How to live as a ghost(writer)

I've recently seen a few people share frustration at the quirks of being a ghostwriter, and they largely circle the same issue: namely that your effort goes "unrewarded." You write something amazing, and someone else gets the credit.

I've been ghostwriting for over a decade. I have a good number of bylined articles, but even so, some 90% of my total writing has been published under someone else's name.

Now—I get the frustration of ghostwriting. But I also think it's misinformed, for a few reasons:

• Your "reward" is money. People are willing to pay for ghostwriting because you are making them sound smarter, better, more polished; if you were to get recognition for the writing, then the entire value proposition of the service crumbles. Anonymity is what makes ghostwriting viable.

• Your anonymity should be costed in. Because there are no secondary benefits to ghostwriting—like personal brand building—you need to make sure that the monetary compensation alone is enough to make you feel good. If you feel that you're getting a raw deal for your work, raise your prices. Ask yourself: how much would I need to charge to feel happy about writing this anonymously?

• The same article published under your byline wouldn't get traction. If you—-a writer—are ghostwriting for the CEO of an ecommerce company, publishing the same article under your byline would not serve you. The success of your article is a product of your writing, yes—but also the person you wrote for, their audience, their credibility.

• A win for them is a win for you. Seeing your ghostwritten article go viral should feel good, even if you aren't credited: it's a sign that your service is worthwhile, that you're delivering the thing you promised your customers. Take pride in it.