Ghostwriting Pricing & FAQs

Q.  What would it cost to have a Certified Ghostwriter write my book?

This question is a bit like asking your auto mechanic “what will it cost to fix my car?” over the phone, without looking under the hood.  A book is a highly complex vehicle with the potential to take not only the author but countless readers on a unique and amazing journey. Producing that unique and amazing reading experience is what certified ghostwriters do. The “look under the hood” is the Analysis and Recommendation (A&R) in which I read, analyze, conduct market research, and provide an actionable list of what to do to finish building your car. The first step is a free conversation. To book a free strategy conversation, click the Contact button.

Q.  How long will it take to ghostwrite my book?

The process of building the awesome vehicle that is your book involves multiple rounds of editing the entire work, starting general and going specific. The first pass focuses on the substance of the book — ideas, concepts, plot points, characters, etc. Successive passes of finer and finer editing follow, through line and copy editing, to produce third and fourth drafts. I cannot say how long your book will take to be finished until I read and analyze your manuscript. Generally the process takes between 6 and 12 months.

Q.  Is the cost of hiring a ghostwriter worth it?

The value of your book is hard to measure. If quality of writing is critical to you, yes it is worth it. If you want your book to have the greatest potential impact, to reach as many readers as possible, in the most effective ways, and to potentially outlive you, then yes it is worth it. If you want to have a professional to guide you through the process, yes, it is worth it. To book a free no-obligation conversation, click the Contact button.

Q. Is publishing the book included in the cost?  

While I am a Certified Ghostwriter, and not a publisher,  I serve as a guide and counselor to authors, surrounding the ins and outs, pros and cons, of all the options including traditional publishing, self-publishing, indie, and hybrid publishing. For example, if you choose to go the route of traditional publishing, you will BE PAID – you won’t pay to publish. Because you will in essence be SELLING your manuscript to a publisher. This is what I mean by saying “publisher-ready” manuscript. In Traditional publishing you receive an advance on royalties which will likely recoup your cost to editorial professionals such as myself.* The vast majority of people who work with ghostwriters do so because they want to land a traditional deal which is how they cover the cost of my services.  I explain how this works as well as the pros and cons to each path to publishing. If traditional publishing is your choice I help you find literary agent representation with queries, pitches, and book proposals.

Q.  Is an agent necessary or can I go directly to a traditional publisher?

Yes, for the mid- to larger publishers an agent is required. Small indie and hybrid publishers may not require an agent. And often in children’s book publishing, an agent may not be necessary. Genuine literary agents will never solicit manuscripts or charge for connecting you to a publisher as they are paid on commission. Agents are savvy in negotiating publishing contracts to your advantage, cultivating relationships with many publishers, and are key in helping land a good deal. A literary agent is well worth the cost! We can help locate potential literary agents for your manuscript.

Q.  Will my book sell and make money on its own accord?

That will depend on the book and how it is marketed, either by you alone through your business, if self-publishing, or by you and your publisher, as spelled out in the terms of your book contract.

Q. Can we blog your book as it is being written?

Yes. This is a proven strategy for first-time authors to land publishing contracts and become experts in their field. When publishers see that the author has already built a following, they are more inclined to publish the work. We can help you blog your already completed manuscript or book, or blog your book for you, as we write it with you.

* Traditional publisher advances vary, in the five- to  six-figure range.  Market research is part of my service as a ghostwriter, to look at comparable best-selling books in your market and estimate what one might expect to see in a publishing deal.