2.  The Principal is not your Pal

Ghostwriting can be seductive.  So paste this on your bathroom mirror.  “The Principal Is Not Your Pal.”  In other words, you can be friendly, but you can’t be friends.  The penalty for forgetting this is severe.  It’s easy to get confused about your role.  The penalty for screwing this up will cost you the job

It’s easy to be seduced.  You’ll be spending lots of time with the principal, who is often powerful, wealthy, or a celebrity.  They live in big houses, travel in private jets, and lead lives that look very attractive.  You might even be invited to travel on the private plane and get to know the family.  The principal may ask you for advice about matters unrelated to the book.  Many principals are isolated and lonely.  They may treat you as an advisor, therapist, and friend. 

Never forget why you are there.  Hold your tongue.  Stick to the project.  Know your role.  Remember the agreements.  Be friendly, but resist overtures to socialize.  Politely but firmly decline invitations to stay in the principal’s home.  If you make the mistake of attempting to overlay another role (friend, advisor, shrink, rabbi, confidant, investor, or, God help you, lover) on the ghostwriting arrangement, you will destroy it and your reputation (see Rule 4) in the process.