Dr. Marcia Layton Turner: The Architect Behind Bestselling Books

In the world of ghostwriting, where the essence of one's craft is to remain invisible, Dr. Marcia Layton Turner has carved a niche for herself, standing out as a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter. Her journey into the profession and the founding of the Association of Ghostwriters is a testament to her dedication and passion for writing and supporting others in the field.

The Genesis of a Ghostwriting Career

Dr. Turner's entry into ghostwriting stemmed from an innate ability of her ability to communicate effectively through writing, a skill first exercised in drafting a book for her father to market his paintings. "I didn’t realize it then, but writing a book-length work was an important hurdle I had cleared - proving that I could write something longer than an article," Dr. Turner said via email.

Her serendipitous pivot to ghostwriting came after she was discovered by an editor at Macmillan which brought her to become a technical editor. This was her first foray into the world of book publishing, where she quickly made a name for herself as a "fixer" — someone capable of working magic quickly on manuscripts. It wasn't long before she was introduced to the concept of ghostwriting by her agent, following a project where she wrote an entire book based on the author's notes and discussions.

Fostering a Community for Ghostwriters

Dr. Turner's realization of the solitary nature of ghostwriting led her to establish the Association of Ghostwriters in 2010, "recognizing there was value in having a community to turn to, I established the Association of Ghostwriters... It’s been going strong ever since..." she explains. This initiative has provided a platform for ghostwriters to connect, share experiences, and support each other, enhancing the profession's collective knowledge and camaraderie.

A Writing Process Tailored to Each Client

Describing her approach to ghostwriting, Dr. Turner emphasizes the bespoke nature of her writing process, which is meticulously tailored to fit each client's preferences and requirements. From detailed discussions, outline creation and chapter drafting, her process is flexible, adaptive, and client-focused. "Each project, like each client, is so different that the writing process stretches and adapts to match each person’s preference for how we work together." She is not just a writer but also a project manager, interviewer, therapist, and consultant.

Overcoming Challenges in the Shadows

Despite the challenges of ghostwriting, such as "recognition estrangement," Dr. Turner has a positive perspective on her work. She views the books she writes with her clients as theirs, not hers, emphasizing the collaborative nature of ghostwriting. "They could have written them without me, but I couldn’t have written the books without them."

Advice for Aspiring Ghostwriters

For those looking to break into ghostwriting, Dr. Turner advises starting with smaller projects like articles and blog posts to build credibility and experience. She encourages aspiring ghostwriters to pursue opportunities that may lead to book projects, underscoring the importance of adaptability and the willingness to learn from each experience.

A Personal Touch

Dr. Turner shared a fondness for how she enjoys her chicken nuggets (the most important question of all!): Dipped in honey.