Ghostwriting Isn’t Cheating—It’s Smart Collaboration
It feels silly to even have to say this, but it seems I do: ghostwriting isn’t cheating. It’s not dishonest. It’s not corner-cutting. And it’s definitely not reserved for people who “can’t write.”
Some of the best-known authors in the world use ghostwriters. James Patterson, one of the most prolific bestselling novelists alive (yes, that James Patterson), openly works with collaborators and co-authors to bring his massive library of ideas to life. And guess what? He’s still James Patterson. His vision, voice, and name drive the brand. The collaborators just help him scale.
Ghostwriting Is for Thinkers Who Don’t Have Time to Type
Today’s professionals aren’t lacking ideas—they’re drowning in them. Founders, physicians, academics, executives, and creatives have spent decades sharpening their expertise.
But when it comes to turning those ideas into books, speeches, or articles? They’re short on time. Or energy. Or the mental bandwidth to structure and polish a 50,000-word manuscript between Zoom calls and quarterly reports.
Hiring a ghostwriter doesn’t mean you can’t write. It means you’re smart enough to delegate the writing so you can focus on the thinking.
Great Writers Hire Great Creatives
Nobody bats an eye when a CEO hires a brand strategist or a designer. Nobody complains when a musician uses a producer or co-writer to shape a hit song. But when someone hires a ghostwriter? Suddenly it’s “cheating?"
Let’s drop the double standard.
Ghostwriters are creative partners, not imposters. We listen, we shape, we sharpen. We don’t replace the author’s voice—we amplify it. Just like a great editor helps shape a book, a great ghostwriter helps bring it into being in the first place.
Don't Devalue Ghostwriters' Work
Ghostwriting isn’t about faking it. It’s about collaborating with intention—turning ideas into assets, thoughts into thought leadership, and expertise into lasting impact.
If you’ve ever said, “I’ve got a book in me, but no time to write it,” then ghostwriting might be the most honest, and strategic, next step you can take.
Want to learn more about how ghostwriting works—or how to become one? Join us at the Ghostwriting Retreat in New Orleans or explore our courses at Ghostwriting Life.
