So, you’ve got a brilliant idea for a book but don’t know where to start, much less have the time to dedicate to publishing it. Now, you’re thinking about hiring a ghostwriter. But before you rush in, you’re probably asking: "How much DO ghostwriters charge?" 

To save you hours of extensive research, A ghostwriter can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on what type of book you’re looking for. 

Before you sign on the dotted line of a ghostwriting contract, it’s important to know exactly what goes into those ghostwriting fees and what other options are available, especially the ones that save you money!

What Is a Ghostwriter?

A ghostwriter is a professional writer hired to create content that will officially be credited to someone else. This is extremely common in books of all genres. Ghostwriters will provide their writing skills in exchange for a fee, which allows their clients the right to publish under their own name or pen name. 

Fun Fact: Many successful publishers, politicians, and public figures use ghostwriters to create their books or other content pieces.

Who Pays for a Ghostwriter?

While many assume that only famous authors, business professionals, and public figures hire ghostwriters, every day people explore ghostwriting to transform their ideas from brain to book. 

Depending on how robust a book you have in mind, it can sometimes take years to bring it to fruition. Many people don't have that kind of time, with full-time jobs and personal responsibilities to balance already. If time or experience is what’s holding you back from becoming a self-publisher, then find out how long it takes to write a book and see if ghostwriting is still the path you want to take.

• Non-fiction Books: $5,000 - $50,000+
• Fiction Books: $10,000 - $70,000+
• Business Books: $30,000 - $100,000+
• Picture Books: $1,000 - $5,000+

To better understand each genre's wide range, you must know what factors ghostwriters consider when setting their pricing.

Factors That Affect Ghostwriting Rates

There are many nuances to how a ghostwriter sets rates in their ghostwriting contract, but let's explore the top determining factors.

Ghostwriter’s Experience and Reputation

Just like any other profession, experience and reputation matter. An experienced ghostwriter who has penned bestsellers or worked with high-profile clients will have higher rates. Here's a generalized breakdown:

• Beginner ghostwriters: $5,000 - $15,000 per book
• Mid-level ghostwriters: $15,000 - $50,000 per book
• Top-tier ghostwriters: $50,000+ per book

Project Length and Complexity

The scope of the book project significantly impacts cost. A 100-page business book requires less time and research than, say, a 400-page historical novel, so ghostwriting charges per word or per project will increase depending on complexity and length.

Niche or Industry Expertise

Specialized knowledge in a specific niche, genre, or industry often comes with a premium. If your book requires technical expertise, such as medical or legal knowledge, expect ghostwriter pricing to be higher because the writer will need specific industry experience.

Pricing Models Ghostwriters Follow

Now that you understand ghostwriting rates, we’ll focus on other ghostwriting fees that may come up during your research. Ghostwriting fees come in various forms, and how you're charged will depend on the project and the ghostwriter's preferences. Below are average charges and the common pricing structures you can expect if you hire a ghostwriter.

Writing Fees by Word Count

Ghostwriters often charge by word count. This is more common with smaller projects like a blog post, articles, or really any short-form content. Rates typically range from $0.10 to $1 per word, depending on the writer’s skill and expertise. This means a 50,000-word book could cost between $12,500 to $25,000 to move forward with a word count-based cost structure.

Flat-Rate Projects

A flat fee is more common for longer projects, such as books or eBooks. This means you’ll agree on a total project cost upfront. For instance, a project fee might be anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 to write a full-length book, depending on the length, complexity, and deadline.

Hourly Ghostwriting Rates

In some cases, ghostwriters charge by the hour. However, an hourly fee is much more common for consulting. For instance, if you wrote your entire book but wanted a ghostwriter's opinion by way of editing and proofing, then you can expect hourly rates to generally range from $25 to $100.

Disclaimer: Everyone’s experience differs, and ghostwriting costs vary greatly. All estimations were pulled from our independent research.

Alternatives to Hiring a Ghostwriter

Contrary to popular belief, hiring a ghostwriter isn't the only way to get your book written. If you're looking for cost-effective, time-saving alternatives, there are several routes you should consider.

Do It Yourself

With the right guidance, you can write your own book—even without prior experience. Publishing.com offers solutions that allow you to do just that without breaking the bank. Instead of paying tens of thousands of dollars for a ghostwriter, you can learn how to craft your story with step-by-step support. After all, experienced ghostwriters don't have your unique knowledge and experiences.

AIA (AI Publishing Academy) Course

Our AIA course helps those considering self-publishing to create their books using a mix of AI tools and expert guidance. There's no need for extensive research because we've already done that, and our pro tips and advice are shared throughout the course. Our AIA course is a fraction of the cost of hiring a ghostwriter and allows you to maintain control over your project. Learn more about our Kindle publishing course here.

Quick Storytime

We see people with great ideas looking to get their stories out there all the time. We also see people who want to make passive income using Amazon and self-publishing. Whatever your journey looks like, chances are we’ve supported someone like you on their self-publishing journey, and we are not shy about it.

Our student Kyndall B, explained a situation that is all too common:

"I ended up watching the Publishing.com presentation about three times before I officially joined. Even though I was nervous at first, once I started the modules and saw the abundant resources, group calls, and one-on-one mentors available to answer my questions, I realized the only way to fail is not to try." 

Free Training

Publishing.com is a huge advocate for education. Not only can you find tons of free resources, but we also offer a free webinar that covers the essential steps to writing and publishing your own book!

Using AI Writing Tools

AI writing tools can assist with every step of the self-publishing process, from brainstorming to sentence structure, offering a cheap alternative to ghostwriting services. AI tools won’t replace human creativity, but they can help you organize your thoughts and generate initial drafts.

Free Blogs

Blogs are a great way to learn more about the self-publishing process and are generally a less than five-minute read. It’s important, though, to find reliable information. Publishing.com has years of industry experience and thousands of success stories. Visit our blog and explore tips from the pros, all without spending a dime.

Collaborating with Editors

Another affordable alternative is to own the writing process yourself and hire a freelance editor. This option is for those who don't mind spending the time or who have a tight budget. You save on upfront writing costs while still ensuring a polished final product.

Hiring a ghostwriter can be an expensive undertaking, but it’s not the only option to bring your idea to life. Understanding the ghostwriter cost, pricing models, and alternatives can help you make the best decision for your project. We wish you all the best on your journey!