Influencer and entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo, known for his popular self-help books, recently pulled back the curtain on his creative process, revealing a secret many didn’t expect: his bestsellers were crafted with the help of ghostwriters.
The revelation came to light following a LinkedIn post by Nishtha Gehija, a writer and former CA, who shared that she wrote Warikoo’s second book, Get Epic Shit Done, in under three months while juggling a full-time job.
Warikoo’s response was as witty as it was surprising. “Nishtha is lying. She didn’t just write my second book. She wrote my first book too!” he quipped, admitting that Gehija was the talent behind Do Epic Shit, his debut success. This candid confession sparked lively discussions on social media about the often-overlooked role of ghostwriters in the publishing world.
Detailing the collaborative process, Warikoo explained that the foundation of his books lies in his experiences, ideas, and vast content archive. Gehija meticulously sifted through his videos, blog posts, and notes to craft the narrative. Weekly Zoom calls became the backbone of their collaboration, where Gehija would play the role of a curious student, asking probing questions, while Warikoo shared his insights like a teacher.
Wait! Really would want @warikoo to clarify this. The book is written by a ghostwriter? pic.twitter.com/MVQFVkv32H
— Sindhu Biswal (@sindhubiswal) January 5, 2025
These sessions were recorded, transcribed, and then transformed into a cohesive manuscript. “Imagine going through thousands of pieces of content, organizing them, and turning them into a compelling book. It’s an incredibly challenging task, and Nishtha did it exceptionally well,” Warikoo shared, acknowledging her hard work.
Warikoo was transparent about the professional nature of the arrangement, highlighting that Gehija’s contributions were neither hidden nor uncredited. In fact, the acknowledgment section of Get Epic Shit Done explicitly states, “Nishtha, the one who actually wrote this book. We spent three months on multiple Zoom calls.” Warikoo emphasized that ghostwriting is a collaborative effort, where the writer refines and structures the creator’s raw ideas.
The revelation didn’t come without its share of criticism. One LinkedIn user questioned why Warikoo identifies as an “author” despite not penning his books. In his trademark candid style, Warikoo responded, “Author seemed like the simplest term to indicate that I publish books. If you can suggest a better title, I’m open to it!”
By sharing this behind-the-scenes look, Warikoo has shed light on the vital role ghostwriters play in the creative process. His acknowledgment of Gehija’s efforts underscores the importance of collaboration in bringing ideas to life. This transparency has sparked meaningful conversations about the evolving definitions of authorship and creativity in today’s content-driven world.
While the revelation may have surprised many, it also highlighted the incredible work that goes into crafting a bestseller. As Warikoo’s story shows, sometimes the best ideas come to life through teamwork, trust, and a shared vision
