How much does a ghostwriter cost? This is perhaps the most pressing question we hear when writers are researching ghostwriting. Below, we’ll break down ghostwriting fees so you know what to expect when you hire a ghostwriter.
How much does a ghostwriter cost? Ghostwriters structure their fees based on a few key factors:
There are generally three types of fees to consider if you’re wondering how much does a ghostwriter cost:
Basic: This fee level applies to ghostwriters working on shorter pieces (like how-to guides, articles, blog posts, e-books, whitepapers, and business books). This category also consists of ghostwriters with less experience, or those just starting out. Sometimes, a freelance writer or content writer is the best choice here, as short, straightforward pieces demand less craft focus.
Standard: This fee level covers the average cost of ghostwriting services (LINK: https://manuscriptstudio.com/ghostwriting-services). This applies to ghostwriters who’ve written for published books placed with major publishers and/or have a list of credentials. This can also apply to ghostwriters that specialize in a niche category, for example, trauma memoir. When you want to know how much does a ghostwriter cost, this range is going to be quoted most frequently.
Premium: This fee bracket applies to ghostwriters who have written successful, well-known works for leading publishers, and “name” clients. A ghostwriter who is in high demand or has an impeccable client list will charge more, but they might also expect named credit as part of the book deal that arises from the collaboration. Additional remuneration might be part of a negotiated fee structure with a premium ghostwriter.
Some ghostwriters charge per word, and sometimes there will be a sliding scale depending on the project’s overall length. Something to keep in mind is how much research your project requires, especially if you’re hiring a ghostwriter to write a nonfiction book. Memoirs also tend to involve comprehensive interviews, which take up a lot of time, in addition to writing time. Fiction requires robust outline and plot development. A per-word rate makes a lot of sense, but there are many invisible skills and requirements that make up that dollar amount. Research takes up additional time and effort, and costs more.
How much does a ghostwriter cost? It also depends on whether they are creating material from scratch, or revising an existing draft. Ghost revision costs less than ghostwriting, as the ghostwriter isn’t creating an entirely new manuscript from a blank page.
Revisions are also often included in a ghostwriting package. Your ghostwriter should be able to clearly present what you’re getting and how many revisions you’re paying for before work begins.
Basic: $0.20 to $0.40 per word
Standard: $0.50 to $1.00 per word
Premium: $2.00 to $4.00 per word
Alternatively, ghostwriters can charge flat fees for a projected scope of work. Ideally, the flat fee will include the written content, revisions, and research. Make sure you know exactly what’s included, and what isn’t. How much does a ghostwriter cost if they charge flat fees?
For shorter projects (up to 10,000 words) expect to pay between $3,000 to $15,000.
For longer projects, for example, novels of approximately 50,000 words, or book-length nonfiction, you can expect to pay $20,000 and up:
Basic: $20,000 to $35,000
Standard: $50,000 to $75,000
Premium: $100,000 to $200,000, or more, depending on word count and scope of work
Ghostwriting is an art and a craft that demands many individual skills. How much does a ghostwriter cost? A lot. But for the right project and for a discerning buyer, no price is too high for the kind of prestige and dream fulfillment that working with a ghostwriter can provide.
