Is Ghostwriting Legal
Those who know about the concept of Ghostwriting must have a question: Is Ghostwriting Legal?’ Well, if you also have the same questions about Ghostwriting, then we recommend reading this blog. Because till the end of the blog, you will get answers to all your questions.
In the field of blogging and writing, Ghostwriting is a popular term used multiple times. However, many are unaware of this concept or the term, even when performing ghostwriting for others. You may also be working as a ghostwriter without knowing what it is.
So, we came up with this blog where we have discussed various aspects of Ghostwriting. We have talked about its ethicality, using ghostwriters, and its pros and cons. But what we have put more effort into is finding ‘Is Ghostwriting Legal or Illegal in India’. Thus, if you are interested in this topic and want to know more about it, then keep reading this blog.
Understanding the Concept of Ghostwriting
What we read online or offline in the form of articles, blogs, news, books, on websites, and others is by a particular writer or author. Many of them can be written originally by the mentioned writers or authors, but sometimes, there are also cases where the mentioned name has not practically written such content. That is called ghostwriting.
When a writer is working as a ghostwriter, he or she gets under a contract to write any content for the owner. The contract binds the writer to complete the content and not disclose his or her name or any type of presence anywhere. Such a ghostwriter can not mention that he or she has written such content or contributed in any how. So, in short, a ghostwriter’s role is to write a book or other content for someone, but does not disclose their presence.
Is Hiring a Ghostwriter Legal?
To understand the legality of hiring a ghostwriter, let’s take a simple example. As we know that no one alone can build a company or a house, unless they take help from others. This requires considering others’ views and using the skills possessed by others. Not everyone is able to do all activities or work alone.
Similarly, writing a book or content can also be done with taking help of a writer. Where a person holds sufficient knowledge or content to convey, but requires a writer to write it in a practical way for a book. In that case, such a person hires a writer and pays for writing the content. The name of the content owner remains with the person, while the writer gets paid for their work. Through this, we got an answer of yes to the question ‘Is Ghostwriting Legal’.
Function of a Ghostwriter
The major function of a ghostwriter is to write down stories and other content for the owner. And it is completely ethical when the work of a ghostwriter revolves around scribing and polishing the ideas of the author to convert them into a finished book or article. Some people show concern regarding this, about how it is ethical to write about someone’s name as the owner of the content, who has not done any major work on the content. But this is how most of the ghostwriters work in the market: they help the author to convey their thoughts and ideas in a readable manner for the readers.
Ghostwriting: Honest or Dishonest?
As a ghostwriter, the work is all about pulling the information from the owner of the content. Understanding what they are trying to convey about any information, story, or wisdom. And then converting such information into a readable manner. This is the work a ghostwriter mostly does; they are better at conveying the context than the original owner.
While the thoughts and ideas remain the same of the original author, a ghostwriter gets paid in return for the skill of conveying a concept to a large audience through a book or article. This is like a win-win situation where the author gets the service of ghostwriting, he was looking for, and the ghostwriter gets paid for his or her skills.
Ownership of Book
A very common question asked by authors and owners of the content, can a ghostwriter can steal a book, or with whom does the ownership of the book remain. Now we know that a ghostwriter is only to help in the business. He is there to get paid for his writing skills and that’s all he wants as well. So, no doubt the ownership of the books remains with the original author.
It is about trust between the author and the ghostwriter that in future there is no claim on the book is seen from the side of the writer. To resolve this issue, a contact can be made between the writer and the author so that no further conflicts arise between them.
Credit for Ghostwriting
Earlier, authors used to put the name of the ghostwriter on the cover page or back page of the book to give credit. Sooner, the name shifted to inside the book before the acknowledgement. But later, the author stopped mentioning the name of the ghost writer in the book. This brings the question, ‘Is Ghostwriting Legal?’
Today, only a few authors give credit to the ghostwriter. And this practice is also accepted by the writers as well. They are happy to get paid for their work, and beyond that, they need no further recognition.
Challenges of Hiring a Ghostwriter
There are many challenges to hiring a ghostwriter, and the most common one is the cost. A premium ghostwriter comes at a cost, so you need a sufficient budget to take the services from a ghostwriter. The next challenge is that sometimes you may also need to work on your project, as such a writer may lack ideas or thoughts. And the last one is the claim of ownership. If you are not in a contract, then sooner, you may face claims from the writer.
Also, check – What is Goodreads and Why It Matters to Authors
Conclusion
This was our detailed guide to the question ‘Is Ghostwriting Legal?’
We hope you have got your answer, and now you will be looking for further blogs. If yes, then checkout our website for blogs covered on related topic. Also, make sure to share your views with us, in the comment section.
