Ghostwriting Defended as Ethical Alternative to AI in Publishing Industry

Ghostwriting serves as a reliable source of income for writers while delivering high-quality books for authors. According to a survey conducted in 2024 by Gotham Ghostwriters and the American Society of Journalists and Authors, one-third of ghostwriters make over $100,000 each year, in stark contrast to the median income of traditional authors, which was $15,000 in 2022. Recent controversies include Hachette's decision to cancel the U.S. release of Shy Girl due to AI-related allegations and Grammarly's removal of a feature that utilized writers' likenesses without permission. Notable figures such as Demi Moore and Mariah Carey acknowledge the contributions of ghostwriters. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Hillary Clinton have both employed ghostwriters for their autobiographies. Ghostwriter Julia Scheeres charges $150 per hour, while Caroline Cala has landed six-figure contracts. Although the field faces challenges from AI, traditional publishers still favor human collaboration for superior quality.