How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter to Write a Book in 2025?
Have a great book idea but don’t have the time, writing skill, or energy to put it into words? You’re not alone. More and more entrepreneurs, professionals, influencers, and even everyday people are turning to ghostwriters to help transform their ideas into polished, publishable books. But how much does it actually cost to hire a ghostwriter in 2025?
The short answer is: it depends. Ghostwriting rates vary wildly based on the project type, writer experience, word count, genre, turnaround time, and more. But don’t worry—we’re going to break it all down for you.
Whether you want to write a business book, memoir, novel, or self-help guide, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the factors that influence ghostwriting fees, the current industry rates, and tips to hire the right ghostwriter for your vision and budget.
What Does a Ghostwriter Actually Do?
Before we dive into the numbers, it’s important to understand what a ghostwriter does.
A ghostwriter is a professional writer hired to write a book on your behalf. You provide the ideas, vision, or content, and they craft it into a complete manuscript. The ghostwriter’s name typically doesn’t appear on the cover—you’re credited as the author.
Their tasks may include:
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Conducting interviews with you
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Researching your topic or story
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Structuring the book from start to finish
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Writing all chapters in your voice and tone
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Editing, revising, and polishing the manuscript
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Collaborating on rewrites or additions
So you’re not just paying for words—you’re paying for writing skill, narrative structure, creativity, communication, and publishing knowledge.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Hiring a Ghostwriter
Ghostwriting isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. The price depends on several factors:
1. Book Type
Different types of books require different amounts of research, interviews, and creative input.
| Book Type | Average Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Memoir / Biography | $15,000 – $75,000+ |
| Business Book | $25,000 – $100,000 |
| Self-Help / How-To | $20,000 – $80,000 |
| Fiction / Novel | $10,000 – $50,000+ |
| Children’s Book | $2,000 – $10,000 |
| Short eBooks (under 10k words) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
Memoirs and business books typically cost more because they demand a deep understanding of your life story or industry, as well as several rounds of interviews and revisions.
2. Word Count / Book Length
One of the most straightforward pricing models is per word or per page.
| Word Count | Average Project Cost |
|---|---|
| 10,000 words | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 25,000 words | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| 50,000 words | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| 75,000+ words | $20,000 – $60,000+ |
A professional ghostwriter usually charges $0.50 to $2.00 per word depending on experience. Some elite-level writers charge $3–$5 per word, especially if they’ve written bestselling books.
3. Writer’s Experience and Reputation
Experience matters—a lot. Here’s how ghostwriters are generally priced based on their background:
| Writer Type | Estimated Rate |
|---|---|
| Beginner Freelancers | $0.10 – $0.50 per word |
| Mid-Level Professionals | $0.50 – $1.50 per word |
| High-Demand Experts (10+ books) | $1.50 – $3.00+ per word |
| Celebrity Ghostwriters / NYT Bestsellers | $50,000 – $250,000+ flat fee |
A newer ghostwriter might be perfect for a short eBook or children’s story. But if you’re writing a legacy memoir or high-stakes business book, it’s wise to invest in a seasoned professional.
4. Research and Interview Time
If your book requires extensive interviews, complex research, or transcription of voice memos, this adds hours of labor and boosts the cost.
For example:
- A memoir ghostwriter might spend 20–40 hours interviewing you.
- A business book writer might need to study your industry, competitors, case studies, and past speeches.
Some ghostwriters charge hourly for research, ranging from $50 to $200/hour.
5. Timeline and Turnaround
The faster you need the book, the more you’ll pay. If you need a 60,000-word book in 6 weeks, that’s a rush project.
Standard ghostwriting timelines:
- 3–6 months: Ideal for most book projects
- 6–12 months: Longer research-intensive or collaborative books
- Under 2 months: Rush rates (can add 25%–100% to cost)
If you’re flexible on delivery, you may get a better rate.
Common Ghostwriting Pricing Models
Let’s look at how ghostwriters usually structure their rates.
1. Flat Project Fee
Most professional ghostwriters offer a fixed price for the entire manuscript. This is often based on your desired word count, subject matter complexity, and number of revisions.
Pros: Predictable, easier for budgeting
Cons: Higher upfront payments
2. Per Word Rate
Some writers quote a price per word. For example, 50,000 words at $1.00/word = $50,000.
Pros: Scales with scope
Cons: Hard to estimate final cost until word count is finalized
3. Hourly Rate
Some charge by the hour for consulting, planning, or editing.
Typical rates:
- New writers: $30–$50/hour
- Professional ghostwriters: $75–$150/hour
- Publishing consultants: $150–$300/hour
Note: This model is rarely used for full manuscripts but common for partial projects or strategy sessions.
What’s Included in the Price?
When hiring a professional ghostwriter, your fee often includes more than just the writing.
Here’s what’s usually included in a full-service ghostwriting package:
- Initial discovery call or interviews
- Research and outlining
- Manuscript writing (multiple drafts)
- Editing and revisions
- Formatting assistance
- Writing in your voice and tone
- Confidentiality and NDA
- Guidance on publishing options
Some may even help with:
- Book proposal writing
- Querying agents
- Marketing strategy
- Audiobook script preparation
Always clarify what’s included before signing a contract.
Payment Schedule: How Do You Pay a Ghostwriter?
Ghostwriters rarely ask for full payment upfront. A standard payment schedule looks like this:
- 25% deposit at contract signing
- 25% after outline or first few chapters
- 25% after rough draft
- 25% upon final delivery
Larger projects may include monthly milestones or chapter-based payments.
Be wary of anyone offering to write a full-length book for $500 upfront—that’s often a red flag for poor quality or scams.
Is Hiring a Ghostwriter Worth the Investment?
Let’s be honest: ghostwriting isn’t cheap. But you’re not just paying for words—you’re buying time, professionalism, publishing readiness, and peace of mind.
Here’s what you gain:
- A professional-grade manuscript written in your voice
- A polished product without having to write a single word yourself
- Market-ready content that reflects your expertise or story
- Confidence in sharing your message with the world
If you’re an entrepreneur, speaker, or coach, a book can skyrocket your credibility and income. For many, the ROI of hiring a ghostwriter far exceeds the cost.
How to Find the Right Ghostwriter
Here are a few tips when looking to hire a ghostwriter in 2025:
1. Ask for Samples
Read samples of their past work. Make sure their style aligns with yours.
2. Check Testimonials
Ask for client references or reviews to see if past clients were satisfied.
3. Discuss Voice and Collaboration
Good ghostwriters adapt to your voice. Choose someone who’s a great listener.
4. Clarify Ownership
Ensure you own 100% of the rights and get your name on the cover.
5. Get a Contract
Always work with a professional contract that includes scope, timeline, payment, and confidentiality.
You can find ghostwriters on:
- Reedsy
- Upwork (for budget-conscious projects)
- Ghostwriters Association (US/UK)
- Referrals from other authors or publishers
Tips to Reduce Ghostwriting Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
If a $30,000 ghostwriting fee is out of reach, here’s how to lower costs:
- Write a rough draft or outline yourself, and hire someone to clean it up.
- Hire a developmental editor or writing coach instead of a full ghostwriter.
- Break the project into smaller chunks—start with 1–2 chapters.
- Consider hiring a junior ghostwriter with good samples and fresh energy.
Final Thoughts: So, What Should You Expect to Pay?
As of 2025, hiring a ghostwriter to write a full-length book typically costs between $15,000 and $60,000, depending on the scope, word count, and writer expertise. High-end professionals or celebrity ghostwriters may charge well into the six figures.
While this may seem like a big investment, it’s often the smartest move for busy professionals, entrepreneurs, or non-writers who want to get published and establish authority.
Your story deserves to be told well. A professional ghostwriter can help you turn your vision into a finished manuscript you’ll be proud to publish.
Have a great book idea but don’t have the time, writing skill, or energy to put it into words? You’re not alone. More and more entrepreneurs, professionals, influencers, and even everyday people are turning to ghostwriters to help transform their ideas into polished, publishable books. But how much does it actually cost to hire a ghostwriter in 2025?
The short answer is: it depends. Ghostwriting rates vary wildly based on the project type, writer experience, word count, genre, turnaround time, and more. But don’t worry—we’re going to break it all down for you.
