Ghostwriting Through the Ages: A 1,000-Year Journey into Its History
The article traces the evolution of ghostwriting and memoirs, emphasizing the importance of trust and authenticity in these collaborations. It also highlights how technology and accessibility are reshaping the genre, amplifying diverse voices and raising new ethical considerations.
Memoir as a genre is expansive, continually pushing the boundaries of personal narrative. To fully appreciate the modern memoir and its place in contemporary literature, it is essential to understand its origins and how it has transformed over time. This article, the first in a series investigating the memoir genre, will explore the history of ghostwriting, how it informs the work of modern-day ghostwriters and how we expect the field of ghostwriting to change in the future.
With the increasing popularity of celebrity memoirs, ghostwriting has naturally gained more attention. Readers often wonder whether their favourite celebrities actually sat down to write their life stories or if they employed someone else to transform their experiences into an engaging narrative. Regardless of one's personal stance on the ethics of ghostwriting, it has become an increasingly prominent practice in various forms of written media.
The practice of ghostwriting dates back to the Song Dynasty in China (960-1279 AD). Historians have detailed the role of scribes within the imperial court, known as the daibi, who were predominantly women. Unlike modern ghostwriters, the daibi focused on transcribing court events and meetings as well as composing texts about the emperor. These scribes were given unprecedented access to the inner workings of the court and empire. Calligraphers were even expected to mimic the emperor's handwriting as closely as possible, setting a precedent for the modern ghostwriter's task of capturing an author's voice.
Although the work of the daibi differs from modern memoir ghostwriting in many ways, it laid the groundwork for the dynamic between ghostwriters and their subjects today. At the core of this relationship is trust. Ghostwriting demands almost exclusive access to a subject's life, experiences, and secrets. Whether documenting the lives of ancient Chinese emperors or contemporary figures like Prince Harry, ghostwriters are expected to handle sensitive information with discretion and care.
The importance of trust in the ghostwriting process cannot be overstated. Without it, the relationship between the subject and the writer falls apart. Just as emperors couldn't divulge state secrets to untrustworthy scribes, modern public figures must feel confident in their ghostwriters' ability to maintain confidentiality and accurately represent their stories.
While the foundation of trust remains crucial, the nature of the relationship between ghostwriters and their subjects has evolved significantly since the days of the daibi. Modern ghostwriting collaborations often involve a more personal connection between the writer and the subject. For example, tennis star Andre Agassi chose to collaborate with J.R. Moehringer on his memoir after reading Moehringer's own memoir, "The Tender Bar." Moehringer, in turn, only agreed to work on Agassi's book after connecting with him and his story on a personal level.
This mutual understanding and connection paints a different picture from the accounts of the Song Dynasty. Today, the trust in ghostwriting is a two-way street. The deeply personal nature of memoirs requires not only that the subject trusts the writer with their story but also that the writer feels a genuine connection to the subject and their experiences.
One aspect of ghostwriting that has remained constant throughout history is the importance of capturing the subject's voice.
Just as the emperor's calligraphers were expected to mimic his style, modern ghostwriters must be able to write in a way that authentically represents their subject's manner of speaking and thinking.
This skill is crucial because readers are primarily interested in gaining insight into the memoirist’s life, experiences, and beliefs. When reading a memoir, readers expect to hear the subject's voice, not the ghostwriter's. The ability to capture and convey this voice separates skilled ghostwriters from mere transcribers or editors.
The process of capturing a subject's voice involves extensive interviews, research, and immersion in the subject's world. Ghostwriters often spend considerable time with their subjects, observing their mannerisms, speech patterns, and thought processes. This intimate knowledge allows them to create a narrative that feels authentic and true to the subject's personality.
Another parallel between ancient and modern ghostwriting practices is that it has largely remained a luxury reserved for the rich and powerful. It is generally accepted that CEOs and celebrities may not have the literary talents of professional authors and may need assistance in refining their work to tell their stories effectively. However, this service remains largely inaccessible to those without significant financial resources or public profiles.
This exclusivity raises questions about the ethics of ghostwriting and who gets to tell their stories. While there is a general acceptance of the practice for public figures who may not have the time or skill to write a book themselves, the inaccessibility of professional ghostwriting services to the general public remains a point of contention.
The debate surrounding ghostwriting extends beyond issues of accessibility. Some argue that the practice is inherently deceptive, as it presents a work as authored by someone who may have had minimal involvement in the actual writing process. Others contend that ghostwriting is a legitimate form of collaboration, similar to the relationship between a sculptor and their subject.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards acknowledging ghostwriters more openly. Some books now credit the ghostwriter as a co-author or mention their contribution in the acknowledgements. This shift towards transparency may help address some of the ethical concerns surrounding the practice.
The confessional aspect of memoirs is often seen as what makes the writing process so cathartic and healing. The genre is deeply rooted in self-expression and is one of the few forms of literature that allow authors to speak directly to their readers. Memoirs that focus on personal struggles and narratives that readers can relate to tend to be the most commercially successful, evidenced by the enduring popularity of works like Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" in the 1990s and Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which dominated bestseller lists for decades.
Despite the potential for first-time authors to write bestselling memoirs, publishers remain hesitant to accept memoirs from unknown writers. This reluctance creates a barrier for individuals with compelling stories who lack established platforms or the means to hire ghostwriters. As a result, many important narratives may go untold and unheard.
Understanding the history of the daibi is essential to comprehending the importance of ghostwriters and their relationships with authors. However, it also highlights areas where the practice can evolve further. Starting with the daibi working for emperors, ghostwriting is increasingly seen as a collaboration rather than a service provided by an invisible hand.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards acknowledging ghostwriters more openly, with some sharing the title of author with the subject of the memoirs. This shift represents a more transparent approach to the creation of memoirs and acknowledges the significant contribution of the ghostwriter to the final product.
While ghostwriting has traditionally been a service available only to the elite, there is a growing recognition of the need to make this service more accessible to those with important stories to tell but without the means to do so. Figures like Malala Yousafzai and Roxane Gay are paving the way for this change by using their platforms to amplify the voices of others.
Malala Yousafzai's "We Are Displaced" demonstrates the power of memoirs to give a voice to oppressed people who are suffering and do not have the means to tell their stories. This approach aligns with the historical use of memoirs to amplify the voices of the marginalised and share narratives that might otherwise go unheard.
As we look to the future of ghostwriting and memoirs, several trends and possibilities emerge that could reshape the landscape of personal narrative. The increasing popularity of digital publishing platforms and self-publishing tools has made it easier for individuals to share their stories without the need for traditional publishing houses, lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring memoirists. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence may see the emergence of AI tools that can assist in the writing process. While these tools are unlikely to replace human ghostwriters entirely, they could make the process more accessible and affordable for a wider range of people. What’s more, the rise of ghostwriting companies has greatly democratised the process of life writing. With access to large pools of freelance writers, companies such as StoryTerrace can pair customers of modest means with a writer specially suited to tell their story, making them instrumental in the further democratisation of memoir as a genre.
As technology continues to advance, it's reshaping the landscape of memoir writing and ghostwriting in a myriad of ways. Digital platforms allow for the integration of multimedia elements such as photos, videos, and audio recordings, creating more immersive and interactive memoir experiences. Meanwhile, platforms like Instagram and Twitter have given rise to micro-memoirs, where individuals share their life stories in real-time through posts and stories. This has blurred the lines between traditional memoirs and everyday social media use.
Alongside these exciting advancements come ethical considerations which are important to consider as the genre expands. For instance, there is an ongoing debate about how much involvement a ghostwriter should have and how this involvement should be acknowledged. While some argue for full disclosure, with ghostwriters being credited as co-authors, others believe that maintaining the illusion of sole authorship is important for the reader's experience. What’s more, ghostwriters must navigate the delicate balance between capturing the subject’s voice and experiences accurately while also crafting a compelling narrative. This raises questions about how much creative license is acceptable and how to ensure the final product remains true to the subject’s experiences and perspective when writing their life story. Concerning the voice, there’s also a growing need for cultural sensitivity as ghostwriters increasingly work on memoirs that cross cultural boundaries. Ghostwriters must be aware of their own biases and work to accurately represent experiences and perspectives that may be different from their own.
As ghostwriting becomes more accessible and diverse voices are amplified through memoirs, these personal narratives have the potential to play an increasingly important role in social change. Memoirs can bring attention to social issues and injustices by personalising them through individual stories. This can be particularly powerful when the memoirist comes from a marginalised or underrepresented group. By sharing nuanced, personal experiences, memoirs can break down stereotypes and promote understanding across different communities and cultures. Powerful memoirs can motivate readers to take action on social issues through political engagement, charitable giving, or personal behaviour changes. By allowing readers to step into the shoes of others, memoirs can foster empathy and understanding and lead to more compassionate societies.
The evolution of memoir writing and ghostwriting from the days of the daibi to the present day reflects broader changes in society, technology, and our understanding of personal narrative. As we move forward, the democratisation of memoir writing through new technologies and collaborative approaches holds the promise of amplifying a diverse range of voices and experiences.
However, this evolution also brings new challenges. Ensuring ethical practices, maintaining authenticity, and navigating the complex interplay between personal narrative and public consumption will be ongoing concerns for ghostwriters, memoirists, and publishers alike.
Ultimately, the power of memoirs lies in their ability to connect us through shared human experiences, to challenge our perspectives and give a voice to stories that might otherwise go untold. As ghostwriting continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in expanding the reach and impact of these important narratives.
The future of memoir and ghostwriting will be characterised by greater accessibility, increased diversity of voices, and innovative approaches to storytelling. By embracing these changes while remaining true to the core principles of trust, authenticity, and powerful narrative, the memoir genre can continue to evolve and maintain its significant place in literature and society.
Memoir as a genre is expansive, continually pushing the boundaries of personal narrative. To fully appreciate the modern memoir and its place in contemporary literature, it is essential to understand its origins and how it has transformed over time. This article, the first in a series investigating the memoir genre, will explore the history of ghostwriting, how it informs the work of modern-day ghostwriters and how we expect the field of ghostwriting to change in the future.
With the increasing popularity of celebrity memoirs, ghostwriting has naturally gained more attention. Readers often wonder whether their favourite celebrities actually sat down to write their life stories or if they employed someone else to transform their experiences into an engaging narrative. Regardless of one's personal stance on the ethics of ghostwriting, it has become an increasingly prominent practice in various forms of written media.
The practice of ghostwriting dates back to the Song Dynasty in China (960-1279 AD). Historians have detailed the role of scribes within the imperial court, known as the daibi, who were predominantly women. Unlike modern ghostwriters, the daibi focused on transcribing court events and meetings as well as composing texts about the emperor. These scribes were given unprecedented access to the inner workings of the court and empire. Calligraphers were even expected to mimic the emperor's handwriting as closely as possible, setting a precedent for the modern ghostwriter's task of capturing an author's voice.
Although the work of the daibi differs from modern memoir ghostwriting in many ways, it laid the groundwork for the dynamic between ghostwriters and their subjects today. At the core of this relationship is trust. Ghostwriting demands almost exclusive access to a subject's life, experiences, and secrets. Whether documenting the lives of ancient Chinese emperors or contemporary figures like Prince Harry, ghostwriters are expected to handle sensitive information with discretion and care.
The importance of trust in the ghostwriting process cannot be overstated. Without it, the relationship between the subject and the writer falls apart. Just as emperors couldn't divulge state secrets to untrustworthy scribes, modern public figures must feel confident in their ghostwriters' ability to maintain confidentiality and accurately represent their stories.
While the foundation of trust remains crucial, the nature of the relationship between ghostwriters and their subjects has evolved significantly since the days of the daibi. Modern ghostwriting collaborations often involve a more personal connection between the writer and the subject. For example, tennis star Andre Agassi chose to collaborate with J.R. Moehringer on his memoir after reading Moehringer's own memoir, "The Tender Bar." Moehringer, in turn, only agreed to work on Agassi's book after connecting with him and his story on a personal level.
This mutual understanding and connection paints a different picture from the accounts of the Song Dynasty. Today, the trust in ghostwriting is a two-way street. The deeply personal nature of memoirs requires not only that the subject trusts the writer with their story but also that the writer feels a genuine connection to the subject and their experiences.
One aspect of ghostwriting that has remained constant throughout history is the importance of capturing the subject's voice.
Just as the emperor's calligraphers were expected to mimic his style, modern ghostwriters must be able to write in a way that authentically represents their subject's manner of speaking and thinking.
This skill is crucial because readers are primarily interested in gaining insight into the memoirist’s life, experiences, and beliefs. When reading a memoir, readers expect to hear the subject's voice, not the ghostwriter's. The ability to capture and convey this voice separates skilled ghostwriters from mere transcribers or editors.
The process of capturing a subject's voice involves extensive interviews, research, and immersion in the subject's world. Ghostwriters often spend considerable time with their subjects, observing their mannerisms, speech patterns, and thought processes. This intimate knowledge allows them to create a narrative that feels authentic and true to the subject's personality.
Another parallel between ancient and modern ghostwriting practices is that it has largely remained a luxury reserved for the rich and powerful. It is generally accepted that CEOs and celebrities may not have the literary talents of professional authors and may need assistance in refining their work to tell their stories effectively. However, this service remains largely inaccessible to those without significant financial resources or public profiles.
This exclusivity raises questions about the ethics of ghostwriting and who gets to tell their stories. While there is a general acceptance of the practice for public figures who may not have the time or skill to write a book themselves, the inaccessibility of professional ghostwriting services to the general public remains a point of contention.
The debate surrounding ghostwriting extends beyond issues of accessibility. Some argue that the practice is inherently deceptive, as it presents a work as authored by someone who may have had minimal involvement in the actual writing process. Others contend that ghostwriting is a legitimate form of collaboration, similar to the relationship between a sculptor and their subject.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards acknowledging ghostwriters more openly. Some books now credit the ghostwriter as a co-author or mention their contribution in the acknowledgements. This shift towards transparency may help address some of the ethical concerns surrounding the practice.
The confessional aspect of memoirs is often seen as what makes the writing process so cathartic and healing. The genre is deeply rooted in self-expression and is one of the few forms of literature that allow authors to speak directly to their readers. Memoirs that focus on personal struggles and narratives that readers can relate to tend to be the most commercially successful, evidenced by the enduring popularity of works like Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes" in the 1990s and Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which dominated bestseller lists for decades.
Despite the potential for first-time authors to write bestselling memoirs, publishers remain hesitant to accept memoirs from unknown writers. This reluctance creates a barrier for individuals with compelling stories who lack established platforms or the means to hire ghostwriters. As a result, many important narratives may go untold and unheard.
Understanding the history of the daibi is essential to comprehending the importance of ghostwriters and their relationships with authors. However, it also highlights areas where the practice can evolve further. Starting with the daibi working for emperors, ghostwriting is increasingly seen as a collaboration rather than a service provided by an invisible hand.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards acknowledging ghostwriters more openly, with some sharing the title of author with the subject of the memoirs. This shift represents a more transparent approach to the creation of memoirs and acknowledges the significant contribution of the ghostwriter to the final product.
While ghostwriting has traditionally been a service available only to the elite, there is a growing recognition of the need to make this service more accessible to those with important stories to tell but without the means to do so. Figures like Malala Yousafzai and Roxane Gay are paving the way for this change by using their platforms to amplify the voices of others.
Malala Yousafzai's "We Are Displaced" demonstrates the power of memoirs to give a voice to oppressed people who are suffering and do not have the means to tell their stories. This approach aligns with the historical use of memoirs to amplify the voices of the marginalised and share narratives that might otherwise go unheard.
As we look to the future of ghostwriting and memoirs, several trends and possibilities emerge that could reshape the landscape of personal narrative. The increasing popularity of digital publishing platforms and self-publishing tools has made it easier for individuals to share their stories without the need for traditional publishing houses, lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring memoirists. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence may see the emergence of AI tools that can assist in the writing process. While these tools are unlikely to replace human ghostwriters entirely, they could make the process more accessible and affordable for a wider range of people. What’s more, the rise of ghostwriting companies has greatly democratised the process of life writing. With access to large pools of freelance writers, companies such as StoryTerrace can pair customers of modest means with a writer specially suited to tell their story, making them instrumental in the further democratisation of memoir as a genre.
As technology continues to advance, it's reshaping the landscape of memoir writing and ghostwriting in a myriad of ways. Digital platforms allow for the integration of multimedia elements such as photos, videos, and audio recordings, creating more immersive and interactive memoir experiences. Meanwhile, platforms like Instagram and Twitter have given rise to micro-memoirs, where individuals share their life stories in real-time through posts and stories. This has blurred the lines between traditional memoirs and everyday social media use.
Alongside these exciting advancements come ethical considerations which are important to consider as the genre expands. For instance, there is an ongoing debate about how much involvement a ghostwriter should have and how this involvement should be acknowledged. While some argue for full disclosure, with ghostwriters being credited as co-authors, others believe that maintaining the illusion of sole authorship is important for the reader's experience. What’s more, ghostwriters must navigate the delicate balance between capturing the subject’s voice and experiences accurately while also crafting a compelling narrative. This raises questions about how much creative license is acceptable and how to ensure the final product remains true to the subject’s experiences and perspective when writing their life story. Concerning the voice, there’s also a growing need for cultural sensitivity as ghostwriters increasingly work on memoirs that cross cultural boundaries. Ghostwriters must be aware of their own biases and work to accurately represent experiences and perspectives that may be different from their own.
As ghostwriting becomes more accessible and diverse voices are amplified through memoirs, these personal narratives have the potential to play an increasingly important role in social change. Memoirs can bring attention to social issues and injustices by personalising them through individual stories. This can be particularly powerful when the memoirist comes from a marginalised or underrepresented group. By sharing nuanced, personal experiences, memoirs can break down stereotypes and promote understanding across different communities and cultures. Powerful memoirs can motivate readers to take action on social issues through political engagement, charitable giving, or personal behaviour changes. By allowing readers to step into the shoes of others, memoirs can foster empathy and understanding and lead to more compassionate societies.
The evolution of memoir writing and ghostwriting from the days of the daibi to the present day reflects broader changes in society, technology, and our understanding of personal narrative. As we move forward, the democratisation of memoir writing through new technologies and collaborative approaches holds the promise of amplifying a diverse range of voices and experiences.
However, this evolution also brings new challenges. Ensuring ethical practices, maintaining authenticity, and navigating the complex interplay between personal narrative and public consumption will be ongoing concerns for ghostwriters, memoirists, and publishers alike.
Ultimately, the power of memoirs lies in their ability to connect us through shared human experiences, to challenge our perspectives and give a voice to stories that might otherwise go untold. As ghostwriting continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in expanding the reach and impact of these important narratives.
The future of memoir and ghostwriting will be characterised by greater accessibility, increased diversity of voices, and innovative approaches to storytelling. By embracing these changes while remaining true to the core principles of trust, authenticity, and powerful narrative, the memoir genre can continue to evolve and maintain its significant place in literature and society.
