowledge of the subject which only the author has.

What I CAN do, is edit or even re-write a work of another writer - which I have done a few times. A writer puts down the story in the best way they can; we get together and discuss the purpose for the piece; we decide on the best way to move the story forward. We talk about how best to tell the story - first or second person, past or present tense, with or without humor, pathos, sympathy, fear and other emotions.

Most often, my work involves organizing, or re-organizing, the information. I also suggest to the writer some ways of bumping up a character, speeding up the plot, styling the dialog, or using metaphors. In other words, I work more to help the writer become better at writing, rather than simply doing the writing myself (although I admit that sometimes it's tempting).

Once I responded to a request to write someone's story by suggesting I give writing lessons. (I always qualify my writing workshops with the disclaimer that I cannot teach writing, I can only help you become a better writer. The best way to become a better writer is to... write and write and write. Each time, the work gets better.) I did spend a couple weeks with this writer who had never written anything other than work memos and shopping lists. In just that brief time, a quick learner can pick up many of the basics of writing. As a result, this writer told his story by owning it. The personal attention to the book shone through clearly and resulted in a best seller.

The reason I bring up these tales is to lead into a discussion about ghost writing. First, the definition of "ghost writing" determines how you as a writer may feel about it. When a student recently approached me with a desperate offer to write college entrance essays (to be paid for), I immediately turned it down. The student wanted to pass off my work as her own, and that was simply unconscionable, for any amount of money.

In that instance, ghost writing would be close to the affront of prostitution and completely unacceptable. But where is the line drawn?

I have written many books "on contract"; that is, I was paid to write the book, usually a history or nonfiction account of a company or organization. In every case, I was credited with the writing, even though I was paid for my work. I do not consider this "ghost writing".

Now comes the situation of the celebrity (who either cannot write or has no time to write) who wants to write a book. If completely researched and written by a professional writer, that book would be called "biography". If completely written by the celebrity, it would be called "autobiography". But what do you call a book with the celebrity named as the author, but written by a paid writer who listens to hours of storytelling before writing and receives no credit?

Therein lies the conundrum. Ghost writing? Biography "as told to"? Autobiography claimed but not written by? or just plain sell-out? What would you call it, and why?

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