Mary Earps: A Goalkeeper’s Journey Through Controversy
Mary Earps, the former England and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper. It has found herself at the center of controversy following the release of her memoir — a project completed with the assistance of a ghostwriter.
The backlash stems from comments Earps made about her former teammate Hannah Hampton and England manager Sarina Wiegman. Responding to criticism, Earps told BBC Sport that her intention was never to “tear anyone down” and that parts of the public’s reaction have been “distorted.”
This has reignited a long-standing question: how much control do public figures, such as athletes, really have when working with a ghostwriter?
What Exactly Does a Ghostwriter Do?
A ghostwriter is a professional writer who crafts books, memoirs, or other written works on behalf of another person—often a celebrity, athlete, or public figure.
Although the celebrity’s name appears as the author, much of the actual writing is handled by the ghostwriter, whose name may sometimes appear alongside theirs. The ghostwriter’s primary task is to capture the celebrity’s authentic voice, ensuring that the tone and storytelling reflect their personality and experiences.
Typically, the subject provides the main ideas, memories, and direction for the book, while the ghostwriter organizes and articulates these thoughts into polished prose.
How Ghostwriters Collaborate with Athletes
Rory Smith of The Observer, who has ghostwritten books for sports figures including Rafa Benitez and Micah Richards, told BBC Radio 5 Live that a writer’s role involves drawing out stories and perspectives that fans would find compelling.
“When I worked with Rafa Benitez, he thought many of his daily experiences were boring,” Smith explained. “But what seemed routine to him could be fascinating to readers. That’s part of the ghostwriter’s job—to help the athlete see what their audience wants to know.”
Smith emphasized that any content appearing in Earps’ memoir was likely included at her discretion. “If a subject feels uncomfortable with something, a good ghostwriter will always say, ‘Maybe we should reconsider that.’ It’s the athlete’s story, and they have the final say.”
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Capturing the Athlete’s Voice
Another experienced ghostwriter, Owen Amos, who co-wrote the autobiography of former manager Stephen Constantine. It shared that the process involves extensive interviews and transcription work.
“A ghostwriter must carefully replicate how the subject speaks,” Amos said. “It’s not about injecting your own opinions or over-interpreting their thoughts—it’s about putting their voice onto the page.”
He added that collaboration is key: “There was nothing Constantine wanted to include that I didn’t, and vice versa. I’d be surprised if Earps couldn’t make any changes she wanted in her book.”
Amos also noted that moments of tension or honesty often make a memoir more engaging. “A little drama helps tell a real story,” he said. “The last thing a ghostwriter wants is a subject unwilling to say anything meaningful.”
About BBC Sport’s ‘Ask Me Anything’
This discussion was part of BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything series — a program designed to answer questions from readers and fans. The AMA team investigates topics using insights from sports experts, pundits, and behind-the-scenes sources. It bringing audiences closer to the world of professional sports.
Their coverage spans the BBC Sport website, app, and social media channels, as well as television, radio, and YouTube. It offering audiences well-rounded answers to their most curious questions.
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