How Much Should You Pay Your Ghostwriter?
As with most things in life, you will probably get precisely what you pay for when you hire a ghostwriter. When it comes to ghostwriting, there are no standard fees. If you were to check ten sources, you would probably walk away with ten different answers, maybe more. Do a quick Google search and make a list of the top ghostwriters. Good luck trying to find any consistency. The last time I rand the search, I saw the charge for a 200 page book running anywhere from $10,000-$100,000.
Yes, that’s quite a chasm to cross. Why is there such a wide range in writing fees?
The amount a ghostwriter is willing to work for is influenced by many variables, previous experience and earned reputation are often the most significant factors. It may also depend on whether or not that particular ghostwriter works with businesses or individuals. Corporate work is usually worth more money to both parties. The smart business and the savvy writer both understand that there are large sums of money to be made with polished copy.
How do you know the right amount to spend?
There is no simple answer. Though you will get what you pay for, it is important to pay for only what you need. If you are hiring a writer for a project that could potentially generate a lot of money, but only with persuasive copy or high quality content, then it is in your best interests to hire the best writer for the job and pay them every penny they’re worth. If, however, you are writing your family history or personal memoirs, it is perfectly acceptable to look for a writer a few rungs down.
Either way, have a good idea what you’re looking fore before you start looking. Your chances of finding exactly what you want will be that much greater.
Ghostwriter Dad
3 Responses to “How Much Should You Pay Your Ghostwriter?”
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“As with most things in life, you will probably get precisely what you pay for when you hire a ghostwriter.”
Very true. Although I see many companies that clearly do not outsource content (as evidenced by stuffy/improper/forced style), I see just as many that are paying way too much for sub-par writing. Many ghostwriters are far better at marketing themselves than they are at actually writing. I’m sure that you’re not one of them! Cheers.
.-= Ian Greenleigh´s last blog ..Standing Out in the World’s Toughest Crowd =-.
I have a contract with a writer and we have been working on the book for four months. Our contract is for nine months and I don’t mind paying for progress, but I expect paying for a quaility job. It is as if we are still in draft form.
That’s no good man! You need to ask for updates. That’s your right as a paying client. Don’t be shy. :)