As you research ghostwriters for hire, one of the most important considerations is: How much does a memoir ghostwriter cost? Below, we’ll break down ghostwriting fees so you know what to expect when you hire a ghostwriter.
How much does a memoir ghostwriter cost? Ghostwriters structure their fees based on a few key factors:
There are generally three categories of fees:
Basic: 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 these straightforward pieces demand less craft focus.
Standard: Covers the average cost of 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.
Premium: 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.
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 interviewing in addition to writing. Fiction requires robust outline 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 a ghostwriter costs also depends on whether they are creating material from scratch, or revising an existing draft. Ghost revision costs less than the creation of an entirely new manuscript from a blank page.
Revisions are 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.
For shorter projects (up to 10,000 words) expect to pay between $3,000 to $15,000.
For longer projects, for example, novels of 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
