The Truth Behind 'The Art of the Deal': Was Trump Really the Author?

One of the most debated topics surrounding Donald Trump, former president and renowned businessman, is the writing credits for his best-selling book, 'The Art of the Deal'. While many claim that the book is entirely authored by Trump, the reality is far more complex. This article delves into the truth behind the writing of 'The Art of the Deal', examining the role of ghostwriters and the impact of this revelation on public perception.

Ghostwriting in the Celebrity Industry

It is a common misconception that Donald Trump solely wrote 'The Art of the Deal'. In fact, many public figures, including celebrities, have their books ghostwritten. According to industry experts, over 90% of these books are not the work of the author themselves but rather ghostwriters hired for various reasons. This phenomenon is not limited to fiction but extends to non-fiction genres such as business books and self-help guides.

Moderne celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey, and even Bill Clinton have all acknowledged using ghostwriters to help them produce their books. Ghostwriters are typically hired when an author is unable to dedicate the necessary time and energy to the writing process, or when the subject matter is highly specialized and the author lacks the expertise to cover it effectively.

Donald Trump and 'The Art of the Deal'

‘The Art of the Deal’ is a prime example of a book that was not entirely authored by Donald Trump. In reality, the book was largely written by Tony Schwartz, a well-known ghostwriter. According to sources, the two men co-authored the book, with Schwartz doing most of the writing. Some of the initial drafts and ideas may have come from Trump, but the final text was primarily the work of Schwartz.

The book originally had a different title, 'The Art of the Steal', but Trump insisted on changing it to suit his vision. This reveals a deeper involvement of Schwartz in the book's development, as they had to tailor the contents to fit Trump's preferred narrative.

Public Perception and Ghostwriting

The revelation that 'The Art of the Deal' was primarily written by a ghostwriter has had a profound impact on public perception. Many readers initially embraced the book, believing that Trump's words were indeed his own. However, as the true authorship became known, the book's credibility was severely questioned.

Some Trump voters were disappointed by these revelations, seeing them as a betrayal of the author they had come to trust. Others dismissed the findings, labeling those who pointed them out as critics or even traitors. This emotional reaction highlights the power of books written by public figures and the potential for readers to feel deeply connected to the author's words.

Conclusion

The writing of 'The Art of the Deal' is a prime example of the ghostwriting industry in action. While Donald Trump's name was synonymous with the book, much of its content was the result of collaboration with a skilled ghostwriter. This understanding of the role of ghostwriters in the world of public figures and authors can provide a valuable perspective on the publication and reception of books in today's media landscape.