"Ghost"-writers.

 

Sometimes, a person has the idea for a book but lacks the time, motivation, or creative energy it takes to create one, at which point, one may choose to hire a ghostwriter.    A ghostwriter takes the idea that is given to them, expands upon it, and creates the finished product but doesn't (traditionally), take credit for it.    Ghostwriters are often the ones to bring celebrity memoirs to life.  J.R. Moehringer, the ghostwriter behind Prince Harry's The Spare, says in his article Notes from Prince Harry’s Ghostwriter: "One of a ghostwriter’s main jobs is having a big mouth. You win some, you lose most, but you have to keep pushing, not unlike a demanding parent or a tyrannical coach. Otherwise, you’re nothing but a glorified stenographer, and that’s disloyalty to the author, to the book—to books." 

 There are times when a published author dies before completing a series they were working on.  In these circumstances, the author's estate may hire a ghostwriter to continue the series.  When V.C. Andrews died in 1986, her estate hired Andrew Neiderman to continue Andrew's work.  (Up Close: Andrew Neiderman)

Copy describing the books listed. below is provided by the publishers.

Spare by Prince Harry

"It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother's coffin as the world watched in sorrow--and horror. As Diana, Princess of Wales, was laid to rest, billions wondered what the princes must be thinking and feeling--and how their lives would play out from that point on. For Harry, this is that story at last. With its raw, unflinching honesty, Spare is a landmark publication full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief"--. Provided by publisher.

Eden's Children by Andrews, V. C.

"When former teacher Paula Eden adopts Faith and Trevor, she is astounded by their natural intelligence and decides to homeschool them to nurture their brilliance. But as the years go on, Faith and Trevor itch for more independence. When Faith sets her sights on a handsome young man visiting from out of town, Paula grows increasingly desperate to preserve her small family and her plans for the children to carry on her legacy. Luckily, she has a cohort in loyal Trevor, who will do anything to please his mother, even at the risk of hurting his sister and potentially changing their lives forever."--. Provided by publisher.

Colla-"boo"-rator or "Ghost"-wrtier

"There is even little agreement on what to call a ghostwriter; some strongly prefer the term “collaborator,” because they believe “ghost” implies there’s something shifty about the arrangement, or that the subject — generally, the “author” in contractual language — had nothing to do with the finished product." - When the Writing Demands Talent and Discretion, Call the Ghostwriter by Elizabeth A. Harris

Ghostwriters Come Out of the Shadows By Rachel Deahl

Collaborator or Ghostwriter—What's the Difference?

"In later years, Clancy worked with a series of collaborators to maintain his literary brand. Enthusiasts often refer to books written by these ghostwriters as "apostrophe books." At first, Clancy made no mention of these writers' role in the books, simply thanking them for their "invaluable contributions to the manuscript" in his headnotes. Dead or Alive was written under Clancy's auspices by Grant Blackwood, who's also collaborated with Clive Cussler. " -A Tribute to Tom Clancy By Kristin Masters.

Dead or Alive by Clancy, Tom

For years, Jack Ryan, Jr., and his colleagues at the Campus have waged an unofficial and highly effective campaign against the terrorists who threaten Western civilization. The most dangerous of these is the Emir. This sadistic killer has masterminded the most vicious attacks on the West and has eluded capture by the world's law enforcement agencies.

Now the Campus is on his trail. Joined by their latest recruits, John Clark and Ding Chavez, Jack Ryan, Jr., and his cousins, Dominick and Brian Caruso, are determined to catch the Emir, and they will bring him in . . . dead or alive.

https://www.writersandeditors.com/book_collaboration__ghostwriting_57408.htm#bookmark2

For some fictional tales about ghostwriters try:

The Poison Flood by Farmer, Jordan

"Hollis Bragg lives on the fringes. The hunchbacked son of a West Virginia hill preacher, he now resides in rural isolation next to the burned-out husk of his father's church, and earns his living ghostwriting songs for a popular band that left the poverty and corruption of Appalachia and never looked back. It's the life he prefers, free from the harsh glare of the spotlight and attachments that lead only to heartbreak. Then, much to his consternation, he's discovered by Russell Watson, a local musician and fan who also happens to be the rebellious son of the local chemical company magnate. When a devastating toxic spill at the Watson chemical plant poisons the local water, it sets off an unpredictable series of events as Hollis witnesses a murder, faces a shocking betrayal, and begins to come to terms with his body and his past. Soon Hollis will find that in losing his anonymity and reclaiming his music, he can transform his future; and in opening himself up to the world, he might find redemption."-- Provided by publisher.

Business or Pleasure by Solomon, Rachel Lynn

"A ghostwriter and a struggling actor help each other on the page and in the bedroom in this steamy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ex Talk. Chandler Cohen has never felt more like the ghost in 'ghostwriter' until she attends a signing for a book she wrote--and the author doesn't even recognize her. The evening turns more promising when she meets a charming man at the bar and immediately connects with him. But when all their sexual tension culminates in a spectacularly awkward hookup, she decides this is one night better off forgotten. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. But Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps. Chandler's determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasn't as mind-blowing as he thought it was, he's distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a deal: when they're not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasure--or if there's a way for them to have both"--. Provided by publisher.

The Diva Spices It Up by Davis, Krista

"Sophie never considered ghostwriting as a side gig, until former actress and aspiring lifestyle guru, Tilly Stratford, trophy wife of Wesley Winthrope, needs someone to write her celebrity cookbook. Sophie agrees, hoping she'll earn enough bread on this assignment to finish her bathroom renovations. But as it turns out, Sophie isn't the first foodie to get a taste for recipe ghostwriting, and if the marginalia are any indication, this project could be a killer... Wesley claims professional ghostwriter Abby Bergeron suddenly abandoned Tilly's cookbook with no warning. But Sohpie quickly discovers that Abby may be more ghost than writer now...and her disappearance was no accident. So Sophie cracks open a fresh investigation, but sifting the seasoned murderer from this sampling of salty suspects won't be easy. Will Sophie savor another case closed or will the culprit simply melt away?"--Jacket.

 . .

The Ghost by Harris, Robert

A body washes up on the deserted coastline of America's most exclusive holiday retreat. But it's no open-and-shut case of suicide. The death of Robert McAra is just the first piece of the jigsaw in an extraordinary plot that will shake the very foundations of international security.

For McAra was a man who knew too much. As ghostwriter to one of the most controversial men on the planet - Britain's former prime minister, holed up in a remote ocean-front house to finish his memoirs - he stumbled across secrets which cost him his life.

When a new ghostwriter is sent out to rescue the project it could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Or the start of a deadly assignment propelled by deception and intrigue - from which there will be no escape .