Hi all, How do you put ghostwriting jobs on a resume or in your portfolio when you are not supposed to let the cat out of the bag? I just spent 3 months ghost writing a book and have no idea how to showcase this job... I don't want a 3 month gap in my resume... Also, I'm curious---do ghostwriters ever "thank themselves" in the acknowledgements section of the book for their role as an "editor" or other type of producer involved in the work? (with the permission of the client, of course.) Anyone know where I can find more info about ghostwriting etiquette, FAQs etc.? Many thanks-- ZZP
Rule no. 1 would be to discuss all this with the client before the assignment. In the event that none of this was discussed, claiming credit for a ghostwriting assignment would go against the spirit of ghostwriting. The client would really be unhappy as she/he might be taking credit for the writing. For your 3 month gap, you can mention "Created a 20000 word eBook on "Playing the Guitar." Exact details withheld on client's request. Among other outcomes, future ghostwriting customers would appreciate your ghostwriting ethics.
You are paid to become Ghost writer so you are expected to be Ghost. However if you can trace where the content is being place you can mention it in your resume. Experience HR know that kind of business.
Ajeet's right. Ghostwriting typically involves handing the copyright over to the client, meaning you can't claim authorship in any way without their permission. Some will give it (in corporate ghostwriting it's rarely an issue), and some won't (I have to imagine a book could post problems since the "author" expressly wants credit for it). If you can't use a piece directly in your portfolio, you might be able to get the client to leave a testimonial about the project. They wouldn't need to list specifics, but could mention that you ghostwrote a book in X niche, and that it's had positive response so far or something.
I second the above opinion word to word. You can always request testimonials from your clients letting him/her decide the level of discreetness about the project.