Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing Ghostwriters, book deals, and AI: What you didn’t know about publishing, with Dan Gerstein
Apr 24, 2025
Dan Gerstein, founder of Gotham Ghostwriters, has spent over 30 years in writing and communications. He reveals the intricacies of ghostwriting, explaining how it works beyond celebrity authors to include everyday individuals. Lists of negotiation strategies for royalties and rights highlight the complexities of contracts. Gerstein discusses the evolving role of ghostwriters in a world increasingly influenced by AI, emphasizing that human storytelling remains irreplaceable for emotional depth. He also touches on the blurred lines of authorship in celebrity collaborations.
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Unique Skills for Fiction Ghostwriting
- Fiction ghostwriting is distinct from nonfiction and requires specialized narrative and character-building skills.
- Many fiction clients need help constructing the story beyond just refining an existing vision.
Who Hires Fiction Ghostwriters?
- Not only celebrities but also dreamers and bucket-list writers hire ghostwriters for novels.
- Dreamers want marketable stories and adaptations; bucket-list authors seek legacy fulfillment.
Ghostwriter Royalties and Rights
- Ghostwriters often negotiate royalties and derivative rights, especially with bestselling or celebrity projects.
- Some ghostwriters trade lower upfront fees for backend shares in sales and film rights.