Rates

It’s always the first question I’m asked:  “What do you charge?”

And it’s always the hardest to answer. That’s because ghostwriting fees can have an extensive range, depending on a host of factors.  Costs are unique to each project. Some of the factors which may determine the price are:

	the probable length of the manuscript
	how much, if any, research needs to be done, and what kind of research it is
	how much, if any, written materials already exist (such as articles, speeches or speaker notes, class notes or teleclass scripts, outlines, jottings on napkins, etc.)
	how many interviews with how many people may be needed
	if there is travel involved
	whether “extras” such as copyediting or indexing is requested
	And more!

It’s important to remember in choosing a ghostwriter or an editor that the most important factor is NOT cost.  Does the ghostwriter share your vision? Are they excited about the project? Are they knowledgeable about your topic, or if not, are they willing to learn? How good are they at listening to you? Can they ask penetrating questions that draw out your stories? Can they write clear and compelling prose in your voice? Can they be fiercely dedicated to producing an excellent work of art, and yet still be able to recognize that the work is yours and not theirs?

But to give you a general idea of what you might pay for ghostwriting and editing, here are some price ranges you might expect. None of the costs mentioned here are binding.  Since each project is unique, all clients are given an individual, customized quotation for the entire project,  after we have had time to discuss your proposed project together.

Ghostwriting

Full-length Books (Usually between 40,000 and 100,000 words, or 150 - 200 pages and up.) My fee may be anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. (Many ghostwriters charge much more.)  Your quotation will depend on the various factors which are pertinent to your project.

Ghostwriting a book is expensive, because it takes skill, art, and a lot of time to write a book – often as long as six to nine months. This is exactly why authors are admired! 

	E-Books, Pamphlets, Workbooks (usually 10,000 to 25,000 words and under 100 pages.) My fee may range from $3000 to $10,000, more or less, depending on the same factors.
	Articles Articles (usually between 800 and 2000 words.) My fees may range from $0.25 per word to $1.00 per word, depending on those same factors again. I do not submit articles for you, but I can refer you to article submission services which have worked well for me. Reduced rates on articles available if I have ghostwritten your book.
	Blog Posts (usually between 150 and 300 words per post.) My fees may range from $0.25 per word to over $1.00 per word, depending on those same factors. Quantity discounts may be available for writing 10 blog posts or more at once. You supply the keywords, and I’ll be sure to use them. This does not include posting the blog posts on your blog platform. Reduced rates on blog posts available if I have ghostwritten your book.
	Tweets (140 characters, max.) Because tweets are so short, you might think they would be very cheap, but the reality is that shorter does not mean easier – it often means harder.  Because tweeting is labor intensive, my fees are based on a per month basis.  For 3 tweets per day, 5 days per week (approximately 60 tweets per month, including retweets and responses) the monthly charge is $250.00.  Because tweeting is by its nature highly personal, it is important to insure that your style and interests match with mine before we agree to work together. Reduced rates on tweets available if I have ghostwritten your book.

Book marketing writing, such as website content, sell sheet flyers, book synopses and author bios are available to book ghostwriting clients. You will be given an individual quote.

Editing and Rewriting

I am a developmental editor (see the Editing page for the definition of the different kinds of editing). I don’t offer copyediting as a stand-alone service, although I include copyediting in developmental editing. I don’t offer proofreading. (Although I know some great proofreaders to refer you to.)

Editing also has a range, although not as extensive as ghostwriting. I charge by the word. The range depends on the quality of the writing.  I usually charge between $50 to $75 per 1000 words. So if your manuscript is 50,000 words, my developmental editing fee would probably be between $2500 and $4500. If your manuscript is only 10,000 words, my fee would probably be between $500 and $750. 

My charges for Rewriting run somewhere in-between editing and ghostwriting, and depend entirely on the quality and clarity of the manuscript. If totally new content is needed, it is ghostwriting, not rewriting.

Payment Structure

Finally, my standard payment structure is:  For ghostwriting full-length books, I ask for 40% down, 30% when the first rough draft of half the project is done, and the final 30% when the manuscript is complete.  For editing and ghostwriting shorter books, articles, and blog posts, I ask for 50% down up front, and the balance when the project is complete.