If you’ve ever said, “I should write a book one day,” you’re in good company. Most people have at least one story sitting in the back of their heads. A memoir. A business guide. Maybe even that novel idea you scribbled on a napkin five years ago.
Here’s the problem. Writing is a grind. You open a blank page, type a sentence, delete it, type another, hate it, and suddenly laundry feels more important than your great book idea. Sound familiar?
That’s usually the point when people start thinking about ghostwriters.
Ghostwriters are professionals who do the actual writing for you. You bring the ideas, the stories, the expertise. They shape it into something people can read without yawning. You still get the credit — it’s your name on the cover. They just make sure the thing actually gets finished.
But then comes the question that scares people: “How much will this cost me?”
Why People Even Hire Ghostwriters
Let’s get one thing out of the way: hiring a ghostwriter isn’t cheating. Politicians do it. Business leaders do it. Even some of your favorite authors have done it, and if you’re wondering what is ghostwriting, it’s simply the process of bringing your ideas to life through a skilled writer while keeping your name on the work.
Why? A few reasons:
Here are 4 main reasons why people hire ghostwriters.
#1 Time
A full book takes hundreds of hours. Most people simply don’t have that kind of space in their schedule.
#2 Skill
Talking and writing are not the same thing. You can tell a great story at dinner and still flop on paper.
#3 Clarity
Ghostwriters can take your messy notes and turn them into something that actually flows.
#4 Confidence
Some people freeze when it’s time to write. A ghostwriter keeps the project alive.
Honestly, it’s like hiring a builder. You could probably watch YouTube videos and learn how to renovate your kitchen, but why not let someone skilled handle it?
Why the Price isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
This is where things get tricky. Ghostwriters rates are all over the place, and there’s a reason.
A 70,000-word autobiography is not the same as a 15-page white paper.
A ghostwriter who’s just starting out will charge much less than one who’s written bestsellers.
A book you want in 12 months is cheaper than a book you demand in 12 weeks.
The cost depends on length, complexity, timeline, and who you hire. It’s like cars — you can buy a used Honda or a brand-new Tesla. Both will get you places, but you know the difference in price.
The Ways Ghostwriters Charge
Ghostwriters don’t all bill the same way, but here are the most common:
- Per word – Usually $0.25–$3.00. So, a 50,000-word book could run $12,500 to $150,000.
- Per page – Often $50–$200. Do the math on 200 pages, and you see how it adds up.
- Flat fee – Many prefer to price the whole project. Anywhere from $10,000 on the low end to $100,000+ for big projects.
- Hourly – Common for articles or speeches. Ranges from $40 to $200+ an hour.
Real Numbers: What a Book Costs
Let’s get blunt. Here’s a general range for a full book:
- Entry-level ghostwriters: $10,000–$25,000
- Mid-level professionals: $25,000–$60,000
- High-end writers: $60,000–$150,000+
Yes, some celebrity memoirs break $200,000. But most people — coaches, entrepreneurs, memoirists — land somewhere in the $20,000–$60,000 zone.
This shows why ghostwriters rates need context. A beginner’s flat fee will differ greatly from an industry veteran with bestsellers under their belt.
Smaller Projects (and Smaller Budgets)
Not everything has to be a 300-page book. Ghostwriters also handle:
- Blog posts: $200–$1,000
- Speeches: $500–$5,000
- Short eBooks (10,000–20,000 words): $2,000–$15,000
- White papers/reports: $1,000–$10,000
These can be great “test runs” if you’re not ready for a full manuscript. For smaller pieces, hiring a ghostwriter cost is usually easier to manage.
Why it Looks Expensive (But isn’t)
Here’s the thing: when people first hear ghostwriting costs, they gasp. But let’s break it down.
A $40,000 book might take 800 hours to complete. That’s $50 an hour. Plenty of professionals charge that — or more — for their expertise. Lawyers, consultants, designers. The difference? At the end of those 800 hours, you’re holding an actual book that could live on forever.
A Few Real-life Scenarios
Ghostwriting isn’t one-size-fits-all — it adapts to the author’s purpose, timeline, and budget. These examples show how the same service can serve vastly different needs, from legacy projects to business branding.
The Coach
She paid about $30k for a ghostwritten book. Within six months, she had new speaking gigs that covered the cost.
The Retiree
A firefighter who just wanted to leave something for his family. His ghostwriter charged $18k. Not a bestseller, but priceless for him.
The Entrepreneur
Needed a book fast for a launch. Paid around $70k for a rush job. It became part of his branding.
Different people, different goals and different price tags. Proof that hiring a ghostwriter cost depends on what you need most.
Other Costs You Can’t Ignore
Ghostwriting isn’t the only expense. Keep these in mind:
- Editing: $1,000–$5,000.
- Cover design & formatting: $500–$3,000.
- Publishing setup: ISBNs, distribution.
- Marketing: ads, PR, book tours, you name it.
A ghostwritten book without editing or design is like a house without paint—it works, but it’s not polished.
How to Hire the Right Ghostwriter
A few tips from people who’ve done this before:
- Always ask for samples.
- Talk through expectations upfront.
- Be honest about your budget.
- Make sure you click with them.
- Put everything in writing.
Remember — you’ll be working closely with this person for months. Comfort matters as much as skill.
So, is Hiring a Ghostwriter Worth the Cost?
That’s the big question.
If you just want something for your family, maybe not. You can keep costs down or even DIY. But if you’re aiming for credibility, speaking gigs, or building a career as an author, then yes. A ghostwriter is worth every penny.
Because here’s the truth: unfinished books don’t change lives. Finished ones do.
Final Word
So how much does it cost to hire a ghostwriter? Anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ for a book, depending on what you want and who you hire. Smaller projects? A few hundred to a few thousand.
At the end of the day, the real question isn’t the cost. It’s: what’s your story worth to you?
Ready to bring your story to life? At Ghostwriting Help, we match you with experienced writers who can capture your voice and vision, whether it’s a book, memoir, or brand-building project. Let’s talk about your goals and create something lasting.
FAQs
Q: Why do ghostwriters charge such different rates?
Costs vary based on experience, project length, complexity, and deadlines. An entry-level writer may charge $10k while seasoned professionals charge $100k+ for high-demand projects.
Q: Can I hire a ghostwriter for smaller projects?
Yes! Ghostwriters also handle blogs, speeches, white papers, and short eBooks. Prices range from a few hundred to several thousand depending on scope and length.
Q: Is hiring a ghostwriter considered unethical?
Not at all. Politicians, business leaders, and authors use them. You provide ideas; the ghostwriter shapes them. You maintain full credit since it’s your voice and story.
Q: What other costs should I expect beyond ghostwriting?
Editing, design, formatting, ISBNs, and marketing often add $2,000–$10,000+. These extras polish your manuscript into a professional, market-ready book that reaches readers effectively.
Q: How do I choose the right ghostwriter for my book?
Review samples, set clear expectations, confirm budget, and ensure personal chemistry. Since you’ll work closely for months, both trust and skill matter equally.