Ghostwriting rates…they’re all over the place. But should they be? The answer is a firm: It all depends.

Ghostwriting rates vary – wildly – because the writing itself requires a wide variety of skills. It includes not just writing talent, but also the ability to communicate and work together and to just about adopt the persona and voice of your client, whether your client is an individual or a corporation. This collaborative process will usually start with a series of interviews between writer and client.

• Will the ghostwriter be paid in installments? If so, be clear about these payment milestones.
• How will communication take place? Phone? Skype? In-person?
• Other ghostwriting rate variables concern the medium: Is the writer creating a book, an article, a website, a newsletter, advertorial, blog or whatever?
• When checking on ghostwriting rates, think too about frequency. Ghostwriting an article or website might be a one-time thing. Writing a blog might be a one-time only event, but really shouldn’t be, since blogs should be updated regularly – sometimes even daily. So frequency will absolutely affect ghostwriting rates.
• Of course, writing a book is another thing altogether. Ghostwriting rates for books will be all over the place. Writing a book can take a few months or even a few years. Sometimes the ghostwriting rate can include added assistance – like helping find an agent or publisher, so again there will be a wide variance in the ghostwriting rate charged. Any added services should be spelled out in your contract with the writer.

The project should not be commenced until all parties are clear on the goals, timeline and other key expectations. And, remember: when the project is completed, all rights to the work then belong exclusively to the client, not to the ghostwriter, unless otherwise specified.

Interested in learning more about how the right words can make good things happen for your business or organization? Contact Allison for a no-obligation consultation.