DeepSummary
The episode covers the world of ghostwriting, where professional writers are hired to write books published under the names of celebrities or public figures. It discusses the process of ghostwriting, how ghostwriters work closely with their subjects to capture their voices and experiences, and the economics of the ghostwriting industry.
The ghostwriters interviewed, including Dan Paisner and Valerie Frankel, share insights into their work, such as spending time with their subjects to understand their lives, protecting sensitive information, and negotiating fees and contracts. They explain the challenges and rewards of the profession.
The episode also features Madeline Morell, a ghostwriting matchmaker who connects writers with authors. She provides details on the fees ghostwriters can command, ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million for top-tier projects, and the various payment structures used in the industry.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Ghostwriters play a crucial role in producing books for celebrities and public figures who lack the time or writing skills to pen their own works.
- The ghostwriting process involves developing an intimate relationship with the subject to understand their life experiences and effectively capture their voice.
- Ghostwriters must navigate the challenges of maintaining discretion, respecting sensitive information, and guiding their subjects on what to include in the book.
- The ghostwriting industry is lucrative, with fees ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million for high-profile projects, but payment structures can be problematic.
- While ghostwriters do not receive public credit for their work, their role is to satisfy their subjects and authentically represent their perspectives and stories.
- The rise of social media and celebrity culture has increased the demand for ghostwritten books, making it a competitive and increasingly transparent industry.
- Ghostwriting matchmakers play a crucial role in connecting authors with suitable ghostwriters based on their expertise and compatibility.
- The acknowledgment and credit given to ghostwriters on book covers and acknowledgment pages varies, reflecting the evolving attitudes toward the profession.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “You know, you push people to reflect, and I reconsider the stuff of their lives for public consumption. It's a very sort of naked and personal and intimate transaction that happens between a ghostwriter and his subjects.“ by Dan Paisner
- “Everyone was saying, the ghostwriter should have said, you really shouldn't include that story. And of course, the ghostwriter community agreed that you do have an obligation to the author to be the civilian, right?“ by Valerie Frankel
- “It's really a terrible, terrible situation that's been set up by the publishers.“ by Madeline Morell
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Episode Information
The Economics of Everyday Things
Freakonomics Network & Zachary Crockett
7/1/24