Are you an author with a book idea but no time to write it yourself? Or maybe you're not a great writer, but you have a story to tell? A ghostwriter can help!
In this blog post, we'll discuss what ghostwriters do, how to find one, and the cost of hiring one. We'll also give you some tips on working with your ghostwriter to make sure your book is everything you want it to be. So if you're ready to bring your book idea to life, read on!
Why Hire a Ghostwriter To Write Your Book
I believe that everyone has a story to tell. A story that can inspire, educate, and entertain others. But not everyone has the time or the ability to sit down and write a book. That's where ghostwriters come in.
A good ghostwriter will take your ideas and experiences and turn them into a well-crafted book that is true to your voice. They will help you to organize your thoughts and communicate your message clearly and engagingly.
And they will do all of the behind-the-scenes work necessary to get your book published. If you have a story to tell, don't let anything stand in your way, don't let that idea sit in your mind collecting dust for years.
And certainly, do not let anybody make you feel shame for deciding to go the ghostwriter route - hire a ghostwriter to see your dream of becoming a published author become a reality.
How to Hire a Ghostwriter: Getting Prepared
If you have committed to the idea, before you begin searching for a writer, you are going to want to plan and prepare.
You'll need to have a pretty clear idea of what you want your book to be about. This means having a working title (or a few), a subtitle if needed, and a brief summary or overview of the book's content.
You should also have an idea of the target audience for your book. Knowing who you are writing for will help you to find a ghostwriter that is a good fit for your project.
And finally, you'll need to have some idea of your budget. Hiring a ghostwriter is not a cheap endeavor, but it is an investment in your future as an author. The cost will vary depending on the length of the book, the level of experience of the ghostwriter, and other factors.
But it is important to have a budget in mind before you start your search so that you can find a ghostwriter that fits both your needs and your budget.
Again, depending on the type of book, there are a few little tips that can help you to put together a document that you can share with your prospective ghostwriter that will give them a better idea of what you are looking for:
Tips for Hiring a Ghostwriter for Memoir
If you are hiring a ghostwriter for a memoir, the following will be useful to note:
- What is the overall theme or message of the book?
- What are the most important events or stories that you want to include?
- What is your unique perspective on these events?
- Are there any controversial topics that you will be discussing?
- How much detail do you want to go into about each event?
Tips for Hiring a Ghostwriter for Fiction
If you are hiring a ghostwriter for fiction books, it can be helpful to write a brief synopsis of the plot and main characters as well as the following:
- What is the genre of your book?
- Who is the main character and what is their motivation?
- What are the main events of the story?
- How does the story end?
- Are there any subplots?
- What is the overall tone of the book?
- Do you have a specific vision for the book?
Be as detailed as you can, and feel free to include any additional materials like photos or clippings. By having a clear idea of what you want, it will be easier to find a ghostwriter that is a good fit for your specific project.
You want to attract the right person who is enthusiastic about the project, too, not just somebody who is looking for any ghostwriting gig.
Tips for Hiring a Ghostwriter for Business Book
Of course, you wouldn't hire the same type of writer for a fiction book as you would for a business book. If you want to ghostwrite a business book, it is important that the ghostwriter has some experience and knowledge in the field.
You'll also want to be clear about what you hope to achieve with the book. Is it meant to be a memoir of your journey as an entrepreneur? A how-to guide for start-ups? A compilation book full of business tips and advice?
Your ghostwriter will need to know this so that they can tailor the content and tone of the book to your needs. You should also be prepared to share any unique research or insider knowledge that you have about the topic.
The more information you can give your ghostwriter, the better they will be able to produce a book that meets your needs and expectations.
Tips for Hiring a Ghostwriter for Children's Book
When it comes to laying down the foundations of a children's book, many people assume it is simple, because they are typically shorter in length. However, there are so many little details that you need to get right for the writer to write a book better than the one in your mind.
If you're considering hiring a ghostwriter for your children's book, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, it's important to find someone who is able to capture the right tone for your book.
This means finding a writer who is familiar with the age group you're targeting, and who can write in a voice that will resonate with young readers. It's also important to make sure that your ghostwriter is comfortable writing in a variety of styles - after all, children's books can be anything from picture books to novels.
Once you've shortlisted the best candidates, the next step is to give them a clear idea of what you're looking for. This is where you need to be as specific as possible about your vision for the book.
- What is the overall message you want to convey?
- What kind of characters do you want to include?
- What are the key scenes in the story? (very important if your book will have illustrations)
The more information you can give your ghostwriter, the easier it will be for them to bring your vision to life.
Tips for Hiring a Ghostwriter for Self-Help Book
Some tips for finding the right ghostwriter for your self-help book:
- Look for someone with experience in writing self-help books. This is important because they will understand the genre and what readers are looking for.
- You want someone who is passionate about the topic of your book. This will come across in their writing and make the book more engaging to read.
- It's also important to find a ghostwriter who you feel comfortable working with. This is because you will be sharing personal experiences and stories with them.
- Make sure to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with the book. This will help the ghostwriter understand your vision and create a book that meets your needs.
Tips for Hiring a Ghostwriter for Screenplays & Scripts
Hiring a ghostwriter for your screenplay or script can be a great way to get the creative juices flowing and ensure that your project is completed in a timely and professional manner. However, it is important to remember that not all ghostwriters are created equal. Here are a few tips to help you hire the right ghostwriter for your needs:
- Do your research. Not all ghostwriters have experience with screenplays or scripts. Be sure to ask about their experience and qualifications to ensure they are the right fit for your project.
- Ask for samples. Any good ghostwriter should be able to provide you with examples of their work. Ask to see samples of their previous work to get an idea of their writing style and ability.
- Be clear about your vision. It is important that you have a clear idea of what you want before you start working with a ghostwriter. Be sure to communicate your vision for the project and what you hope to achieve.
How to Find a Ghostwriter for A Book
Now that you have a better idea of what should go into your planning and preparation (and hopefully, you have put together a neat little document with all your ideas), it's time to start looking for a ghostwriter! Here are some tips on how to find the right person for the job:
Word Of Mouth
Start by asking people you know if they have any recommendations. If you know anyone who has published a book, they might be able to point you in the right direction. Alternatively, if you are part of any publishing Facebook groups, these would make great places to put the request out.
Writers' Forums
Writers' forums and online directories are also great places to start your search. Try Googling "ghostwriter for hire" or "book ghostwriter" and see what comes up.
Freelance Platforms
My personal favourites are:
There are many other freelancing websites that can be a great place to find ghostwriters, but be sure to read the reviews before hiring anyone. If you want to know where to find cheap ghostwriters for hire, you can do so on any of the platforms above; just be mindful that you get what you pay for, so pay attention to the quality of writing in the samples and not just the price tag.
As you can see, there are many different ways to find a ghostwriter for your book project. The most important thing is to do your research and take your time in order to find the right fit for you and your project.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter
The cost of hiring a ghostwriter will vary depending on the length of the project, the level of experience of the writer, and the amount of research required. For a short e-book, the price could be around $500-$1,000. And for a full-length book or novel, you could be looking at $5,000 or more (in some cases, a lot more - 5 or 10x that!).
The best way to get an accurate quote for your specific project is to shop around and reach out to a few different ghostwriters to ask them for a price quote.
Do I Need A Ghostwriter Contract?
Absolutely! Once you've found the right ghostwriter, be sure to get everything in writing. You can draw your own contract up, or download a ghostwriter contract template.
But a contract is absolutely necessary to protect both you and the ghostwriter. It should include:
- The scope of work (exactly what the ghostwriter will be doing)
- Payment terms (how and when you will pay the ghostwriter)
- Copyright ownership (who will own the copyright to the book once it's finished), etc.
Don't skip this step - a contract will save you a lot of headaches down the road.
The Export...
When you're ready to take the next step in your writing career, ghostwriting can be a great option. Just be sure to do your research and hire the right ghostwriter for your project. With a little planning and preparation, you can end up with a book that you're proud of - and that will help you achieve your writing goals.
Happy publishing!
