Beware of Ghostwriting Companies

I have been concerned with ghostwriting scams for many years and have tried to address the problem in articles written for online watchdog sites (e.g. Preditors and Editors).  I also maintain a "Ghostwriting Scam" page on my professional website at William Hammett: Independent Ghostwriter  Regrettably, most people are drawn to ghostwriting companies because the corporate status would seem to offer success and professionalism, especially in light of the exaggerated claims made on most of these websites.

I cannot make the hasty generalization that all ghostwriting companies are bad, although I can say that I have talked with writers used by some of these companies and am well aware of the unethical practices they use.  I am also aware that many, if not a majority, of writers used by these companies are people trying to moonlight or break into writing.  They have little or no experience in producing a quality full-length manuscript--or any manuscript at all.

Many ghostwriting companies subcontract work out to one or more writers who live around the country.  There is usually no stable of allegedly bestselling authors sitting in a large New York City office waiting for assignments.  (There are a few notable exceptions, and these firms can be identified by their obvious transparency and professional demeanor.)  I've been to New York and know for a certainty that the "staff" is usually a secretary or "screener" who relays calls to people who refer potential clients to writers around the country.  A "closer" usually seals the deal, although this person is rarely the writer who will handle the project.

I have also been allowed to listen to calls made to these companies, and potential clients are given a sales pitch.  They are encouraged regardless of how flimsy and unmarketable their projects may be.  They are also told that the publishing industry wants short books of no more than 200-250 pages (an outright lie).  Furthermore, potential clients are usually told that the more they pay, the better writer they will receive, and this alone shows how little these companies care about a client's project.

I'll have a lot more to say about ghostwriting scams in future posts.  Until then, caveat emptor.  Let the buyer beware.

~William Hammett

Contact wmhammett@aol.com

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