Question

Ghostwriters are widely used by celebrities or public figures who wish to publish their autobiographies (自传). The degree of involvement of the ghostwriter in nonfiction writing projects ranges from minor to significant. Various sources explain the role of the ghostwriter and how competent (能胜任的) writers can get this kind of work. In some cases, a ghostwriter may be called in just to clean up, edit, and polish a rough draft of an autobiography or a “how-to” book. In other cases, the ghostwriter will write an entire book or article based on information, stories, notes, and an outline, interviews with the celebrity or public figure. The credited authors also indicate to the ghostwriter what type of style, tone, or “voice” they want in the book.

Celebrity books are usually ghostwritten in the first person (I did this and that) or the third person (David Pardon asked the group to recommend someone etc.).

In some cases, such as with some “how-to” books, diet guides, or cookbooks, a book will be entirely written by a ghostwriter, and the celebrity (e.g., a well-known musician or sports star) will be credited as author. Publishing companies use this method to increase the marketability of a book by associating it with a celebrity or well-known figure. In several countries before elections, candidates employ ghostwriters to produce autobiographies for them so as to gain visibility and exposure. Two of John F. Kennedy’s books were almost entirely ghostwritten. Former President Ronald Reagan also released a ghostwritten autobiography.

A consultant or career-switcher may pay to have a book ghostwritten on a topic in their professional area, to establish or enhance their credibility as an “expert” in their field. For example, a successful salesperson hoping to become an inspiring speaker on selling may pay a ghostwriter to write a book on sales techniques. Often this type of book is published in the vanity press, which means that the author is paying to have the book published. This type of book is typically given away to potential clients (客户) as a promotional tool, rather than being sold in bookstores.

 

72. A ghostwriter does all the following EXCEPT ______ for his client, according to the passage.

A. correct a piece of writing                      B. write a complete book

C. improve a written article                       D. interview a celebrity

73. By using “this method” (paragraph 3), the writer means ______.

A. celebrities may help to increase sales

B. celebrities may shift into ghostwriters

C. authors may sometimes become celebrities

D. celebrities may pay publishers for promotion

74. It is implied in the passage that ______.

A. vanity presses are illegal

B. ghostwriters work behind the scene

C. books by ghostwriters don’t sell

D. celebrities can’t do without ghostwriters

75. Which of the following is NOT mentioned about ghostwriters?

A. People who employ them.                    B. Responsibilities they take on.

C. Challenges their work involves.             D. Reasons why they ghostwrite.

Answer 1

DABC