4 February 2008
Writing from the grave -- franchised authors
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The best known of the 'writers from the grave' or 'ghostwriters' in the literal sense is Robert Ludlum. At the time of his death in 2001 he had sold 210 million books (only outsold by JK Rowling). No wonder his publishers have released 12 new works bearing his name since he died. Other notable 'franchised authors' who have been ghostwritten include Lawrence Sanders and Theodor (Dr Seuss) Geisel.
But it's not just dead authors who are being franchised, the living are there too. Tom Clancy is the best example. All his works are simply from ideas he creates, the rest is left up to another writer. However, it's his name that gets all of the credit.
Is this legal and is it ethical? Nic Pullen dissects this question on the Book Show.
Guests
Nic Pullen
Lawyer and Partner with TressCox, specialising in publishing and the media.
Presenter
Ramona Koval
Producer
Michael Shirrefs
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