Verlagsautorenschaft

Verlagsautorenschaft, often translated as "publisher's authorship" or "house author," refers to the practice where a publishing house assigns an author to write a book under their own name, but the intellectual property and creative direction largely belong to the publisher. This can manifest in several ways. One common scenario involves ghostwriting, where a well-known personality or expert commissions a writer to produce a book based on their ideas or experiences. The ghostwriter receives compensation but typically no public credit, and the book is published under the commissioner's name. Another form of Verlagsautorenschaft occurs when a publisher develops a concept for a book, perhaps a series or a niche topic, and then hires an author to execute it according to specific guidelines. The publisher may provide outlines, research, or even significant editorial input, influencing the content and style to align with their market strategy. In some instances, particularly with large-scale projects or educational materials, a publisher might contract multiple individuals to contribute, with a lead author or editor credited, while the actual authorship is distributed. The term can also encompass situations where an author writes for a publisher on a freelance basis, with the publisher retaining significant control over the final product and often securing broad rights to the work. This practice is distinct from traditional authorial control, where the author typically holds more creative autonomy and direct ownership of their work. Verlagsautorenschaft is often employed to meet market demands, leverage existing brands, or ensure a consistent product within a series.