What to expect:
First things first:
- A ghostwriter is an author who writes on a specific topic on behalf of someone else.
- Both parties contractually agree to this arrangement.
- Reasons for hiring a ghostwriter may include lack of time or insufficient writing skills.
- However, in the academic field, ghostwriting is problematic and can even be illegal.
What exactly is ghostwriting?
Ghostwriting is the act of writing a text on behalf of another person, with the actual author remaining invisible—hence the name. This profession has existed in one form or another for over 2,000 years and is still widely used today. For instance, many celebrities hire ghostwriters to pen their biographies. They often have fascinating stories to tell but lack the writing skills to present them effectively. Politicians, too, frequently rely on ghostwriters for their speeches, with time constraints being a significant factor. These so-called speechwriters remain unnamed but can gain recognition for their work over time.
Ghostwriters typically possess solid expertise and extensive knowledge in one or more subject areas to deliver high-quality texts. The usage rights for the texts they produce are transferred to the individual under whose name the work is published. However, the copyright remains with the ghostwriter.
The cost of this service depends on various factors such as the topic, timeframe, and provider. On average, prices range between €40 and €80 per page.
Ghostwriting in academia
While ghostwriting can be a useful tool, what about its role in academia?
The offer may sound tempting: saving time on research and writing in exchange for a finished paper that promises good grades. But beware—there’s a critical catch.
In academia, independent research and the documentation of findings are essential parts of studying, and ghostwriting fundamentally contradicts these principles. Authorship holds significant value in academic work, and outsourcing it can lead to legal consequences.
While there are gray areas in academia—for instance, professors may have texts written by research assistants without issue—the situation is different for students.
This is especially evident in graded assignments such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral theses. These usually require a signed declaration confirming that the student has independently written the work without external assistance. In such cases, ghostwriting constitutes intentional deception and is punishable by law.
Although it’s easy to order a submission-ready paper, ghostwriters or their agencies usually include contractual clauses to avoid legal repercussions. For example, contracts often state that the work is intended as a reference only and must not be submitted. Ultimately, the student bears full responsibility for any legal consequences.
Ghostwriting vs. plagiarism
At first glance, publishing a work under a “false” name (ghostwriting) might seem identical to plagiarism. However, this is not the case. Plagiarism involves the unauthorized use of an already published text or parts of it—essentially, the theft of intellectual property. This can range from uncredited quotes to entire passages, whether deliberate or accidental. Thanks to modern software, universities can now identify plagiarized content much more easily than before.
Ghostwriting, on the other hand, is a commissioned service where both parties agree that one person writes the text while another publishes it under their name. However, in academia, both plagiarism and ghostwriting are considered fraud, carrying consequences ranging from failing the assignment to legal prosecution. Universities are also improving their detection of ghostwritten texts using software.
This also applies to papers written by AI. While such texts are still relatively easy to distinguish from genuine works, universities are constantly developing methods to detect these forms of cheating.
At GRIN, we conduct random checks to ensure that no plagiarized or externally authored texts are published.
Key takeaways:Ghostwriting can be a useful way to transform an idea into text if you lack the time or skills to do it yourself. However, in academia, it is strongly advised against, as it can damage your reputation or even lead to legal consequences. For anyone disappointed by this who could really use some writing assistance, here’s a tip:
Take a look at our shop! GRIN offers a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of academic papers, perfect for research and inspiration. With these resources, you’re sure to succeed with your own work. Good luck!
