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Ghostwriters?
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Lauren wrote: "Hi guys :)
So I'm crafting up a post for my blog A Blonde Librarian about ghostwriters and I just wanted a few opinions.
I recently read a book (Girl Online by Zoe Sugg et al), which although ..."
And can you believe that book just broke J.K. Rowling's sale records?
I know there are a lot of authors who use ghostwriters. I've found so many Twitter accounts for ghostwriters, but they don't disclose who or what they've written. It kind of ticks me off. I want to know just who I'm reading.
So I'm crafting up a post for my blog A Blonde Librarian about ghostwriters and I just wanted a few opinions.
I recently read a book (Girl Online by Zoe Sugg et al), which although ..."
And can you believe that book just broke J.K. Rowling's sale records?
I know there are a lot of authors who use ghostwriters. I've found so many Twitter accounts for ghostwriters, but they don't disclose who or what they've written. It kind of ticks me off. I want to know just who I'm reading.

On the one hand, sometimes, even if you can come up with an amazing story idea you might not have the skill to really craft it into a decent book. In that case having a ghostwriter to help and crediting them somewhere in the book bothers me less.
When you have books by celebrities, written by ghostwriters, who are never credited, I find that leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That's when you realise how hard it is for writers, and how much a name, rather than talent is what sells the book.
Just my thoughts. I know I could never be a ghostwriter because I couldn't let someone else put their name on my work. Writing is just too personal for me.
Nicola wrote: "I think it's the ghostwriting thing is a tricky one.
On the one hand, sometimes, even if you can come up with an amazing story idea you might not have the skill to really craft it into a decent bo..."
I refuse to read the book by the Jenner sisters because I know they used a ghostwriter. One of them even admitted to being a terrible reader, so it's just one of those things that makes me shake my head.
On the one hand, sometimes, even if you can come up with an amazing story idea you might not have the skill to really craft it into a decent bo..."
I refuse to read the book by the Jenner sisters because I know they used a ghostwriter. One of them even admitted to being a terrible reader, so it's just one of those things that makes me shake my head.


On the one hand, sometimes, even if you can come up with an amazing story idea you might not have the skill to really craft it into a decent bo..."
Exactly, I feel the same. I could never write something and sign it away to someone else, but each to their own.
And yes I agree about having someone to help you get your ideas down on paper, there is no harm in it, but like you said it all boils down to how much of the work you actually did on a book with your name on, and how much credit you give to those who helped.

On the one hand, sometimes, even if you can come up with an amazing story idea you might not have the skill to really craft it i..."
exactly

Lauren wrote: "And it has now officially come to light that Zoe didn't write the book on her own...which was suspected anyway"
That's sad. I didn't know she had a ghostwriter until you mentioned it. I almost bought the book, but now I won't. In my opinion, she should be stripped of the sales record.
That's sad. I didn't know she had a ghostwriter until you mentioned it. I almost bought the book, but now I won't. In my opinion, she should be stripped of the sales record.

That's sad. I didn't know she had a ghostwriter until you mentioned i..."
I actually really did enjoy the book, and I do honestly recommend it to fans of Stephanie Perkins etc. It was a lovely read and I liked it. I wouldn't be put off reading it by this, but yes I think she should've been upfront from the start, especially considering the majority of her audience is young impressionable girls

For me what the ghost writing thing really highlights is that the problem is the publishers not the writers.
I have nothing but respect for Zoe Sugg and good on her for being successful at what she does, but it concerns me that publishers are just so desperate to have the next big thing that they are losing integrity.
Penguin made a statement about how it's their role in the industry to find talent and help them connect with readers - but the problem is that it isn't Zoe Sugg's talent - but someone else. They should be finding talented writers and helping them, not finding big names and slapping them on the cover of a book just to make sales.
You can read my full post on my blog here http://rockthebook.blogspot.com/
Anyway, just my little rant ;)

For me what the ghost writing thing really highlights is that the problem is the publishers n..."
That's a great post Nicola. I've commented over on your blog rather than here, and apologies for the rather mahoosive comment haha
I thought people using ghostwriters didn't really bother me, not really having known much about the subject before, but then I found out about that book you guys mentioned, Girl Online by Zoe Sugg. I've seen a few booktubers whose opinions I respect saying that they thought it was really great that she'd written a book and that they were really excited to read it. Then I saw a comment saying that she'd used a ghostwriter and it was just... not cool.
I think taking credit for a book somebody else wrote is a really childish and selfish thing to do. Nicola made a good point above (message 3) about having the idea for a book but not being able to write it but still ... I do not like the idea of using a ghostwriter. :)
I think taking credit for a book somebody else wrote is a really childish and selfish thing to do. Nicola made a good point above (message 3) about having the idea for a book but not being able to write it but still ... I do not like the idea of using a ghostwriter. :)

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1000142...
Lauren wrote: "Hi guys :)
So I'm crafting up a post for my blog A Blonde Librarian about ghostwriters and I just wanted a few opinions.
I recently read a book (Girl Online by Zoe Sugg et al), which although ..."
So I'm crafting up a post for my blog A Blonde Librarian about ghostwriters and I just wanted a few opinions.
I recently read a book (Girl Online by Zoe Sugg et al), which although it has never been officially stated - was obviously not all Zoe's work...and it left me in a pickle.
I wanted to review the book on my blog...but who do you praise? Although the ideas may be Zoe's...the process of turning ideas from your head into a readable, coherent book is a tricky one that not everyone can do. Whilst I did thoroughly enjoy the book actually....I decided not to review it as the subject of ghostwriters leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
I was just wondering what your thoughts are. Do you agree with people using ghostwriters, and not disclosing it? Where their name appears on the cover...and not the person who actually wrote the words inside?
Do you think that it should be a law that ghostwriters are disclosed and given proper credit for their work? Or do you not really care?
Do you think it's okay for 'authors' to credit a book as their own, when they didn't write it?
Do you lose respect for people who use ghostriters? Do you feel betrayed/duped?
I'm just curious for other people's opinions on the subject??
Thanks
Lauren