If you're considering outsourcing your writing project, whether it's a book, blog series, or business content, you're likely wondering: "How much does it cost to hire a ghostwriter?" The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Costs can vary widely depending on the scope of your project, the experience of the writer, and the type of content you need. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when hiring professional ghostwriters and what factors into the final price.
Why Hire a Ghostwriter?
Ghostwriters are the unsung heroes behind many bestselling books, thought leadership articles, celebrity memoirs, and even CEO speeches. A good ghostwriter takes your vision, voice, and ideas and transforms them into compelling, polished content. Professional ghostwriters bring not only excellent writing skills but also research abilities, storytelling techniques, and deep knowledge of your subject matter (or the ability to learn it fast).
Factors That Influence Ghostwriting Rates
Type of Project
Different projects demand different levels of effort and expertise. Here's a rough breakdown:
Blog posts or articles: $100–$1,000+ per piece depending on length and complexity.
Ebooks (5,000–20,000 words): $2,000–$10,000+
Full-length nonfiction books (50,000–80,000 words): $15,000–$100,000+
Memoirs or fiction: $25,000–$100,000+
Business content or white papers: $1,000–$7,000+
Experience and Reputation of the Ghostwriter
Professional ghostwriters with a track record of publishing successful or bestselling work command higher rates. Writers who have worked with high-profile clients, publishers, or agencies tend to charge premium fees due to their industry connections and proven results.Research and Interview Requirements
If your project requires in-depth interviews, travel, or substantial research, that time will be factored into the cost. A ghostwriter writing a technical manual or investigative memoir, for example, will likely charge more than someone writing a personal blog post.Timeline and Deadlines
Rush projects usually come with a higher price tag. If you need a book completed in 4 weeks instead of 4 months, expect to pay significantly more for the expedited service.Level of Involvement
Do you already have a detailed outline, transcripts, or draft material? Or will the ghostwriter be starting from scratch based on a few conversations with you? The more work they need to do upfront, the higher the cost.
Typical Pricing Models
Ghostwriters may charge in a few different ways:
Per word: Common for blog posts or articles. Rates can range from $0.50 to $3.00+ per word.
Per hour: Less common, but some writers charge $50–$250/hour, depending on experience.
Per project: Ideal for books and larger content packages. This provides a flat fee and helps avoid surprises.
Is It Worth the Investment?
If you’re looking to build your brand, publish a book, or establish thought leadership but don’t have the time or writing skills, hiring a professional ghostwriter is absolutely worth it. A great ghostwriter doesn’t just write—they capture your voice, elevate your message, and help you connect with your audience authentically.
Final Thoughts
While the cost to hire a ghostwriter can vary dramatically, one thing is clear: quality matters. Whether you're aiming to publish your first book or launch a content marketing campaign, partnering with professional ghostwriters can be the key to producing high-impact, well-crafted writing that gets results.
Before hiring, always review samples, ask for references, and make sure their style aligns with your vision. Like any great collaboration, the best outcomes come when there's clarity, trust, and communication.
