How Much Does a Ghostwriter Charge to Write a Book? [Full Breakdown]

Have you ever dreamed of writing a book but just don’t have the time or writing skills to bring your story to life? You’re not alone—and that’s exactly why ghostwriters exist. Whether you’re a business leader with a powerful message, an entrepreneur with expertise to share, or someone with a remarkable life story, hiring a ghostwriter can be a game-changer.

But one big question always comes up first:

How much does a ghostwriter charge to write a book?

The answer isn’t simple, but don’t worry—we’re breaking down everything you need to know in this guide to make a confident, informed decision.

What is a Ghostwriter, Exactly?

A ghostwriter is a professional writer who creates content, often entire books, on behalf of someone else. They stay in the background, with the author (you!) taking credit for the work.

They may help with:

• Turning your ideas or outline into a full manuscript

• Conducting interviews and research

• Rewriting or editing drafts

• Structuring your content for flow and clarity

You get a polished, professional book—without having to write a single chapter yourself.

So, How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter?

The cost of hiring a ghostwriter to write a book varies greatly depending on several factors. Some ghostwriters charge a few thousand dollars, while others charge upwards of $100,000+—especially if they’ve worked with celebrities or New York Times bestselling authors.

Let’s explore why there’s such a wide range.

Factors That Influence Ghostwriting Prices

1. Book Length

The longer the book, the more time it takes to write. A 25,000-word book might cost significantly less than an 80,000-word novel or memoir.

2. Genre and Subject Matter

• Fiction typically requires creativity and character development.
• Memoirs may involve emotional depth and personal interviews.
• Business or self-help books often require research and a structured approach.
• Technical or niche books need subject expertise.

Complex genres = higher costs.

3. Experience of the Ghostwriter

A ghostwriter with years of experience, published work, or a high-profile client list will charge more than a beginner. Think of it as hiring a top-tier consultant.

4. Depth of Research

Some books need minimal input—others may require hours of interviews, sourcing case studies, or industry research. The more effort involved, the more you’ll pay.

5. Timeline and Urgency

If you need your book within a few weeks, expect to pay a premium for expedited work.

6. Revisions and Collaboration

More revisions or frequent collaboration sessions often come at an additional cost.

Common Ghostwriting Pricing Models

There are several ways ghostwriters charge for their services:

Per Word

Rates can range from $0.50 to $3.00 per word.
Example:

• 50,000 words x $1/word = $50,000

Per Page

Typical rates range from $100 to $300 per page, with the average page being about 250 words.

Flat Project Fee

Most professional ghostwriters prefer a flat fee after scoping out your project. These fees can range from:

• $5,000 to $25,000 for a basic book

• $30,000 to $100,000+ for professional, high-end projects

Hourly Rates

Hourly billing ranges from $30 to $250+ per hour, depending on the writer’s experience. This model is less common for full books but may be used for partial projects or editing.

Royalties or Revenue Share

Some ghostwriters offer discounted fees in exchange for a percentage of royalties. This model is rare unless the book has high commercial potential.

Cost Estimates by Book Type

Here’s a ballpark of what you might expect to pay based on the type of book:

What’s Typically Included in Ghostwriting Fees?

When you pay for ghostwriting services, you’re often getting more than just words on a page. Most packages include:

• Interviews & brainstorming sessions
• Outline development
• Writing and structuring
• Basic editing and revisions
• Confidentiality agreements (NDA)
• One to three rounds of feedback implementation

Some ghostwriters may also offer publishing guidance or connect you with editors and literary agents.

Real-Life Pricing Scenarios

Let’s look at a couple of real-world scenarios:

Budget Ghostwriter (Freelancer on Fiverr or Upwork)

• $5,000 for 40,000 words
• May include limited editing and no publishing support
• Risks: Quality varies, potential plagiarism, or weak storytelling

Mid-Level Ghostwriter (Experienced Freelancer or Small Agency)

• $15,000 – $40,000 for 50,000–60,000 words
• Includes interviews, structure, full manuscript, and editing
• Good balance of quality and affordability

High-End Ghostwriter (Agency or Published Author)

• $50,000 – $100,000+
• Full service with revisions, developmental editing, and publishing support
• Suitable for CEOs, celebrities, or authors aiming for bestseller lists

How to Hire a Ghostwriter Without Breaking the Bank

If your budget is tight, here are some smart strategies:

1. Start with a Book Outline or Proposal – You can hire a ghostwriter for just the outline or first few chapters.

2. Negotiate a Payment Plan – Many writers accept milestone payments.

3. Look for Newer Talent – Emerging ghostwriters may charge less but still deliver solid work.

4. Consider Co-Writing or Editing Help – If you have a draft, hiring someone to polish it is more affordable.

5. Work with an Agency – Agencies often offer different pricing tiers.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Some ghostwriters charge extra for services like:

• Professional editing or proofreading
• Book cover design
• Publishing assistance
• Revisions beyond the agreed number
• Formatting for Amazon KDP or print

Always clarify what’s included in the price upfront.

Is Hiring a Ghostwriter Worth It?

Yes—if you’re serious about publishing a quality book that reflects your ideas, expertise, or story. Hiring a ghostwriter:

• Saves you months (or years) of effort
• Delivers a polished product ready for publishing
• Increases your authority or brand recognition
• Helps you reach your audience with a compelling narrative

Think of it as an investment in your story, your brand, or your legacy.

Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Story

Ghostwriting isn’t cheap, and it shouldn’t be. You’re not just paying for someone to type words; you’re hiring a skilled storyteller to bring your ideas to life with emotion, structure, and strategy.

Whether your budget is $5,000 or $50,000, there’s likely a ghostwriter out there who can help you write the book you’ve been dreaming about. Just make sure you do your homework, ask the right questions, and remember: a great book is worth every penny.