Writing a book is a dream many people hold close, but not everyone has the time, skill, or experience to bring their ideas to life in written form. That’s where ghostwriters come in — professional writers who create books on behalf of someone else, often without public credit. As of 2025, the demand for ghostwriting services is rising, and so are the costs.
If you’re planning to hire a ghostwriter in 2025, understanding the full picture — from pricing models to the influencing factors — is essential before making this significant investment.
What Does a Ghostwriter Do?
A ghostwriter is a hired writing professional who creates content — often books — that is officially credited to another person. They work from outlines, notes, interviews, or even nothing more than a concept. In the case of book writing, ghostwriters:
- Develop content based on interviews or discussions
- Capture the client’s voice and ideas
- Research to support the narrative
- Write and revise the manuscript
- Deliver a polished final product
Ghostwriters are especially common in memoirs, business books, self-help books, celebrity autobiographies, and even fiction.
The Average Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter in 2025
The cost of hiring a ghostwriter in 2025 varies widely depending on the writer’s experience, the book’s complexity, length, and deadline. On average, you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $100,000 for a full-length book.
Here’s a general breakdown by tier:
|
Writer Level |
Approx. Word Count |
Estimated Cost |
|
Beginner/Freelance |
30,000–50,000 words | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Intermediate/Experienced | 50,000–80,000 words |
$20,000–$50,000 |
|
Expert/High-profile |
60,000–100,000+ words |
$60,000–$100,000+ |
High-end ghostwriters with bestsellers under their belt or industry reputation can command six figures, especially if your project involves exclusivity, tight deadlines, or public attention.
Key Factors That Influence the Cost
There is no one-size-fits-all price tag. The final cost of your ghostwritten book depends on several crucial elements:
1. Length of the Manuscript
The longer the book, the higher the cost. A 30,000-word book requires significantly less time and effort than a 90,000-word one.
2. Complexity of the Subject
A technical manual, medical guide, or research-heavy biography will cost more than a general self-help or lifestyle book because of the time spent researching and fact-checking.
3. Writer’s Experience and Portfolio
A new freelancer might charge a few thousand dollars, while a seasoned ghostwriter with a portfolio of bestsellers may charge over $100,000.
4. Timeline and Urgency
If you need the book completed in a few weeks or months, expect to pay a premium. Rushed projects mean the writer has to prioritize your book over others.
5. Level of Involvement
If you’re providing a rough draft, outline, or recorded interviews, the ghostwriter will need to do less creative work — and that could lower the cost. On the other hand, if they’re building your story from scratch, the workload and cost increase.
6. Research and Interviews
Books requiring external interviews, citations, market research, or digging through historical archives involve more effort, and the cost reflects that additional time.
Common Pricing Models Used by Ghostwriters
Ghostwriters generally offer one of the following pricing models depending on their preferences and the project’s scope:
1. Flat-Fee Pricing
The most common structure, where a set price is agreed upon for the entire project. Flat fees are ideal for clarity and budgeting.
2. Per Word Pricing
Some writers charge by the word — usually $0.50 to $3 per word. For a 60,000-word book, this could range from $30,000 to $180,000 depending on quality.
3. Hourly Rate
Less common for books, hourly rates may apply to consultations or smaller projects. Rates typically fall between $50 and $200 per hour.
4. Royalty or Revenue Share
Some ghostwriters agree to a lower upfront fee in exchange for a share of future royalties. However, this model is rare and usually only considered when the author has a large platform or guaranteed sales.
What’s Included in the Ghostwriting Fee?
When you hire a ghostwriter, you’re not just paying for the final draft. The full process usually includes:
- Initial consultations and interviews
- Development of the book structure and outline
- In-depth writing of the manuscript
- Revisions and edits based on your feedback
- Ongoing communication and progress updates
- Proofreading and polishing the final draft
Some ghostwriters also assist with publishing steps, such as formatting, proposal writing, or liaising with editors — but this is typically extra.
Should You Hire a High-End Ghostwriter?
Hiring a top-tier ghostwriter makes sense if:
- You want to release a commercially successful book
- You’re a public figure or entrepreneur building a brand
- You’re planning to traditionally publish and need a compelling manuscript
- Your book must be exceptionally well-written and professionally crafted
For authors with modest goals, freelance or mid-level writers may offer sufficient quality at a much lower cost.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Before investing thousands of dollars, look out for these warning signs:
- No contract: Always sign a clear, legal agreement.
- Vague deliverables: You should know what’s included — number of revisions, expected timeline, format, and ownership rights.
- Unrealistically low rates: If a ghostwriter offers a full-length book for $1,000, the quality will likely suffer.
- Lack of writing samples: A professional writer will always provide past work to evaluate style and skill.
How to Choose the Right Ghostwriter
Choosing the right ghostwriter is as much about compatibility as it is about cost. Follow these steps:
1. Review Their Portfolio
Always ask for writing samples. If they’ve ghostwritten books in your genre, that’s a plus.
2. Check References or Testimonials
Previous clients can provide insight into the ghostwriter’s professionalism, communication style, and quality of work.
3. Evaluate Communication
You’ll be working together for several months. Make sure the person is responsive, open to feedback, and genuinely interested in your story.
4. Discuss Ownership and Credit
Clarify whether you will own the full copyright, and whether the ghostwriter expects any public credit or acknowledgment.
Tips to Save on Ghostwriting Costs
Hiring a ghostwriter doesn’t always have to break the bank. Here are some tips to manage the budget without sacrificing quality:
- Write part of the book yourself: Some authors draft a few chapters and hire a ghostwriter to complete or polish the manuscript.
- Provide all the materials upfront: Notes, outlines, recordings, and past drafts can save the ghostwriter time.
- Break the project into phases: Consider paying per milestone (e.g., outline, first draft, final manuscript).
- Choose a shorter book: A 30,000-word guide or memoir is cheaper and still effective, especially in the digital space.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a ghostwriter in 2025 is both an investment and a collaboration. Whether your aim is to tell your life story, establish thought leadership, or simply see your name on a book cover, a ghostwriter can make that dream a reality — professionally and efficiently.
However, this quality comes at a price. Most full-length projects range between $20,000 and $75,000, and the cost reflects not just the time spent writing, but the ghostwriter’s skill, confidentiality, and storytelling expertise. Before you commit, consider your budget, goals, and expectations. When done right, a ghostwritten book can become a lasting legacy or a powerful business tool.
FAQs
Q1: Can I hire a ghostwriter for under $10,000?
Yes, but it’s more likely with shorter books or less experienced writers. Quality may vary, so vet carefully.
Q2: Do ghostwriters get credit on the book?
Usually not. Most ghostwriters remain anonymous unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Q3: How long does it take to ghostwrite a book?
On average, 4 to 9 months, depending on length and complexity.
Q4: Will a ghostwriter help with publishing?
Some offer extra services, but publishing help may require additional fees or a separate expert.
Q5: Do I need to sign a contract?
Absolutely. A written agreement ensures both parties are protected and clear on expectations.
