What is Ghostwriting? How Much Does Ghostwriting Cost?
Historian and Ghostwriter Katie Ludlow Rich
What is ghostwriting?
Put simply, ghostwriting is a professional writing collaboration in which an experienced writer helps an author turn their life story, expertise, or ideas into a finished manuscript published under the author’s name.
You are the author. The book is yours. As a ghostwriter, I work with you to refine your message, capture your authentic voice, and shape the book’s structure for your memoir, autobiography, or thought leadership book. I can help you complete a high-quality manuscript on a faster timeline than you may do on your own.
You’ve lived a powerful story, and now you are ready to write that story. Hiring a ghostwriter can be an excellent choice to bring your vision to life.
What does the ghostwriting process look like?
Every ghostwriter works a bit differently, and every author has different needs, but generally, I conduct a series of recorded interviews with the author, interview a small circle of people selected by the author for additional insight, review supporting materials (journals, diaries, articles, essays, photo albums, letters, etc), and perform original research. I work with you to go from concept to outline to full manuscript.
The result? A professionally written, publication-ready book in your voice, with your stories, and your message. It is your book, with the project management, writing, and revising led by me, the "ghost" behind the project.
Who hires a ghostwriter?
Ghostwriting is more common than you think. While you may expect to hear ghostwritten speech by a politician, you have likely read a ghostwritten book without knowing because the voice flawlessly matches the person whose name is on the cover.
Many of my clients are professionals, public figures, university professors, or individuals with meaningful life stories who want to preserve their experiences in a memoir or autobiography but do not have the time, bandwidth, or specific project management experience to complete a book on their own. The story is very much theirs, and I help them bring it to the page. I can help you do the same.
How much does a ghostwriter cost?
Like with any service, there is a range of prices. But collaborating with an experienced ghostwriter on a full-length book requires a meaningful investment.
With me, written life stories intended for private use begin at $55,000. For full-length nonfiction books intended for publication, including memoirs, autobiographies, and thought-leadership books, the investment begins at $95,000, though it may run upwards of $125,000. Factors that determine the final cost include the length and complexity of the manuscript, the amount of interviews and research required, the publication goals, the revision process, and the desired completion timeline.
Is hiring a ghostwriter worth it?
This is a high-touch, fully customized project that keeps your goals at the center of the experience. If you want to write a book and want to make sure it is done well and on time, I can be the ghostwriting partner you need to see the project through. My clients tell me it is absolutely worth the investment.
If you are considering writing a memoir, autobiography, or thought-leadership book and want to explore whether ghostwriting is the right fit, contact me here.
