Behind the captivating narratives of best-selling books and memoirs often lies a covert figure: a ghostwriter. This unsung hero of the literary world crafts compelling stories, breathing life into the visions of others while remaining in the shadows.

Liam Pieper, an award-winning author and ghostwriter, has achieved recognition for his global bestsellers and personal works. Pieper's accolades include the 2014 M Literary Award, the 2015 Geoff Dean Short Story Prize, and the honor of being the inaugural creative resident of the UNESCO City of Literature in Prague. In his article in The Guardian, he details his ghostwriting journey that led him to write his new book, "Appreciation."

Detailing the Career of Ghostwriting

Pieper's ghostwriting journey began when a publisher familiar with his memoir approached them to write for someone else. Despite not having attempted such a feat before, the allure of the offered fee sealed the deal, and so began a successful career as a ghostwriter. From there, the gigs multiplied, leading to collaborations with diverse individuals, including writing memoirs for celebrities during the pandemic.

For Pieper, ghostwriting for celebrities is an ostensibly paradoxical experience and surprisingly inspirational. It involves little actual writing but much convincing about the importance of literary concepts. The clients, usually accomplished in various fields, aim to pen memoirs recounting their noteworthy achievements.

Pieper likens the process to a delicate dance, balancing the task between copy-editing and guiding the client through the process. Over days or months, clients share their life stories, and together, they craft a narrative that resonates with readers. 

READ ALSO: Gabriel García Márquez's Sons to Release Late Author's Final Novel Against His Wishes

The dynamic of interviewing a celebrity as a journalist is inverted in ghostwriting, where the goal is to help the client sound more like themselves while choosing which stories should remain in the shadows. Discretion becomes a significant part of the job, with half the battle involving negotiations about what to leave out, as a good book is often defined by its omissions.

This discreet profession, veiled in mystery, raises suspicion and intrigue. Walking through bookstores filled with books authored by the ghostwriter, with no acknowledgment of their involvement, adds to the peculiar nature of the job. Even at social gatherings, revealing himself as a ghostwriter prompts people to ask Pieper whether he collaborates with celebrities, which he meets with a humorous but evasive response.

The workload and the swift formation and dissolution of intense relationships pose challenges for ghostwriters. These complexities are often navigated with the help of therapists, who share a similar professional realm but are adept at capitalizing on it.

Unmasking the Intricacies of Fame and Mythmaking

Pieper encapsulates his unique experience in his upcoming book, "Appreciation." The novel follows Oli Darling, a queer artist whose fame and success take a downturn after making a controversial statement on live TV. Facing a damaged reputation and dwindling support, Oli must restore his public image to appease powerful and dangerous investors. Oli embarks on an unconventional path to revive his career, collaborating with a ghostwriter to co-author a memoir.

The storyline delves into the repercussions of Oli's mythmaking, unraveling the intricacies of contemporary celebrity culture. It sheds light on the dominant impact of image over talent and the widespread prevalence of narcissism. The outrageous satire tackles the question of authenticity in a time where reputations can be easily tarnished and painted over.

Set for release in March, the narrative explores Pieper's strange feelings of alienation and overwork, giving readers a glimpse into a professional ghostwriter's intriguing and mysterious world. 

RELATED ARTICLE: Bianca Bosker's New Book Shares Her Experience in Unveiling the Contemporary Art World's Mysteries