Is it a contradiction to call someone a “famous ghostwriter”? Well, not exactly.
Surprisingly, some of your best-loved books weren’t entirely written by the people whose names grace the covers but by ghostwriters. Everyone in the industry knows that these behind-the-scenes writers do a lot of the work. Additionally, they can sometimes churn out intriguing stories that are praised worldwide.
We’re here to shine the spotlight on these literary creations and showcase how ghostwriters have become a part of the literary world. We compiled a list of ten books written by ghostwriters that are praised as bestsellers.
List of 10 Books Written by Ghostwriters | The New York Times Best Seller
Some of these notable works include:
1. James Patterson’s BookShots
A series of fast-paced, short novels by James Patterson, who often collaborates with co-authors to produce a large volume of bestsellers. The BookShots series covers a wide range of genres, from suspense and romance to crime and mystery, making it accessible to a broad readership.
James Patterson’s collaboration with various authors has allowed him to explore different writing styles and themes while maintaining a high level of quality and consistency. BookShots are intended as easy and enjoyable, as quick reads that can offer the reader a take-off to a book in a short time.
This collaborative model not only diversifies Patterson’s work but also ensures a steady flow of fresh content for his audience. The blend of his creative vision with the distinct voices of his co-authors results in a unique and dynamic reading experience, keeping readers engaged and eagerly anticipating the next installment. Through BookShots, Patterson has successfully created a niche market for concise, thrilling stories that cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern readers, proving that brevity can indeed be the soul of wit in the literary world.
2. Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine
While R.L. Stine is the face of the series, some of the books were ghostwritten by other authors, contributing to its immense success. R.L. Stine‘s work, both those he authored himself and those with ghostwriters, has been instrumental in cultivating a love for reading and a fascination with the horror genre among young readers.
The combination of Stine’s personal writing and collaborations with ghostwriters allowed for the rapid creation of numerous Goosebumps titles, satisfying the demand of enthusiastic readers.
In collabration, Each ghostwriter brought their unique flair to the stories while adhering to the signature tone and spooky atmosphere that Goosebumps fans loved. This synergy between Stine and his ghostwriters helped maintain the series’ freshness and appeal over the years, solidifying Goosebumps as a cornerstone of children’s horror literature and a significant cultural phenomenon.
3. Nancy Drew Mystery Stories and Hardy Boys series
These beloved series were originally created by publisher Edward Stratemeyer and ghostwritten by various authors under pseudonyms like Carolyn Keene and Franklin W. Dixon. Both series, which feature resilient and autonomous teenage investigators, helped pave the pathway for an entirely new generation of young adult mystery literature.
The Nancy Drew story and the Hardy Boys have left an everlasting imprint on culture as a whole, influencing generations of readers and spawning adaptations in a variety of media mediums.
The Nancy Drew story and the Hardy Boys have left an everlasting imprint on culture as a whole, influencing generations of readers and spawning adaptations in a variety of media mediums.
From television shows and movies to video games and graphic novels, these characters have transcended the pages of books to become cultural icons. The tales of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys have been reimagined in countless ways, each iteration introducing the adventurous sleuths to new audiences.
4. The Reagan Diaries
A memoir written by William Novak under the pen name Nancy Reagan and published under her name. Ghostwriter William Novak’s ability to faithfully capture Nancy Reagan’s voice and experiences made the diary a compelling and insightful read.
The book primarily consists of Nancy Reagan’s diary entries during her time as First Lady. It offers an intimate look at her life, political events, and personal reflections. The book was well-received for providing a behind-the-scenes view of the Reagan administration and Mrs. Reagan’s influential role.
Furthermore, the diary entries offer a glimpse into Nancy Reagan’s unwavering dedication to her family, showcasing her role not just as the First Lady but as a mother and wife. Her advocacy for significant issues, such as the Just Say No campaign, highlights her commitment to social causes and her ability to leverage her position to effect positive change. The book also delves into her personal battles, including her confrontation with breast cancer, illustrating her resilience and strength.
5. The Hardy Boys Casefiles
A spin-off series from the original “Hardy Boys,” many of these novels were ghostwritten. These books showcase how collaborating with books written by ghostwriters can help authors and publishers produce a prolific body of work, achieving bestseller status on The New York Times list and captivating readers worldwide.
The Casefiles represented a more mature and action-oriented direction for the Hardy Boys, reflecting changing reader preferences. Ghostwriters played a crucial role in shaping the stories and maintaining the series’ relevance to its evolving audience.
These books not only highlight the creative synergy between authors and ghostwriters for books but also underscore the significance of accessibility, cultural impact, and the ability to adapt to changing literary landscapes.
The fact that each book on this list has been on the New York Times Best Seller list is evidence that high standards are consistently maintained.
6. In Our House: Perception Vs. Reality By Marala Scott
In Our House: Perception vs. Reality is one of the famous ghostwritten books co-authored by Marala Scott and her daughter Alyssa Curry. The book explores the discrepancy between a happy family the couple presented to the world and the experiences of domestic violence. The inspirational author and speaker, Marala Scott, shares her own experiences to highlight the continued prevalence of domestic abuse. Such personal narration of experiences of emotional and physical abuse makes for a compelling read from an emotional standpoint, and acts as a rallying call to stir people’s conscience and action.
Since its release, “In Our House: Perception vs. Reality” has been praised and admired by the public and critics for telling the hard truth and reflecting life’s feelings. Both critics and readers have appreciated the book for having depicted the issue of abuse and its effects on Marala and her children in the most effective way possible. Many critics have noted that the memoir serves as a powerful tool of motivation to all the survivors of domestic violence as it brings hope and hope to survivors.
The storytelling by Marala Scott does not only raise awareness of a significant social concern but also offers a platform for people who have gone through the ordeal; they do provide hope and companionship to those who read them.
7. An Inconvenient Cop Written by Jon Sternfeld
An Inconvenient Cop: My Fight to Change Policing in America is a compelling memoir is one of the most famous co-authored books by Edwin Raymond and Jon Sternfeld. The book offers insight into the fundamental problems and NY police department from a 14-year officer Edwin Raymond’s heart. The issues of racism, arrest quotas, and the “broken windows” policing strategy can be inferred from the situation presented in the story of Raymond.
Sternfeld’s work makes Raymond’s tale vivid, and sound communities that may help to shift the reality of today’s police states in America. It states about an Inconvenient Cop, who received a lot of acclaim for being extremely genuine in its portrayal of the realities of policing.
8. Desmond Tutu Written by Lara Love Hardin’s
Lara Love Hardin, a seasoned ghostwriter who needs to be commended for her excellent work. She has co-authored books on influential personalities and their incredible stories. One of her big works is “Desmond Tutu: A Bio – This is a biography of the South African bishop and social activist that is known as Desmond Tutu. He struggled for justice and equality against apartheid regime and for establishing peace around the world.
People really like “Desmond Tutu: A Biography. “Some people, critics and readers, have agreed that the book is very informative and entertaining to read because it brings out the life of Tutu so vividly.” They like the part where it discusses what he did for humans and also how he thinks about life’s meaning so much. While it might lack in creativity and humour, Lara Love Hardin is an excellent ghostwriter, and the book is engaging and informative regarding Tutu’s life. This is a good way to familiarize oneself with his story of failure and achievements.
By going through this biography, one will realize just how great Tutu was and how much of a talent Lara Love Hardin is when it comes to narrating stories. Reading the story about Tutu you sincerely wish to state that he is one of those people who has done a lot for this world. The authenticity and talent with which Hardin narrates this work make it both engaging and full of a message.
9. Raising Trump by Valerie Frankel
Valerie Frankel is a professional ghostwriter and has ghost written for many celebrities to share their life experiences. Her most famous book written by a ghostwriter is the “Raising Trump: How Ivanka Trump Zeroed In On The Presidency” written together with Ivanka Trump. This book is wholly dedicated to unraveling the position of Ivana in the family with special concentration on her motherhood to her three children for Donald Trump. It gives an account of how the lady who was an immigrant from Czech moved to America and embraced business.
Picking up a compelling storyline and good ratings, “Raising Trump” is pronounced a hit! What people really like is her genuine and sometimes comedic portrayal of how Ivana Trump chooses to be a mother.
Through “Raising Trump,” the audience also gets to learn that there is more to Ivana Trump than being married to Donald Trump. It is quite an entertaining and informative tale that reveals all the joys and struggles of motherhood and career in the United States of America.
10. James Bond Series by Ian Fleming’s
The James Bond series, created by British author Ian Fleming, is one of the most famous and long-lasting franchises in literary and cinematic history books that were ghostwritten. Casino Royale was the first novel the reader was introduced to James Bond, a highly efficient British Secret Service agent coded 007.
Fleming authored 12 full-length novels and two collections of short stories with the Bond protagonist before he died in 1964. The series grew very popular fairly soon and a number of film adaptations which made James Bond a popular figure.
Types of Books Written by Ghostwriters – Beyond Memoirs and Novels
Ghostwriting, a practice deeply ingrained in the world of literature, is not confined to the realm of memoirs and novels alone. It extends its invisible hand to various forms of written communication and creative endeavors.
Here, we explore how ghostwriting transcends the boundaries of traditional genres and delves into uncharted territories:
Political Speeches:
Winston Churchill: The legendary British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, often sought the assistance of professional speechwriters. His iconic speeches, including the wartime address “We Shall Fight on the Beaches,” were crafted collaboratively to resonate with the masses.
Op-Eds and Articles:
Stephen Hawking: The late theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking collaborated with co-authors to pen op-eds, scientific papers, and articles. His insights reached a global audience, furthering the understanding of complex astrophysical concepts.
Historical Accounts:
David Attenborough: The celebrated natural historian and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough has partnered with writers to document his adventures and contributions to the field of wildlife preservation. These accounts have educated and inspired generations.
Autobiographies and Biographies:
Elton John: The legendary musician Elton John worked with autobiograpghy ghostwriters to articulate his remarkable life journey in his autobiography “Me.” The book offers an intimate glimpse into his world, from fame to personal struggles.
Business Publications:
Richard Branson: The business magnate Sir Richard Branson has co-authored several books and business guides. Ghostwriters have played a pivotal role in capturing his entrepreneurial spirit and vision.
Screenplays and Scripts:
Renowned British actors and directors have engaged ghostwriters to refine scripts for films and theater productions. The collaborative process ensures that dialogues and narratives captivate audiences worldwide.
Tips to Find Your Ideal Pen Pal?
Ghostwriters have indeed transformed the way we write, from creating the first draft to editing and proofreading. Now that you have seen the proof of ghostwriter boosting the writer’s talents, you might be wondering how to get in touch with one on your own.
When selecting a ghostwriter for books written by ghostwriters, engage in a thorough vetting process. Seek a competent and experienced writer who aligns with your project.
Books written by ghostwriters is undoubtedly a good move for your next book or memoir. But beware of these crucial points before hiring:
READ MORE: How To Find the Right Wordsmith-Ghostwriters For Hire
Industry Insight Matters:
- Not all ghostwriters stay abreast of industry trends. Be sure your ghostwriter understands what publishers and agents seek, increasing your chances of publication.
- Beware of exaggerated claims. Selling your manuscript is the ultimate goal, and while some ghostwriters claim dozens of sales, the reality can differ.
- Honesty is vital. Transparency is key if your ghostwriter doesn’t see eye-to-eye with your project.
- Ghostwriters must respect confidentiality. Look for those who secure non-disclosure agreements from clients.
- Large ghostwriting firms might outsource work to other writers. Ensure your contract specifies who will be handling your project.
- Bargaining for a lower fee may compromise the quality of your work. Adequate compensation often results in a better product.
- Ghostwriters often offer hybrid services, where you can collaborate on parts of the manuscript, making it a cost-effective option.
- Ghostwriters may not always provide the best guidance on every aspect of your project. Consider consulting different experts for writing, selling, and marketing.
- Ghostwriters are human, and perfection is not guaranteed. Be prepared for potential imperfections and consider additional editing.
Final Note:
Ghostwriting is an art with many facets. Selecting the right ghostwriter from wrightbookassociates can bring your project to life while honoring your vision. When you delve into the world of books written by ghostwriters, remember that these hidden talents play a crucial role in shaping literary masterpieces. The impact of ghostwriting extends beyond the printed page, enriching various aspects of communication and storytelling. From politicians to scientists, they have embraced this practice to convey their messages effectively, enlightening and entertaining audiences globally.
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