THE TABOO LIBRARY
TABOO OF GHOST WRITING
WHO IS THE AUTHOR?
BY CARSTEN GRAFF
If another person can express your thoughts better than you can yourself, who is the real author?
Who wrote the book?
The person whose name is on the cover, or the person who writes the sentences? Throughout history, many autobiographies have been collaborative projects, yet we continue to romanticize the idea of the solitary author. Ghostwriting raises uncomfortable questions about creativity, identity, authenticity, and ego.
BECOMING ANOTHER PERSON
When I write a biography, I do not merely interview a person and put their words on paper. I immerse myself in their memories, emotions, and way of thinking until I begin to write in their voice.
Most of my biographies are written in the first person. Although I write the words, the thoughts and experiences belong to the main character. Many clients have told me that I seem to understand what they think and feel even better than they do themselves. In this sense, ghostwriting becomes an intimate collaboration and a search for meaning rather than a technical writing exercise.
BOOKS AS THERAPY
For many people, writing a biography is not merely about publishing a book. It is a way of understanding their own lives.
I have worked with entrepreneurs, artists, billionaires, and ordinary people. Some wanted to inspire others. Some wanted to preserve memories for their children. Others wanted to understand what had happened to them.
In several cases, the writing process itself became therapeutic. By giving shape to memories and experiences, people discovered meanings and connections they had never seen before.
BIOGRAPHY AS MARKETING
Books can also become powerful marketing tools.
Together with Jesper "Kasi" Nielsen, I wrote his autobiography and had it translated into six languages. Nearly 150,000 hardcover copies were distributed to jewelry stores throughout Europe and the United States, giving his new company an extraordinary launch.
MY AUTHORSHIP
I write in Danish and English and have published more than twenty books, including biographies, philosophy, satire, children's books, and novels. Several have appeared on bestseller lists in Denmark and Russia. Together they have been printed in approximately 500,000 copies.
OTHER PROJECTS
Not all books are intended for the public.
One billionaire commissioned a book about how his pursuit of wealth had damaged his family life. Titled The Price of Money, only a single copy was printed. It will remain unread until after his death.
Some stories are written for readers.
Others are written for the soul.
