Not everyone has time to sit down and write a book. That’s where a ghostwriter steps in. With the right professional, your ideas turn into something readers would cherish for a lifetime.
Thinking about acquiring help to pen a memoir, business guide, or a history book? Well then, it’s smart to know how much ghostwriters charge per page. This guide clears that up and helps yaou plan ahead.
Ghostwriting fees per page can shift based on the writer’s skill, the scope of the job, and how complex the work feels. Some use word or hourly rates, but per-page pricing fits longer projects more often.
What is Ghostwriting?
A ghostwriter is someone who writes content for others without taking credit. Ghostwriters work on a range of projects:
- Books (fiction and nonfiction)
- Blog posts and articles
- Speeches and presentations
- eBooks and whitepapers
In most cases, the client owns the final content while the ghostwriter stays anonymous.
Common Ghostwriting Pricing Models
The ghostwriting fees per page are different, so it’s important to understand the common ways ghostwriters price their work.
Per Word:
- One of the most common pricing methods
- Can range from $0.10 to $2.00 per word
Per Hour:
- Based on time spent writing or revising
- Rates vary from $30 to $200 per hour
Per Project:
- A flat rate for the entire job
- Best for books or long-term projects
Per Page:
- Often used for books, reports, and long-form content
- Depends on formatting and word count per page
Average Cost Per Page for Ghostwriting
While many writers charge per page, it’s helpful to compare ghostwriting rates per word as well. Below is a general price range.
General Price Range
| Experience Level | Typical Cost Per Page |
| Beginner | $25 to $50 |
| Intermediate | $50 to $100 |
| Expert/Celebrity | $100 to $250+ |
Note: One standard manuscript page usually has about 250–300 words, double-spaced, 12 pt font.
Factors that Affect Ghostwriting Costs
Many variables affect the final ghostwriting rates per word. You need to understand them to plan your budget more accurately.
Experience and Skill Level
It’s important to understand that the wordsmith you hire, will often charge based on the years of experience they have under their belts.
- Beginners may charge less but require more direction
- Experienced writers usually deliver a better structure and tone
- Celebrity ghostwriters often command premium rates due to their reputation
Type of Content
| Content Type | Typical Page Rate |
| Blog Articles | $25–$100 |
| Business eBooks | $50–$150 |
| Memoirs | $75–$200 |
| Technical Manuals | $100–$250 |
The Research Required
Some projects are quick to write. Others? They need deep dives, expert chats, and fact-checking galore. If your piece falls into that second camp, expect the price to go up. Things like interviewing people (and typing up what they say), digging through technical docs, or hunting for solid academic sources all take extra time — and that extra time isn’t free.
Deadlines Matter
If you need something in a hurry, it’s going to cost more. A rush job means dropping other work to focus on yours, and that can push rates up anywhere from 25% to double the usual price, depending on how “yesterday” your deadline feels.
Your Involvement
If you already have a solid outline, plenty of notes, or clear directions, it makes the writer’s job a lot easier — and usually cheaper for you. But if they have to start with nothing and figure out the structure, ideas, and content on their own, it’s a much bigger job, and the price will go up.
How to Estimate Your Ghostwriting Budget
Below are a few steps to follow to estimate your ghostwriting budget.
Step 1: Know the Word Count
Use the industry standard:
- 1 manuscript page = 250 to 300 words
- For example, a 60,000-word book equals about 200–240 pages.
Step 2: Choose a Page Rate Based on Skill Level
If hiring a mid-level writer at $75/page, a 200-page book may cost:
- 200 pages x $75 = $15,000
Step 3: Factor in Extras
- Research or interviews: +10%–25%
- Revisions or editing: often included, but confirm
- Formatting and publishing support: may be separate
What You Get with Ghostwriting Services?
Not all ghostwriters offer the same package. Here are common inclusions:
Usually Included
- Initial outline and concept development
- First draft and revisions
- Proofreading and formatting (basic)
Optional Add-Ons
- Deep research or expert interviews
- SEO optimization (for web content)
- Help with publishing or finding an agent
- Cover design and layout services
Always confirm what is included before signing a contract.
Tips for Hiring a Ghostwriter
Hiring a ghostwriter isn’t just about what they charge — it’s about finding someone you actually trust to bring your ideas to life.
Things that Should Raise an Eyebrow
- If a rate is really low, like under $25 a page, that can be a sign they’re new, or worse, that they might be copying other people’s work. Big red flag.
- No contract? Or a contract that doesn’t clearly spell out what you’ll get? That’s another one.
- And if they’re bad at replying to emails or can’t meet deadlines, that’s going to be a headache you don’t need.
Expert Advice:
Trust your gut. If something feels off at the start, it usually is. It’s way easier to walk away early than to clean up a headache later.
Good Signs You’ve Found the Right Fit
- They’re upfront about pricing — no “surprise” charges later.
- Their samples sound like the voice and style you want.
- They’re fine signing an NDA so your ideas stay yours.
- They have happy clients willing to vouch for them.
Expert Advice:
A good ghostwriter should feel easy to work with. If the conversation flows and you feel confident they “get” you, that’s just as important as their portfolio.
When Paying Per Page Makes Sense
Paying per page can work great if you know about how long your project will be, if you’re using standard manuscript formatting, and if you like the idea of a set price instead of paying by the hour.
For shorter stuff, like blog posts or SEO-heavy writing, paying per word might make more sense.
To Conclude
Good writing isn’t about fancy words. It’s about telling your story so people want to keep reading. A ghostwriter just makes that happen faster and better. Prices change depending on what you need, but for solid work, you’re usually in the $50–$150 a page range.
At Ghostwriting Help, we keep it real — just tell us what’s in your head, and we’ll put it into words that feel like yours. Let’s get your story out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do ghostwriters usually charge per page?
Most ghostwriters charge between $50 – $150 per page, depending on experience and project type. Celebrity-level writers may charge $200 or more per page.
2. What is considered one page in ghostwriting?
A standard ghostwriting page equals about 250–300 words, double-spaced, 12-point font. This is the industry norm for manuscripts and long-form content.
3. Are revisions included in the per-page rate?
Most professional ghostwriters include 1–2 rounds of revisions in their rate. It’s best to confirm this in the contract to avoid unexpected fees.
4. Can I hire a ghostwriter just for part of my book?
Yes, many ghostwriters offer partial writing, editing, or outlining services. You can hire them to help with specific chapters or sections as needed.
5. Is it better to pay per word, per page, or per project?
If your content has a clear structure, per-page or per-project pricing works well. Per-word is better for blog posts or short-form work where length varies.