In 2025, professional ghostwriters typically charge between $5,000 and $100,000 or more for a full-length manuscript, depending on their experience, project complexity, word count, and timeline. Per-word rates range from $0.30 to $2.00, while hourly rates start around $50 and can go beyond $200.
Whether you’re writing a memoir, a business book, or a fiction novel, ghostwriting is a premium service—and for good reason. Let’s dive into the full cost breakdown and what you should expect when hiring a ghostwriter in 2025.
What Is a Ghostwriter and Why Hire One?
A ghostwriter is a professional writer hired to create content that is credited to someone else. They are often used for:
- Autobiographies and memoirs
- Business books
- Fiction and nonfiction books
- Screenplays and scripts
- Blogs, whitepapers, and speeches
Ghostwriters work behind the scenes. Their job is to capture your voice, shape your ideas, and produce polished writing that aligns with your goals—even though your name appears as the author.
Hiring a ghostwriter allows you to publish high-quality content without needing to master the writing craft or dedicate months (or years) to the process.
Ghostwriting Pricing Models in 2025
💬 Per Word
- Typical range: $0.30 to $2.00+
- Often used for blogs, articles, and shorter books.
- A 60,000-word manuscript at $1/word = $60,000.
⏱ Per Hour
- Range: $50 to $200+
- Ideal for short-form projects, consulting, revisions, or idea development.
📘 Per Project
- Range: $5,000 to $100,000+
- Best for full-length books or comprehensive content strategies. Includes planning, interviews, writing, and revisions.
💼 Hybrid/Royalty-Based
- Some ghostwriters accept lower upfront fees in exchange for a share of future royalties or revenue, especially if the project has commercial potential.
Average Cost by Project Type
| Content Type | Estimated Cost Range (USD) |
| Memoir / Autobiography | $25,000 – $100,000+ |
| Business Book | $20,000 – $80,000 |
| Fiction Novel | $15,000 – $70,000 |
| eBook (20k–30k words) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Blog Post (1,000 words) | $300 – $1,000 |
| Whitepaper / Case Study | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Speechwriting | $1,000 – $7,500 per speech |
| Book Proposal | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| Screenplay / Script | $10,000 – $50,000+ |
🔍 Pro Tip: Always get a detailed quote. What’s included in the ghostwriting fee can vary greatly depending on the provider.
Factors That Influence Ghostwriting Costs
1. Experience and Reputation
Ghostwriters with proven credentials—such as NYT bestselling titles or celebrity clients—charge premium rates.
- Beginner/Entry-Level: $5,000 – $15,000 per book
- Mid-Level Professional: $15,000 – $50,000
- Top-Tier / Elite Ghostwriters: $50,000 – $100,000+
2. Book Length
Longer books require more time and effort, which directly increases the cost. For example:
- 30,000 words (short nonfiction or eBook): ~$15,000 – $25,000
- 60,000–80,000 words (average book length): ~$40,000 – $70,000
- 100,000+ words (complex memoir or in-depth nonfiction): $75,000+
3. Research & Interviews
Projects that involve extensive research, fact-checking, or interviews take more time. Memoirs, technical nonfiction, and investigative writing cost more than fiction with minimal research.
4. Timeline & Urgency
If you need a book delivered within 30-60 days, expect to pay a rush fee or premium—often 25–50% more than standard rates.
5. Client Input & Vision
Books that start from scratch (raw ideas) require more creative direction, outline development, and feedback. Authors who bring a complete outline or partial draft may reduce total costs.
What’s Included in Professional Ghostwriting Services?
When you hire a professional ghostwriter, you’re paying for more than just words on a page. Standard services often include:
- Discovery calls and planning sessions
- Outline and book structure development
- Interviews with the client and stakeholders
- Research, fact-checking, and citations (if needed)
- Complete manuscript writing
- Revisions and edits
- Proofreading and formatting (optional)
- Final manuscript in print- and eBook-ready formats
- Full rights transfer (typically via contract/NDA)
Where to Hire Professional Ghostwriters in 2025
🏆 Top Ghostwriting Companies
- Barnett Ghostwriting – Full-service ghostwriting agency known for premium nonfiction and memoirs.
- Gotham Ghostwriters – A network of elite writers for business and publishing professionals.
- Reedsy – Platform for vetted ghostwriters and editors.
- Kevin Anderson & Associates – Offers ghostwriting for CEOs, celebrities, and public figures.
🔍 Freelance Marketplaces
- Upwork – Offers access to vetted professionals. Use filters to find high-end talent.
- LinkedIn ProFinder – Great for finding local or specialized ghostwriters.
- Fiverr Pro – Budget-friendly, but quality varies. Use only “Pro” or “Verified” freelancers.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid extremely low-priced ghostwriters from content mills—they may deliver plagiarized or poor-quality content.
FAQ: Ghostwriting Costs in 2025
1. Is ghostwriting worth the investment?
Yes. If you want a professionally written book or article that reflects your voice and message without spending months writing it yourself, hiring a ghostwriter is well worth it.
2. Can I find a ghostwriter under $5,000?
Possibly—but you’ll likely be working with an entry-level writer or someone outside of North America. Quality, communication, and originality may vary.
3. How long does it take to ghostwrite a book?
Typically 3 to 9 months, depending on word count, client availability, and research needs.
4. Do ghostwriters get royalties?
Usually no. Most ghostwriters are paid upfront with a flat fee. Some may negotiate a royalty or bonus agreement for high-potential projects.
5. Are ghostwriting services confidential?
Absolutely. Most ghostwriters operate under strict confidentiality agreements (NDAs). You retain full credit and ownership of the final manuscript.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, hiring a professional ghostwriter remains a premium service, reflecting the skill, experience, and time required to bring your ideas to life. Prices range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on project size, complexity, and the ghostwriter’s credentials.
If you want to publish a high-quality book, establish thought leadership, or simply tell your story without writing it yourself, investing in a professional ghostwriter could be the smartest decision you make this year.
