Wharton Global

How to write a business document for another person.

The following is a short article written by ITS Tutorial School’s Director of Training on how to Ghost Write a document for another member of staff. It is designed to give some quick tips that could be used to improve this skill. ITS corporate training teaches a wide range of communication skills for the business world. To read more articles by ITS’s staff please visit some of these links to our website.

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Until you’ve made it to the very top of the organisation, you’ll often be asked to write for someone else’s signature. Conversely, as your responsibilities grow, you’ll ask others to write for your signature. Understanding the following realities of the process may help you and your partner focus on the project and its successful completion.

Set realistic expectations

No two people think-or write-the same way. Personalities differ and so do the ways we express ourselves. Thus the person who assigns a project should not expect the ghostwriter to produce a report, letter, email or memo in exactly the same manner or style as he or she would. The ghostwriter should, in turn, expect changes to be made, even though the draft represents his or her best effort.

Clarify the task

The two parties should discuss the project so that they are both clear as to the purpose, scope and content. While one would hope that the person assigning the task knows what he or she wants, this is not always the case. Thus, the writer needs to ask questions before writing- and sometimes while writing-to ensure that the final product will be effective. Misconceptions about the task can lead to unnecessary work and to bad feelings.

Make the style authentic

The style will be authentic only if the one signing the document adds some personal touches to it. The ghostwriter may try to determine a few characteristics of the other person’s style but should not become preoccupied with mimicking it. As long as the writer provides a well-written draft, it is the signer’s prerogative to make changes as desired. After all the final product will bear his or her signature.

 Writing a document can be a difficult task but following some of the simple tips given above can help make this job easier and help you impress your superiors.