Comments on: So You Want My Job: Ghostwriter

By: Finding Your Perfect Introvert Job (Trust Me, It’s Out There) | Prince Awakened

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:49:10 +0000

[...] Writer, Dean Zatkowsky, was interviewed on Art of Manliness. In the interview he answers the question: Why did you want to become a [...]

By: 1916home.net

1916home.net — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:53:12 +0000

A great read, thanks. I have a day job, which has nothing to do with writing, but I like to write. Ive been nursing a novel about ghosts (not ghost writing) for a few years now, working on it when I have some free time. I am about 200 pages into it and maybe halfway done.

Ths post gave me some encouragement to continue on!

By: Dean Zatkowsky

Dean Zatkowsky — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:01:37 +0000

Pete: In my interview, copywriting refers to unattributed brochure, manual, packaging or advertising text. Ghostwriting is the creation of material that will bear someone else’s name, such as a blog, newsletter, or book by someone who may be an expert in his or her field, but lacks the time, skill, incentive or temperament to write one’s own material.

By: Pete

Pete — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:57:36 +0000

I’m an amatuer . . . help me with some definitions.

What is the difference between writing copy and ghostwriting?

I think I understand technical writing, as least that I think it has to do with writing manuals or instructions. Am I on track?

Thanks for an interesting interview.

By: Dean Zatkowsky

Dean Zatkowsky — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:55:42 +0000

I disagree that it’s not worth it. To understand how other people think is important exercise, especially when they think very differently than you do. And when their thinking is dangerous, I believe it’s wise to vet it out in the open.

By: notworthit

notworthit — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 07:33:33 +0000

“The worst part is when I have to write well about something despicable. I kid you not: I’ve been asked to deliver sixteen hundred words on “How to Profit from Food Shortages.” After you’ve done a good job on an article like that, it helps to know a bartender with a liberal wrist.”

I was totally into your interview until I read that.

Some things are more important than money and a fancy hat.

By: Anthony

Anthony — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:15:49 +0000

As a writer myself (with copy experience, but no ghosting), there is much in this interview that rings true, but I also can’t help but pause at some of what is written here. I don’t mean to be judgmental, but a couple of lines in particular stand out to me:

“I’m an accidental ghostwriter. It began in college, when I helped other students edit their term papers. Sometimes the “edit” turned into a complete rewrite.”

For a couple of years, I worked as a tutor as well as a freelance writer. There were students (and parents!) who tried to pressure me to write their (or their son’s/daughter’s) essays for them. The students ranged from grade-schoolers to grad students, but I was always able to make the case that the money they were paying me would be better spent as an “investment” in their future abilities if they would allow me to instead spend a little time with them, teaching them to revise their writing themselves. The difference in the quality of their work (and self-esteem) was often nothing less than astounding.

Another example: “The worst part is when I have to write well about something despicable. I kid you not: I’ve been asked to deliver sixteen hundred words on “How to Profit from Food Shortages.” After you’ve done a good job on an article like that, it helps to know a bartender with a liberal wrist.”

As writers, we must do a better job of standing up for our principles than this. I know that’s easier said than done when there’s no food on the table (and my time as a purely-freelance writer was a dark one, indeed) but our profession truly is mightier than the sword, and if we’re good at what we do, irresponsibility can become a quite dangerous thing.

If one does find themselves taking on an awful gig like that, though, some words of advice: have them pay up front, and in cash. I wouldn’t for a second trust the sort of client that has these ideas in mind. Sick puppies!

By: Loris

Loris — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:34:12 +0000

Tech Writer here too. This sounds way more interesting than what I do.

By: Scott D. Parker

Scott D. Parker — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:41:36 +0000

Fantastic article and interview. As a tech writer, being a ghostwriter and writing things other than manuals is quite appealing. I may have look into ways I can freelance some ghostwriting jobs. Might be worth my while.

By: Joshua Keirn

Joshua Keirn — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:40:02 +0000

Sounds like a great career! I’m always interested in writing and people who have made a go of it. Quite an achievement to grow one’s talents to such a level!

For those of us who are interested in ghostwriting, is there a suggested path? What are the standard paths other ghostwriters take?

I think ghostwriting could suit my personality/skills very well, but I don’t really have any idea where to start!