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Ghostwriter: meaning, definitions and examples

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ghostwriter

 

[ ɡoʊstˌraɪtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

writing profession

A ghostwriter is a professional writer who is hired to create written content on behalf of another person. The individual whose name appears as the author may be a public figure, such as an author or celebrity, but the ghostwriter remains anonymous. Ghostwriters can work on a variety of texts, including books, articles, speeches, and more. The primary goal of a ghostwriter is to capture the voice and style of the credited author, ensuring the final text reflects their ideas and perspective.

Synonyms

anonymous author, content creator, contract writer

Examples of usage

  • Many famous authors have used a ghostwriter for their memoirs.
  • The celebrity hired a ghostwriter to pen her autobiography.
  • Ghostwriters may also assist with blog posts or articles.
  • He worked as a ghostwriter for several best-selling novels.

Translations

Translations of the word "ghostwriter" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ghostwriter

🇮🇳 गॉस्ट राइटर

🇩🇪 Ghostwriter

🇮🇩 penulis bayangan

🇺🇦 привид-автор

🇵🇱 ghostwriter

🇯🇵 ゴーストライター

🇫🇷 nègre littéraire

🇪🇸 escritor fantasma

🇹🇷 hayalet yazar

🇰🇷 고스트라이터

🇸🇦 كاتب الأشباح

🇨🇿 ghostwriter

🇸🇰 ghostwriter

🇨🇳 代笔人

🇸🇮 duhovni pisatelj

🇮🇸 geistaskáld

🇰🇿 елес жазушы

🇬🇪 ფსიქოლოგიური მწერალი

🇦🇿 ghostwriter

🇲🇽 escritor fantasma

Etymology

The term 'ghostwriter' originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It combines the word 'ghost,' referring to something that is unseen or absent, and 'writer,' a person who composes text. The concept of ghostwriting dates back much further, with instances of authors collaborating with others to create works attributed to them found in historical contexts. The first recorded use of 'ghostwriter' in print appeared in the 1930s, when it referred to writers who were not credited for their contributions to major literary works. Ghostwriting has since evolved into a recognized profession, particularly within the realms of publishing and media, where the demand for written content often outstrips the time or ability of prominent figures to produce it themselves.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,930, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.