What is a ghostwriter and how is one different from a writing partner?

Answer 1

A ghostwriter is a guide, while a writing partner holds hands with you while you follow the guide. A ghost helps a would-be author whose writing skills fail a little short of, shall we say, Norman Mailer. Authors hardly ever employ ghosts, but many act in partnership with another writer. A ghost takes the material the subject gives him/her and makes it into a book, while a partner contributes material and argues heatedly about it. Partners are more fun, ghosts are more necessary. It's important to note that a ghost writer's name is usually not known to the reading public. If a book is written with a ghost writer, that writer's name is usually not on the book. They are Behind the Scenes, a ghost. If you write with a partner, that partner's name is on the book for everyone to see.