Ghostwriting

Unveiling the Spirit of Literary Collaboration

Preface

Since I use ChatGPT 3.5 to research and write in ways that I do not have the inclination nor the time for, I decided a while back that this large language model artificial intelligence (LLM AI) was functioning as both a research assistant and ghostwriter. That is probably fairly close to the mark.

I decided to ask Chet AI some questions about ghostwriting and to put the answers into essay format. This seems to be a lazy way to do things, but I like to use the right tools for any job, and I like to use productive shortcuts. When I programmed computers, I did not write from scratch that often, but looked for source code that I could modify. Things have not changed entirely I think.

In any case, it is from ChatGPT 3.5, an AI with a tendency to confabulate, or as the AI community would have it, hallucinate (not at all the right word). So caveat lector¹

Ghostwriting: Unveiling the Spirit of Literary Collaboration

Ghostwriting is a prevalent practice where a writer, known as the ghostwriter, authors content on behalf of another individual, who is credited as the author or public figure. Throughout this essay, we will explore various aspects of ghostwriting, providing concrete examples to illustrate each point, while maintaining clarity and accuracy.

Functions of a Ghostwriter

The core function of a ghostwriter is to write on behalf of someone else, embodying the author's style and voice seamlessly. An example of this is when Andrew Neiderman ghostwrote several books in the "V.C. Andrews" series after the original author, Virginia C. Andrews, passed away.

Finding a Ghostwriter

Finding a suitable ghostwriter involves referrals and exploring writing portfolios. For instance, former President Barack Obama hired David Garrow to ghostwrite his memoir "Dreams from My Father," reflecting Obama's experiences and aspirations.

Payment and Financial Agreements

Ghostwriters are compensated through various arrangements. For example, when James Patterson collaborated with Maxine Paetro to co-author several books in the "Women's Murder Club" series, the payment structure might have involved both a flat fee and a percentage of book sales.

Ethics and Authorship Attribution

Ethics in ghostwriting demand transparency and mutual consent. In the case of Robert Ludlum's "Jason Bourne" series, Eric Van Lustbader was brought in as a ghostwriter after Ludlum's death. The books indicate Ludlum's name as the main author, with Lustbader credited as a collaborator.

General Use by Political and Other Figures

Politicians often employ ghostwriters for their autobiographies or political speeches. Sarah Hurwitz, for example, served as a ghostwriter for Michelle Obama's memoir "Becoming," narrating the former First Lady's life journey.

Use by Name Brand Authors

Even established authors may seek assistance from ghostwriters. For instance, Clive Cussler collaborated with other writers, such as Jack Du Brul, to co-author novels in the "Oregon Files" series under Cussler's name.

Collaboration Methods and Creative Input

Collaboration between authors and ghostwriters can vary. Ghostwriters may receive extensive outlines or detailed notes, as seen in the case of "The Wheel of Time" series, where Robert Jordan hired Brandon Sanderson to complete the series based on Jordan's notes after his passing.

Use by Non-Writers and Authors Who No Longer Write on Their Own

Individuals who aren't writers, like celebrities or entrepreneurs, may use ghostwriting services. For example, reality TV star Snooki (Nicole Polizzi) had a ghostwriter assist her in writing "A Shore Thing," her debut novel.

Relative Contributions and Research Assistants

Ghostwriters may contribute significantly to the writing process. In the case of the "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell" series, David Michaels (a pseudonym for various writers) collaborated with Tom Clancy to create the novels, with varying levels of input from Clancy.

Use of LLM AI as Researchers and Ghostwriters

The use of advanced AI language models, such as GPT-3.5, as research assistants and ghostwriters is becoming more prevalent. Authors may use AI-generated content, properly attributed, to streamline their writing process.

Authorship Attribution for Dead Authors

When a deceased author's name appears on a book, and another writer's name is credited on the cover, it is a posthumous collaboration. For instance, "The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel)" by Ellen Raskin is attributed to Ellen Raskin, even though she did not write the book.

Historical Development of Extensive Research in Fiction Writing

Historically, authors like Charles Dickens and Mark Twain often drew from their life experiences and observations. In contrast, contemporary writers like Dan Brown meticulously research topics, as seen in "The Da Vinci Code," which involved extensive historical and religious research.

In conclusion, ghostwriting is a versatile practice that exists in various industries and involves collaboration between writers and authors. The examples provided shed light on the diverse applications and historical development of ghostwriting, allowing individuals to share their stories and ideas effectively.

1. "Caveat lector" is a Latin phrase that translates to "let the reader beware" in English. It serves as a warning or cautionary statement to readers, advising them to be cautious and critical while engaging with the content they are reading. The phrase implies that readers should approach the material with a discerning eye, being aware that not everything they encounter may be accurate, truthful, or reliable. It encourages readers to exercise their judgment and consider the credibility of the source before accepting information as fact.