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Should I hire a Ghostwriter or Book Writer for my book?

So, you have decided to write a book.

Congratulations – it’s a monumental step in your personal and professional journey.

Now you face another significant decision. 

Should I hire a ghostwriter or book writer for my book? 

Bringing a talented writer on board is a brilliant idea to share your story with the world, and both options are great. However, there are a few differences. 

In this article, we look at what you get with a ghostwriter vs. a book writer.


What’s the Difference Between A Ghostwriter And A Book Writer?


You can hire a ghostwriter or a co-author to work on your book. Both these individuals do the same thing. The only difference is that the ghostwriter’s identity is kept confidential. 

The co-author, on the other hand, receives recognition as a main contributor to the work.

Ahead, we explore what each writer brings to the table and the fundamental differences between their work structures.


Ownership, Recognition, and Royalties.

A ghostwriter doesn’t get credit for writing your book. They remain anonymous, and you get full ownership of the book as the sole author. 

They also don’t share the royalties. In fact, all you have to do is pay the writer a set fee. Once your book goes on sale, you keep the money and royalties as the sole owner. 

Meanwhile, a co-author gets to enjoy the attention of the masses with you. The book cover has both of your names on it, and the royalties are shared between both of you. 

“So who do I choose?” 

Ultimately, it depends on you and your motivation for writing a book. 

If you are an aspiring author, you need the attention of the main character. I mean, you want to write and publish a book because you want to be known as a writer, right? 

The best course of action in this scenario is to hire a ghostwriter. They will do the work on your behalf and let you shine alone. 

But if you are a public figure, you shouldn’t be afraid of sharing the spotlight with someone else. Celebrities lack time but still wish to be involved in the creative process. Thus, hiring a book writer is a better option.

One such example is Elon Musk. His book Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future” wasn’t written by him. The author, Ashlee Vance, worked closely with Musk to document his life story and then wrote the book. 


Quality of the Book.

Anyone puts their best foot forward when their name is on the line.

When a writer’s aware that folks will check out their stuff and size it up, they’ll make serious efforts to turn it into their top-notch creation.

But the same thing can’t be said when their name is kept anonymous. Now, I am not saying that all ghostwriters produce below-par work. 

In fact, the chances of this happening are very low if you hire someone after thorough research. If it’s a well-established ghostwriter or company, your experience would be delightful. 

But things can go south if you hire someone inexperienced in the hopes of low fees. They may not take work seriously since their own name isn’t on the line.

An established author, on the other hand, will do the work sincerely because they have to maintain the reputation they have built after years of hard work.


Ability to Adapt to your story.

Another difference is their adaptability and diverse skill set. Ghostwriters are comparatively more adaptive. You will find them transitioning between various writing styles pretty smoothly. 

It happens because ghostwriters take on multiple writing projects year-round. They work with diverse people, and that’s how their skill set gets enriched.

Book authors, on the other hand, specialize in one particular genre. For instance, a biography book writer usually sticks with biographies. 

Similarly, a self-help book writer won’t be keen on tackling a novel. 


The Money Factor.

Ghostwriters work for a living. They do the work, and you pay them. That’s the way things roll.

But a book writer can opt for a cost-free collaboration. It could be the case if you have a close personal connection or a strong association with the writer. They might also show interest for creative reasons.

This scenario is relatively rare, and most book writers do expect payment and royalties for their work. 

However, it’s not uncommon for some writers to take on passion projects with no upfront payment.

They usually do it when they have a compelling personal reason to be involved.


The History of Success.

Ghostwriting has a track record of success. Many well-known books that have topped bestseller lists were ghostwritten. These books cover a wide range of genres, from memoirs and self-help to fiction and business. 

The ability of ghostwriters to adapt to different styles and collaborate effectively has contributed to their consistent success.

On the other hand, co-authoring books has faced some challenges when it comes to achieving widespread success. Co-authored books, especially those with multiple authors, can struggle to find a cohesive voice.

It can be challenging to ensure a seamless blend of ideas and writing styles. Hence, it may lead to a less consistent reading experience.


So Who Do You Actually Need?

If you are a public figure, bringing an established author for collaboration should be your strategy. 

However, if you are striving to become a famous author, your strategy should be a little different. 

See, your first book will always hold a special place in your heart. It would be your introduction to the world, open many doors for you, and determine your future.

You can also write it completely on your own. Being a beginner shouldn’t deter you from writing the book. 

In fact, if you want to engage in the book-writing experience, you should go for it.

But if you’re looking to get noticed and have your book sell like hotcakes, think about teaming up with a ghostwriter.

However, writing is not the only part. There is designing, publishing, printing, etc. You also need to market it. 

An independent ghostwriter may not be able to assist you with the business aspect. And as a solopreneur, there’s only so much you can do. 

This is where ghostwriting companies come into the picture. 

A ghostwriting company can handle various aspects, like book editing, cover design, promotion, printing, publishing, and distribution, relieving you of these burdens. 

A company has a team of professionals providing these A-Z services in one place. It can be an appealing option for aspiring authors.

The Simple Solution:

If you are in search of a ghostwriting service, say no more. Our talented team of writers, editors, and marketers will handle the entire process for you. 

If you need book writers, we’ve got a bunch of them too.

Whether you need biography writing services or fiction book writing, Christian ghostwriting or just a mere review of your book, we have a solution.

From the first draft to the book launch, we got you covered. Once the work begins, our project manager will be assigned to you to answer any of your queries.

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Writers of the West team can also create an author website if you want to establish yourself as a professional. 

Check out the pricing information on our website, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Hosanna Flores

Hosanna Flores

Senior book Editor at Writers of the West with over a decade of experience in ghostwriting best selling self-help and children's book.

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