Editorial

Ghost writing is a skill few truly comprehend.

It requires time and trust, the ability to get under the skin of the alleged author, and leaving the reader none-the-wiser.

As a national newspaper writer, Onside PR founder James Fletcher, was regular tasked with ghost writing columns.

Ghost writers produced articles, columns, books or other written works on behalf of another – without taking any credit.

It’s a bit like being an impressionist on TV but, aside from an occasional byline, no-one knows it is you.

Over the years I have been Sam Allardyce, Steven Gerrard, Prime Minster Tony Blair, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham, Will Carling and too many others to even mention.

Ghost writing requires a real skill and understanding of the credited author. The ability to write how you think they would.

That means getting to know them. Gaining their trust. Thinking in the way that they would. And being able to turn copy quickly, efficiently and in the style of the intended publication.

That experience is particularly useful in the production of books. Onside PR interview subjects as a journalist would and then turn that information into the subjects own words, noting their style and mannerisms, their quirks.

Being able to pull off such a feat is hugely satisfying and rewarding, though this isn’t a service for the egotistic writer. Often, only you, the subject matter and publisher know you ever existed.