How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter in the USA?

Ever flipped through a celebrity memoir and thought, “Did they really write this?” Well, you’re not alone. Many books, speeches, blogs, or even that viral Instagram Story, weren’t crafted by the name on the cover. Ghostwriters exist. They’re unseen, unsung, but powerful storytellers behind the scenes.

Basically, ghostwriting is hiring someone to write content that you take credit for. It could be a full book, blog posts, speeches, or even whitepapers. The ghostwriter works quietly. But you remain the face. Also, you decide how much involvement you have. And you pay for the final product. So, it's your voice, but with help.

People often search for things like “ghostwriting services” or “ghost book writer” when they want quality writing without the stress of doing every word themselves. That makes sense, because cost becomes the #1 question. How much will this invisible author cost me?

What Is a Ghostwriter & Why People Hire One

So, what exactly is a ghostwriter? In simple terms, a ghostwriter is a professional writer who creates content for someone else. Basically, the client gets the credit. Meanwhile, the writer stays behind the curtain.

This arrangement is common and totally normal in publishing, business and even politics

Why People Use Ghostwriting Services

Many authors, speakers, and brands hire ghostwriting services when they need quality work. But are lacking in time or skill. For instance, a busy entrepreneur may want a book drafted. A public speaker might need a powerful speech.

Or maybe a marketing team might request blogs. Or maybe whitepapers

So, in each case, a ghost book writer shapes the message. All the while you stay the face.

Ghostwriting Companies vs. Individual Professionals

There are full-service ghostwriting companies and independent ghostwriting professionals. A ghostwriting company can handle research and writing. Also, they cover editing and project management.

However, an individual writer may focus only on the manuscript. Now, both options aim to deliver your story in your voice. It's up to you!

This hidden partnership is like having a superhero sidekick. You handle the vision. And the ghostwriter handles the words. Together, you build something stronger than either of you could alone.

Types of Ghostwriting Services in the USA

A Wide Range of Options

Across the USA, ghostwriting services come in many forms. Because every client’s needs differ. Hence, the industry has evolved to cover almost every type of writing.

So, this variety makes it easier to hire a ghostwriter. One who fits your exact project.

Common Services Offered

Here are the most frequent services you’ll find:

These services can be mixed and matched depending on your goals. For example, a ghostwriting company might also offer editing or publishing help in the same package.

Freelance Ghostwriters vs. Ghostwriting Companies

When you decide to hire a ghostwriter for a book or another large project, you’ll face a choice between freelancers and agencies. So, who's better? Freelance ghost book writers usually cost less. But they offer direct communication. Ghostwriting companies, however, bring a team approach. They offer you research. Coupled with editing and project management included too.

Because of this, agencies tend to charge more but also deliver more structure and reliability.

Making the Right Choice

Knowing these services helps you plan better. By knowing what’s out there, you can pick a service level that matches your

●        Budget

●        Timeline

●        Expectations

Okay?

How Pricing Works (Factors That Affect Cost)

When you decide to hire a ghostwriter, cost doesn’t just drop from the sky. Several factors combine to set the price. Understanding them helps you budget smart. Here are the key ones.

1 Word Count / Length of the Book

Longer books mean more words, hours. And whole loads of revisions. So, do you want a 50,000-word nonfiction book? Then, expect a much lower base cost than a 120,000-word epic novel. More words = more money.

Short projects like blog posts or whitepapers cost less per word usually. But once you move into full-length books, per-project or flat rates often make more sense.

2 Genre & Research Depth

If the topic is simple, like a generic business guide or light memoir, less research is required. But technical or academic nonfiction, memoirs with many interviews, or historical fiction demand deep digging.

Because of that, ghost book writer fees rise when you require::

●        Interviewing people

●        Fact-checking

●        Specialist expertise (legal, science, finance, etc.)

●        Industry or genre-specific knowledge

Research-heavy books can cost 20–50% more (or more) than simpler ones.

3 Writer Experience & Reputation

An early-career ghostwriter won’t charge what a famous ghostwriting professional with past bestsellers does. Because you’re paying for experience, trust, and skill.

If the writer has published books, worked with major publishers, or has testimonials and a strong portfolio, their rates tend to increase. Hence, the more trust and proof, the higher the fee.

4 Timeline & Deadlines

Need the draft quickly? Rush jobs cost extra. So, if you want a ghostwriting company to finish an entire book in six months, that’s one thing. But want it in six weeks? Expect premium charges.

Also, multiple deadlines (outline, first draft, revisions) and tight schedules usually bump up the cost. Ghostwriting professionals will charge more to shift priorities for you.

Add-on Services

Also, writing isn’t always the only thing you’ll pay for. Ghostwriting services often include extras. For instance, these might be:

●        Editing & proofreading

●        Formatting & layout

●        Publishing help (finding an editor, designing a cover)

●        Marketing support (blurbs, promos, etc.)

When these are bundled, the cost increases. But often they save you time and worry later.

Example Ranges

To illustrate, here are some example cost ranges (USA, 2025) based on these factors. These aren’t quotes. But just what ghostwriting professionals tend to charge:

Typical Price Ranges in the USA

(2025 Snapshot)

Why a Snapshot Matters

By this point, you already know which factors influence cost. But it helps to see real-world numbers. That’s why this snapshot of 2025 pricing is so useful. Basically, it shows what people actually pay when they hire a ghostwriter or sign up for ghostwriting services.

Common Pricing Models

Ghostwriting professionals usually charge in three main ways:

●        Per Word – Good for shorter content such as blogs, speeches, or articles. Rates range from about $0.25 per word for new writers to $3.00 or more for very experienced ghostwriting professionals.

●        Per Page – Sometimes used for reports or manuals. Expect anywhere from $50–$150 per page depending on complexity.

●        Per Project – Most common for books. A full project quote gives you clarity on total cost, payment schedule, and included services.

So, transitioning from one model to another often happens as projects grow in size. For example, you may start paying per word for sample chapters. And then switch to a flat fee for the whole book.

Example Ranges for Hiring a Ghostwriter for a Book

So, here’s what clients are paying in 2025 to hire a ghostwriter for a book through different channels:

●        Freelance Ghost Book Writers – A 50,000-word nonfiction book may cost $15,000–$40,000 depending on research and experience.

●        Ghostwriting Companies – The same book handled by a ghostwriting company with editing and project management included may run $30,000–$75,000.

●        Top-Tier Ghostwriting Professionals – High-profile or celebrity projects can cost $100,000–$250,000 or more because you’re paying for proven success and confidentiality.

Basically, these numbers line up with the ranges quoted by major agencies like

●        Gotham Ghostwriters

●        other established ghostwriting services

But they’re not exact quotes. However, they help you plan.

Deposits, Payment Schedules, and Revisions

Because writing a book is a long process, ghost book writers and ghostwriting professionals rarely work without a deposit. Most ask for 30–50% upfront to lock in the schedule. Payments are then spread across milestones such as outline approval, first draft, and final delivery.

Revisions are usually included, but only up to a limit stated in the contract. Clear agreements protect both you and the writer. That’s another reason many people choose a ghostwriting company: they get structured contracts and set policies.

Bringing It Together

Knowing these typical price ranges? That helps you make smart decisions. So, with clear models and examples, you can match your budget to the right ghostwriting services. And avoid surprises.

Agency vs. Freelancer: What’s Right for You?

Two Different Routes

So, have you decided to hire a ghostwriter? Then, the next question is who you’ll work with. In the USA, you usually have two choices:

●        a ghostwriting company

●        an individual ghost book writer

Both paths can lead to a finished manuscript, but they offer different experiences.

The Case for Ghostwriting Companies

Moreover, ghostwriting companies operate like full-service restaurants. They give you a menu of ghostwriting services. For instance,

●        research

●        editing

●        publishing support

Because they use a team approach. Hence, deadlines are easier to meet. You also get

●        clear contracts

●        nondisclosure agreements

●        a project manager who keeps everything moving

As a result, ghostwriting companies often cost more. However, the higher price buys you the right structure. Also, you get reliability and some extra layers of confidentiality.

So, this can be crucial. Especially if your project involves sensitive information or a tight timeline.

The Case for Freelance Ghost Book Writers

Moreover, hiring an independent ghostwriting professional feels more like working with a private chef. You

●        communicate directly with the writer

●        shape the schedule together

●        often pay less

Freelancers can be very flexible. Especially for smaller projects. Or for when you already know what you want.

However, freelancers can also get overbooked. Or hit delays. Of course, because they’re juggling multiple clients. Also, contracts may be less formal. So, you need to set clear terms up front.

How to Decide Between Them

Transitioning between these two options? Well, it depends on your priorities.

Before signing makes the choice easier. By taking time now, you avoid problems later and ensure your ghostwriting services truly match your goals.

Planning and Budgeting Before You Hire

Knowing the typical price ranges is only the first step. The real key is planning. Before you contact any ghostwriting services, get clear on your project goals. So, is it a

●        book

●        speech

●        series of blogs

So, setting these details up front stops you from paying for extras you don’t need. Nextly, build a realistic budget using the ranges above.

Costs for a ghost book writer can swing from a few thousand dollars for short eBooks to well over $50,000 for complex books. Hence, map out what you can afford. Then, research several ghostwriting professionals or companies. For instance, read their portfolios and check reviews.

Also, prepare your questions about

●        revisions

●        timelines

●        rights

●        payment schedules before signing anything

Finally, request multiple quotes. So, you can compare offers side by side.

Basically, start with clear goals and smart research. Also, do set a budget. Hence, you’ll be able to hire a ghostwriter confidently. And match the right ghostwriting services to your project.

Conclusion

Hiring a ghostwriter? That isn’t just an expense. But it’s an investment in your voice, your time, and your brand. So, by knowing the types of services and the cost factors. Plus, how to budget smartly, you can confidently choose the right partner.

Basically, with clear goals and the right questions, your story stays yours. Meanwhile, a professional shapes it into something readers can’t put down.

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a ghostwriter in the USA?

Anywhere from a few thousand dollars for short eBooks to $30,000–$100,000+ for full-length books, depending on length, research, and writer experience.

Do I keep the rights to the book?

Yes. Standard ghostwriting contracts give the client full ownership and credit once payment is complete.

How long does a ghostwritten book take?

On average, 6–12 months for a full book project. Rush timelines cost more.