Ghostwritten Novels: Case Studies You Didn't Know About

Behind countless bestselling books, articles, memoirs, and even political manifestos is a ghostwriter. The ghosts behind the ghosts are often anonymous, or tucked away in the acknowledgments, but regardless of being hidden from sunlight, their work has sparked global conversations, influenced elections, and created celebrity empires.

Here is a breakdown of famous case studies of books you didn't know were ghostwritten, and why ghostwriting is not cheating—it is collaboration.

1. Becoming by Michelle Obama - With a Little Help from a Friend

Although Becoming is incredibly personal and undeniably Michelle Obama, what many readers don't know is that ghostwriters and editorial collaborators assisted with shaping the structure, story flow, and coherence of the entire book. Obama recognized assistance by a team of writers, editors, and researchers at Crown Publishing, who helped to build the coherence of the book. 

Takeaway: Even the most articulate public figures need behind-the-scenes writing partners. You are not looking to mimic their voice—merely create clarity in your voice.

2. The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump - Written by Tony Schwartz

The Art of the Deal, aka the most famous ghostwriting collaboration in modern history, was penned by journalist Tony Schwartz, not Trump.

Schwartz later claimed to have spent countless hours shadowing Trump to capture his voice and ethos.

Takeaway: Ghostwriters become immersed in the worldview of subject matter—they conduct interviews, observe behavior, and develop narratives that are 100% authentic.

3. I Am Malala – Co-Written by Christina Lamb

The memoir of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai was co-authored with British journalist Christina Lamb. Lamb’s experiences with political reporting helped crystallize Malala’s terrifying experiences to a global readership.

Takeaway: Ghostwriting can address real-life experiences and reinterpret comprehensive, coherent stories for culture and language.

4. Celebrity Fitness and Lifestyle Books

From Khloé Kardashian’s Strong Looks Better Naked to Jessica Simpson’s Open Book, celebrity lifestyle books are written completely by ghostwriters or co-writers. These types of works require productive writers who can adequately organize the personal experiences, sympathize with the brand tone, and engage the audience.

Takeaway: Ghost writing to represent celebrity can let authentic experiences shine while giving structure, rhythm, and accessibility for mass-market readership.

5. Business Best Sellers/Startup Owners

Numerous brand founders and ownership from Howard Schultz to Phil Knight have relied professionally on ghost/ editorial collaborators on numerous instances. These books require the authors to develop their memoir along with business strategy and reader insight which can scout tone, frame facts, and verify accuracy.

Takeaway: It's the new normal in the startup world for founders to have ghostwritten their thought leadership books, keeping busy founders relevant and on-message without them having to write every single word. 

6. Political Manifestos and Campaign Books

Books like Hard Choices by Hillary Clinton, and An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore, were ghostwritten, too —with peer support, editorial support, etc. Political books are rarely written by a lone author. They are usually produced by teams: strategists, communication strategists, researchers, & writers—all charged with keeping messaging, and communication tactics aligned. 

Takeaway: Alter-egos in politics represent more than the need to hide. They represent alacrity in the desire for consistency and precision.

So... Is Ghostwriting Deceptive?

Absolutely not. A ghostwriter is just a bit of professional help, like a CEO hiring a speechwriter or a designer hiring a coder. The vision, voice, and experience are theirs—it's the writing that is being enabled by a person who knows how to write! 

Many celebrities, CEO's, and changemakers openly identify their ghostwriters today- because it is no longer taboo. It is a smart delegation!

Why is ghostwriting effective?

• Saves the busy professional time

• Provides writers with expertise in concepts of structure, storytelling, and pacing

• Ensures an expert in the concept of consistent voice + tone

• Provides a collaborator for a savvy, latest-generation publisher

Final Implication: Ghostwriting is the invisible hand behind good books

The next time you read a book that makes you feel something, inspires you, or challenges your perceptions, stop and think: Who are the authors of the words you read? Behind every powerful voice, there may be an invisible pen—one that stayed behind the curtain so someone else's story could come to light.  

Want to write a book, but don't know how to begin?  

At Rolling Authors, we provide ghostwriting services for entrepreneurs, coaches, visionaries, and spiritual leaders. Whether it is your first book or your legacy project, we work with you to write what matters—with your voice, your story, your truth.   

Contact us to start your ghostwriting project.