In this post, you’ll learn how to find the perfect ghostwriter for your writing project.
If you’re looking for a ghostwriter then you know it is no longer the little-known secret of the writing profession.
More than a handful of the bestselling books in the past several years were penned or co-written by ghostwriters.
The stigma of authors taking credit for a book that they didn’t actually pen themselves is a thing of the past. It’s commonplace for both experienced and aspiring authors to work with a ghostwriter.
Anyone who’s told you that finding a ghostwriter is easy has never done it.
The one mistake you must not make is to hire the first person who says they can do the job. A “ghost” differs from a freelance writer, so the search process can’t be considered the same.
A ghostwriter takes on your project, often at great expense, and keeps their name off the finished product.
The level of service you get will depend on the writer’s experience and credentials.
Ghostwriters are typically hired through writing agencies or referral services or found by doing an online search. Some independent ghostwriters advertise their services on job boards and freelance websites, i.e., Fiverr, Upwork, and Guru.
What is A Ghostwriter?
But before we go any further, we need to define what a ghostwriter actually is.
A ghostwriter is a professional writer who is commissioned to produce a piece of work, be it a book, article, speech, blog post, or screenplay, but does not receive public credit for it.
Instead, the credit goes to the person who commissioned the work – typically a celebrity, a business leader, a politician, or any other person who needs written content but lacks the time, skill, or inclination to write it themselves.
Why Hire A Ghostwriter?
Before we move further, let’s acknowledge why you’re reading this article.
You need someone to help you write your book, article, blog post, website content or other writing gig – but it needs to be done anonymously.
That’s why you searched for “ghostwriter.”
There’s nothing wrong with discretion in business; if you’re looking for a ghostwriter, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed.
On the contrary – hiring a ghostwriter is actually quite common practice among entrepreneurs, politicians, executives and celebrities. It’s simply an efficient way to accomplish projects without compromising quality or wasting time.
You could be a retired military leader who wants to put your remarkable experiences into a book, an executive with a vision for your business and no time to write it down, or an entrepreneur looking to create content for the web.
And while you’ve carved out a successful life for yourself, writing has never been your strong suit. And that’s perfectly fine!
In a way, working with a ghostwriter is like hiring any other professional.
You want someone with the skills and expertise to deliver a product that’ll represent your brand in the most accurate manner possible.
How a Ghostwriting Arrangement Works
Ghostwrites or “Ghosts” are hired by individuals who don’t have the time or skill to write a book.
For instance, many celebrities and political figures decide to write an autobiography but the problem is they don’t have any experience or ability to put facts into words.
And that’s okay because not everybody can be a writer.
Aspiring authors with memorable plot lines and stories find it challenging to organize their ideas to come up with a manuscript. They hire ghostwriters to pen the story on their behalf.
Ghostwriting isn’t exclusive to fiction books – in the digital age, they’re hired to help business owners and company executives in content creation, marketing, and writing.
How To Find a Ghostwriter
Before you even start searching for a ghost, be sure you’re sure about your need for one.
Some people don’t fully understand how the process works, which is why they end up abruptly terminating the partnership.
Once you’re sure that a ghostwriter’s what you need, then begin by coming up with a list of prospects. You don’t have to be stringent when it comes to qualifications at this point.
The most important thing is to create that list.
Once you’re done with the list, the next step is to narrow it down based on compatibility and time.
Ask the candidates if they can work on your required timetable and if they grasp your ideas and philosophies.
Compatibility is a non-negotiable factor – working with someone who disagrees with your principles and work ethic is a disaster waiting to happen.
You’re better off hiring a ghostwriter instead of a freelancer. There seems to be no difference between them at first glance, but a freelance writer is usually tied up with other clients.
It means that you most likely will have to fall in line and wait for other tasks to be completed.
You don’t have to set a deadline for your writer to get the job done, but you want it to be completed within a reasonable time as you can’t wait forever.
Where to Find Ghostwriters
With ghostwriting becoming a mainstream gig, finding these ghosts is reasonably straightforward. If you’re clueless on where to start, then consider these tips:
1 – Ask anyone you know who has written a book.
You might be surprised at the number of people within your circle of friends who’ve written a book in the past. The only reason why you’re unaware of it is that you haven’t asked them. One of them could hand out some recommendations. As Saul Goodman puts it, “I know a guy who knows a guy…”, you get it.
2 – Go to social media.
Facebook and LinkedIn are the best social media platforms you should focus on when searching for a ghostwriter.
You’ll probably come across a handful of writing groups, most of which are closed groups so you might have to apply in order to post but connecting with potential ghostwriters might be worth it.
You’ll need to write the page administrator to give you access or at least put up a job post. You’ll get a bunch of credible applicants from these groups because most of them are legitimate.
Over the years, LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for networking and connecting with industry professionals. When you search for ghostwriters on LinkedIn, make sure to check out their recommendations and case studies.
But as the one searching for a prospect, you’ll find LinkedIn’s interface a bit confusing initially. The best way to look for a ghostwriter on LinkedIn is to use the “Advanced” search feature.
With the advanced filter, you can narrow down your results based on location, industry, years of experience, etc.
3 – Search Google for ghostwriters.
A good old Google search is your best bet if you’re looking for a specific skill set. Ghostwriters are naturally versatile, but some of them specialize in specific industries and niches.
A simple Google search using the right keyword gives you enough relevant results to start your search. Focus on websites that sit atop the results.
Google is the most sensible place to find anything, including ghostwriters. Instead of scouring through individual sites, you use the search engine to find websites and profiles of experienced ghostwriters who do work for hire.
Experienced ghosts know all too well how critical it is to have a website and portfolio to showcase their work.
Portfolio websites provide people like you with all the information they need to learn more about a ghostwriter, including their rates and experience.
4- Websites/Marketplaces
Freelance sites like Fiverr, Upwork and Guru offer an array of talented ghostwriters from around the world. You can check out their profiles, see examples of their previous work and read reviews from other clients.
These platforms are also known for having reasonable rates for lower-budget projects.
One advantage Fiverr has over other freelance websites is the ability to preview a ghostwriter’s writing sample.
Before hiring, You read through their work and determine if they meet your quality standards.
That being said, it’s worth noting that Fiverr does not offer the same level of privacy as you’d find with agencies or individual searches.
Upwork is on top of the list when it comes to job sites for ghostwriters.
Their platform offers a wide range of options thanks to their expansive network.
You can search specifically for a ghostwriter, look through different portfolios and read reviews.
Upwork also has an escrow system that ensures you get what you pay for before the project is marked as complete.
Meanwhile, Guru is also an excellent choice for finding ghostwriters.
Although it’s a platform dedicated to freelance professionals, you’d likely come across ghostwriters due to its wide selection of writers. You can also find writers from different countries at varying prices.
So, if hiring from another country isn’t a biggie for you, then Guru could be the right platform.
5- Literacy Agents
Literary agencies are the way to go if your priority is the quality of work and confidentiality.
These companies work with experienced professionals who understand the importance of discretion and integrity.
As you collaborate with an agency, you’re confident that capable professionals will handle your project and that the ghostwriter knows exactly what they need to do to meet the standards of your work.
5- Ghostwriting Agencies
Agencies also guarantee that the writers they work with are highly qualified and well-versed in different writing styles.
It means you won’t have to worry about receiving subpar content, as agencies have editors who review every piece of work before it’s sent to you.
But depending on the agency, you might find that their rates are a bit higher than those of individual ghostwriters.
This is mainly because agencies guarantee quality and discretion – both essential in any project involving a ghostwriter.
One issue with ghostwriting agencies is that you’re likely to stumble upon scammers – those posing as agencies when they’re just individuals trying to help you connect with a ghostwriter and then disappearing with your money.
Their incentive is based upon the ability to find a ghostwriter for you without any stake in the quality or outcome of your project.
So, when you find one from this agency and end up with bad content, you’ll be left without a solution, while the agency has already taken your money.
The best way to avoid this situation is to be sure to evaluate the agency and always look for reviews before signing a contract or sending a payment.
Doing your due diligence means you’re likely to find a reputable agency.
Ghostwriting Qualities to Look For
The ghost serves as your writing hand. His or her job includes emulating your voice so that the book represents everything you have in mind.
It’s not easy to select the best one from your narrowed-down list of prospects, but these qualities make it possible to filter and eliminate those that don’t qualify:
1 – Hire someone who’s written a published book as it is the best proof of his or her ability to capture an audience.
2 – Go for a ghostwriter you can get along with. You’d be working with the ghost for months, even years. You tell your story a thousand times over, answer questions back and forth, and even engage in friendly disagreements. You can’t afford to hire someone with an attitude or personality that you despise so much.
3 – Stay away from egotists. We often refer to egotists as “self-publicists” because they aren’t open and willing to make changes based on the author’s suggestions. They have the propensity to portray characters or scenarios in the story based on how they want it, in utter disregard of your voice.
Work with someone who respects time. It’s not about meeting deadlines, but more about living up to a promise.
A ghostwriter who says that chapter one is done by next week must live up to it. It doesn’t only show maturity, but also respect.
Capturing Your Voice
We will spend considerable time on capturing your voice because it’s one of the most important qualities of a ghostwriter, that makes a ghostwriter different from the rest.
Why?
Because, it’s not just about writing words on a page.
It’s more about exploring the depths of what you want to say in the book and translating that into an eloquent narrative – something few writers can do accurately.
Besides having all other essential qualities, such as technical proficiency, creativity, and punctuality, you should look for a ghostwriter with a deep understanding of your project. It entails writing in your voice and capturing the intrinsic details that make it unique
Paying for the most expensive or qualified ghostwriters won’t make sense when you realize they aren’t equipped (or unwilling) to capture your voice. So, there’s more to your search than just the name or fees.
Finding someone who understands you is not impossible, but it’ll take some time.
Don’t be contented with the fact that there’s an abundance of ghostwriters online; your goal should be to find the right one.
Read their portfolios, talk with them, ask questions – and then decide. Trust your gut – as it’s your most reliable gauging instrument.
How Can I tell If The Ghostwriter I Find Is The Right Fit?
Selecting the perfect ghostwriter is a bit like finding the right puzzle piece to complete a beautiful picture – a picture that is your unique story or idea.
As the person entrusted with the task of capturing your voice, your ghostwriter needs to be an excellent fit. But how can you tell if a ghostwriter is good? This blog post will provide some practical guidelines to help you make this critical decision.
1. Review Their Portfolio
A professional ghostwriter should be able to provide samples of their previous work.
Even if the names of the actual authors they’ve written for are confidential, they should still be able to share examples that demonstrate their writing prowess. When reviewing their portfolio, pay attention to the style, tone, flow, and overall quality of the work. Do you find it engaging? Does it resonate with you?
2. Check Their Testimonials or References
A ghostwriter’s reputation is often built on the experiences of their previous clients. Look for testimonials or ask for references.
Previous clients can provide valuable insights into a ghostwriter’s reliability, professionalism, punctuality, and responsiveness. If the ghostwriter is hesitant to provide any references, consider it a potential red flag.
3. Evaluate Their Communication Skills
Exceptional communication is key in a successful ghostwriting partnership. A good ghostwriter will be responsive, attentive, and clear in their correspondence with you.
They should be good listeners, adept at understanding your needs, and able to translate your ideas into compelling written form.
If you find it hard to communicate with them or feel misunderstood, they may not be the right fit.
4. Assess Their Understanding of Your Project
A good ghostwriter doesn’t just write; they understand and appreciate the essence of your project.
They should be enthusiastic about your idea, display a keen interest in understanding your vision, and ask pertinent questions about your target audience, the structure of the project, and your ultimate objectives.
5. Consider Their Professional Experience and Expertise
While it’s not essential that your ghostwriter is an expert in your field, it can certainly be advantageous. They may already have a solid grasp of the subject matter, the language, and the industry nuances.
An experienced ghostwriter should also be well-versed in the process of book writing, publishing, or other forms of content production, depending on your needs.
6. Try a Test Project
One of the most effective ways to assess a ghostwriter’s capabilities is to start with a smaller, paid test project. This trial run will provide insights into their writing style, ability to meet deadlines, and how well they capture your voice.
In conclusion, finding a good ghostwriter is a journey that involves careful examination of their work, feedback from previous clients, effective communication, understanding of your project, professional experience, and a test project to tie it all together.
Your ideal ghostwriter is out there, someone who can turn your ideas into a captivating narrative, silently echoing your voice while ensuring your story reaches the hearts and minds of your audience.
Remember, ghostwriting is more than just writing; it’s a collaborative venture into the realm of ideas and their vivid expression.
How Much Does A Ghostwriter Cost?
Finding a ghostwriter is just one part of the process.
You must likewise decide on a suitable payment structure and rate for the ghostwriter. Depending on certain compromises and negotiations, professional ghostwriters will charge by the hour or per project.
The average price will depend on the ghostwriter’s genre and experience, but it likely starts at around $50 per hour and goes up to even hundreds of dollars. I
t pays to carefully evaluate each candidate’s profile before deciding who you’ll hire for your project.
So, how do you weigh on the price vis-a-vis quality? First, read the ghostwriter’s portfolio and reviews. Don’t hesitate to ask for samples of their work – it’s your right as a client.
Accordingly, you can ask for negotiated rates depending on the scope of your project. As long as you communicate openly and with respect, you’ll likely get an agreeable rate for everyone.
But what if the offer on the table isn’t on a “per hour” basis?
The reality in book ghostwriting is that some writers may only be willing to work per project.
For such cases, you’ll need to anticipate the number of hours they’ll require for the job and make a suitable offer based on that information.
Of course, this isn’t always ideal, but you should consider it if you find yourself in such a situation. Here’s a rundown on the possible figures and structure that you can agree on with a ghostwriter:
$35,000 For a Full-Length Book – Anything below this figure is low for a full-length book. In other words, you’re likely talking to an inexperienced or amateur ghostwriter if they agree on this fee.
While finding a ghostwriter online for less than half this figure is easy, paying a reasonable rate and receiving quality work is far better than getting a cheap ghostwriter with mediocre results.
The wisest decision here is to wait it out. In other words, if you can’t afford a $12,000 rate for a full-length book, you might as well save up first.
$40,000-$60,500 For A Non-Fiction Book – This fee is usually the standard rate for quality non-fiction books.
Remember that this figure can still go higher or lower depending on the project’s scope and the writer’s experience level. Remember that the more experienced a ghostwriter is, the higher their rates will be.
When you hire ghostwriters for a non-fiction title, i.e., autobiographies, memoirs, self-help, or travel books, you expect them to work closely with you to translate the detailed information you provide into a cohesive narrative.
It means they must put more effort into sitting down with you through Zoom or Skype and discussing the project. So, pay accordingly.
$10,000-$15,000 For A Short Story/Novella – This range is the standard rate for a ghostwriter who can write short fiction books. But this figure doesn’t count if your project is a novella.
These are longer than short stories, so that the fee will be much higher in such cases.
Authors usually use short stories to get their foot in the door. It’s where publishers look for potential writers and how they evaluate a writer’s ability to write captivating titles.
So, when you hire ghostwriters for short stories, you should expect high-level creativity in the narrative.
Meanwhile, novellas are a distinctive niche in a way that the writer must be able to pack a lot of content into fewer pages.
That alone is a challenge, and the ghostwriter should expect a reasonable fee for it.
Paying For A Ghostwriter Is ‘Worth’ It
Some ghostwriters are a cut above the rest. They usually come with a vast portfolio of published works.
These people have built their reputations as ghostwriters, so they charge more for their services.
Most of these individuals are bestselling and professional authors themselves, and they moonlight as “ghosts” because they know they can earn upwards of $300,000 per project.
Unlike most ghostwriters who will take on any project, the elite caters to very specific niches.
So, if you plan to write a self-help book, there’s a prolific ghostwriter for that.
Even if you pay at least $100,000 for the service, your book will be of the highest standards – giving you the best likelihood of selling it to readers.
Last Thoughts On Finding A Ghostwriter
Finding a ghostwriter doesn’t needn’t be a daunting task.
Be it scouring the corners of online platforms, agencies, social media networks, or attending writers’ events and workshops, your ideal ghostwriter might just be a click or a conversation away.
As you embark on this quest, remember to prioritize compatibility, experience, and a genuine appreciation of your project’s vision.
The journey to find a ghostwriter can be an enlightening experience, bridging the gap between your thoughts and their remarkable expression.
Once this perfect match is made, the invisible ink starts flowing, breathing life into your ideas and giving voice to your untold stories.
Originally published November 20th, 2020, updated with original content July 15th 2023.
Further reading:
Who owns the copyright for a ghostwritten book
Finding a Canadian ghostwriting service
How (and Why) Hire a Ghostwriter
11 Things Your Ghostwriter Doesn’t Want You To Know
Want to look for a ghostwriter?
Find a ghostwriter through referral
How to hire a writer for your book
Joel Mark Harris graduated from the Langara School of Journalism in 2007. Joel is an award-winning journalist, novelist, screenwriter and producer.
He has ghostwritten numerous books in all types of genres including true life crime, business, memoir, and self help. With over 1,000 blog posts to his name, he has helped hundreds of business owners scale their business and increase their visibility. You can email him at info@ghostwritersandco.com
