How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter to Write a Book in 2025
Hiring a ghostwriter has become an increasingly popular option for aspiring authors, busy professionals, and thought leaders who want to share their stories or expertise without having to write a book themselves. But how much does it actually cost to hire a ghostwriter to write a book in 2025? The answer depends on a variety of factors—ranging from the ghostwriter’s experience level and the project’s scope to the subject matter and timeline.
In this article, we’ll break down the typical costs associated with ghostwriting a book in 2025 and explore what influences those costs.
What Does a Ghostwriter Do?
A ghostwriter is a professional writer hired to create written content that is officially credited to someone else. In the context of book writing, a ghostwriter might help develop the concept, conduct interviews, perform research, write the manuscript, and even assist in revisions and editing. The client usually maintains full ownership and authorship of the final product.
Ghostwriters are commonly used for:
- Memoirs and autobiographies
- Business or self-help books
- Fiction novels
- Technical or subject-matter-driven non-fiction
- Thought leadership content
The Cost of Hiring a Ghostwriter in 2025: A Quick Overview
As of 2025, hiring a ghostwriter for a book can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000+, depending on several key variables. Here’s a general breakdown of what you might expect:
| Experience Level | Estimated Cost Range |
| Beginner Ghostwriter | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Mid-Level Professional | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Experienced Ghostwriter | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| Celebrity/Best-Selling Writer | $75,000 – $150,000+ |
Factors That Influence Ghostwriting Costs
1. Length and Complexity of the Book
The length of the manuscript is one of the most direct factors affecting cost. A typical book ranges from 40,000 to 80,000 words, but complex books—such as business books filled with data, citations, and research—may require additional time and expertise.
For example:
- A short, 30,000-word book might cost around $10,000 to $20,000.
- A 75,000-word memoir could range between $30,000 and $60,000.
- A technical book with extensive research might run $50,000 or more.
2. Level of Research Involved
Books that require significant research, such as biographies, business books, or historical fiction, will cost more due to the extra hours needed to gather and verify information. On the other hand, a book based solely on interviews with the author might require less background research, lowering the cost.
3. Timeline and Deadline Pressure
Tight deadlines often result in higher fees. If you need your book written in 3 months instead of a year, be prepared to pay a premium—sometimes 25% to 50% more. Ghostwriters charge for the extra hours, compressed schedule, and potentially rearranged workloads.
4. Writer’s Experience and Reputation
An experienced ghostwriter with a portfolio of bestsellers or celebrity clients can command top dollar. They bring added value, including a polished writing style, publishing industry contacts, and the ability to elevate the book’s market potential.
Newer or less-established writers may offer lower rates, making them a good choice for smaller projects or clients with tighter budgets.
5. Involvement of the Author
If the author is heavily involved—providing outlines, doing interviews, and supplying written materials—it can lower the ghostwriter’s workload and thus reduce costs. Conversely, if the ghostwriter must develop everything from scratch, costs will rise.
Typical Pricing Models
Ghostwriters charge in several different ways, and understanding these models will help you choose the right fit for your project:
1. Per Word
- Ranges from $0.50 to $3.00+ per word
- Best for shorter projects or clients who want predictable pricing
2. Per Page
- Roughly $100 to $500 per page (250-300 words per page)
- Useful for calculating based on a standard manuscript length
3. Flat Project Fee
- Most common for full-length books
- Agreed upon upfront and may include milestones or installments
- Gives both client and ghostwriter a clear budget and expectations
4. Royalty or Profit-Sharing
- Rare, but sometimes ghostwriters agree to a lower upfront fee in exchange for a percentage of book sales
- Risky for the ghostwriter; only viable for high-potential commercial projects
Additional Costs to Consider
Hiring a ghostwriter is just one part of the book publishing journey. You may also need to budget for:
- Editing and Proofreading: $1,000–$5,000+
- Book Cover Design: $500–$2,000
- Formatting/Layout: $300–$1,500
- Publishing (Self-Publishing Platforms): Varies
- Marketing and Promotion: $2,000–$10,000+
These additional services are typically not included in the ghostwriting fee, although some ghostwriters offer packages or referrals.
How to Choose the Right Ghostwriter
When choosing a ghostwriter, don’t make cost the only deciding factor. Here are some tips for finding the right partner:
- Review their portfolio: Ask for writing samples or a list of published projects.
- Check references: Speak with past clients or read reviews/testimonials.
- Discuss expectations: Clarify your vision, deadlines, budget, and how much involvement you’ll have.
- Start with a trial chapter: Many ghostwriters will write a sample chapter for a reduced fee to test compatibility.
- Ensure clear contracts: The agreement should define deadlines, payment terms, deliverables, and ownership rights.
Is Hiring a Ghostwriter Worth the Investment?
While hiring a ghostwriter is a significant financial investment, it can yield substantial returns—both tangible and intangible. A well-written book can:
- Enhance your personal brand
- Open doors to speaking engagements and media appearances
- Support your business or coaching practice
- Establish thought leadership
- Create passive income from sales
If you have a compelling story, expertise, or vision but lack the time or skill to write a professional-quality book, then hiring a ghostwriter in 2025 is not just worthwhile—it can be essential.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, the cost to hire a ghostwriter to write a book reflects the professionalization of the industry and the high expectations of modern readers. While you can find writers for as little as $5,000, premium-quality work from a seasoned ghostwriter will generally fall in the $25,000 to $75,000 range for a standard-length book.
Understanding your goals, your target audience, and your available budget is the first step. From there, it’s about finding a ghostwriter who aligns with your vision and can bring your story or message to life.
The right ghostwriter doesn’t just write your book—they help you build your legacy.
