TL;DR: A ghostwriter is a professional writer who writes a book, speech, or article that's published under someone else's name. You supply the ideas, stories, and expertise, and the ghostwriter turns them into a finished book in your voice. Ghostwriting is legal and common, especially for memoirs and business books. Professional book ghostwriters charge roughly $20,000 to $75,000 in 2026, and elite writers charge $100,000 or more.
Ghostwriters are growing in-demand in today’s digital space and gig economy.
Especially with the rise of self-publishing and the importance of publishing a book to grow authority, many entrepreneurs, thought leaders, celebrities, and the like have turned to ghostwriting services.
While the idea of having someone else write your book might sound appealing, especially if you’re pressed for time or not particularly great at writing, you should ask yourself if the long-term results are right for you.
If you’ve got a book idea, but lack the time or ability to write it yourself, they just might be the solution to your woes.
We've helped authors publish over 7,000 books since 2015, and our ghostwriting team has written more than 500 books. So we'll show you how ghostwriting works from the inside, not just define it.
- Related: How to Write a Book
What is a ghostwriter?
A ghostwriter is a professional writer who creates a book or other written work that's credited to someone else, usually without their own name appearing.
Merriam-Webster defines a ghostwriter as one who writes "for and in the name of another." The person whose name is on the cover is the author. The ghostwriter is the behind-the-scenes collaborator who puts the author's ideas into words.
A good ghostwriter doesn't write like themselves. They study how you talk, what you believe, and which stories you tell, and then write the book you would have written if you had the time and the writing chops.
Key traits of ghostwriting
- Your ideas, their words. The stories, expertise, and point of view come from you.
- Your voice, not theirs. The finished book should sound like you on your best day.
- No byline, usually. The ghostwriter's name typically stays off the cover.
- A flat fee, not royalties. Most professional ghostwriters are paid per project, so you keep your book's earnings.
- You own the book. A proper contract transfers the rights to you and keeps the collaboration confidential.
Ghostwriter or ghost writer?
Both spellings refer to the same job. "Ghostwriter" (one word) is the standard dictionary form, and "ghost writer" and "ghost-writer" are common variants. The verb is "ghostwrite."
What does a ghostwriter do?
A ghostwriter interviews you, organizes your ideas into an outline, drafts the book in your voice, and revises until it sounds like you.
Most of the job isn't typing. It's listening, asking better questions, and turning hours of conversation into a structure that readers can follow. Here's what a book ghostwriter typically handles:
- Discovery and positioning. Clarifying what the book is about, who it's for, and what it should do for you.
- Interviews. Recorded conversations that capture your stories, frameworks, and speaking style.
- Research. Filling in facts, data, and supporting examples.
- Outlining. Building a chapter-by-chapter plan before drafting starts. (See our guide to outlining a book.)
- Drafting. Writing the manuscript, usually one chapter at a time.
- Revisions. Reworking drafts based on your feedback until the voice and substance are right.
- Book proposals (sometimes). Writing the proposal a literary agent needs if you're pursuing a traditional deal.
What most ghostwriters don't do is everything after the manuscript. Editing, cover design, formatting, publishing, and marketing usually aren't included unless you hire a full-service firm. That's the #1 surprise we hear from authors who hired a freelancer first: they paid for a book and got a document.
How does ghostwriting work?
Ghostwriting works as a structured collaboration: you share your ideas through interviews, and the ghostwriter turns them into an outline, sample chapter, and full draft.
Every team runs the process a little differently. Here's the exact workflow our ghostwriting team at selfpublishing.com uses on every book, which gives you a realistic picture of what to expect anywhere:
- Clarity call. You and a coach nail down the book idea, the target reader, and how the book is positioned in the market.
- Onboarding interview. A 2-hour interview with the ghostwriting team captures your voice and gathers the raw material.
- Chapter-by-chapter outline. A bullet-point outline of roughly 1,000 to 2,000 words gives you a bird's-eye view of the book.
- Detailed extended outline. A 5,000 to 10,000 word outline gets granular about what goes in every chapter.
- First chapter to lock your voice. You review a fully written chapter, and the team refines it until it sounds like you.
- One chapter at a time. Once the voice is locked, the team writes and delivers the rest of the book chapter by chapter.
- Editing. The manuscript goes through developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading.
- Design, publishing, and launch. Professional cover and interior design, publishing, and launch marketing get the book into readers' hands.
Notice step 5. Testing the voice on 1 chapter before writing 12 is the single best way to avoid a book that doesn't sound like you. If a ghostwriter wants to draft the whole manuscript before you see anything, treat that as a warning sign.
How long does ghostwriting take?
Most ghostwritten books take 3 to 12 months from first interview to final manuscript. Gotham Ghostwriters puts the nonfiction average at 9 to 10 months. The biggest variable is usually you: how fast you review drafts and how available you are for interviews.
Why do people use ghostwriters?
There are many reasons why someone might employ the services of a ghostwriter. However, they typically boil down to two major factors:
- They lack sufficient skill to write a particular project
- Or they lack sufficient time to write the project
Of course, ghostwriting may be needed due to a combination of the above factors, rather than just one or the other.
One prominent reason for using ghostwriters is when experts in their particular field have ideas to share but fear they lack the skills needed to do them justice. Ghostwriting is what is called for in this case.
Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to working with a someone to write your book, the role of the client can be hands-on or hands-off.
In a more hands-on situation, the person whose name will be attached to the work will have a high level of involvement in the creation process.
They might supply detailed information for the ghostwriter to work with, such as notes, recordings, interviews, or other source materials.
They might suggest changes as the writing is being carried out and will be very particular when it comes to revisions.
Ghostwriting can also be a totally hands-off situation from the client’s perspective. In such a situation, they supply minimal levels of instruction at the start of the project, such as "write me a book about _____", and the writer is then left to get on with the work according to their own judgment and discretion.
Ghostwriter vs co-author vs editor vs book coach
A ghostwriter writes your book without credit, a co-author writes with you and shares the byline, and an editor improves your draft.
These roles get mixed up constantly, and the difference matters for your budget and your byline. Here's how they compare:
| Role | Who does the writing | Name on the cover? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghostwriter | The ghostwriter, using your ideas and stories | No (unless you choose to credit them) | Busy experts, founders, and memoirists who want a finished book without writing it |
| Collaborator | The collaborator, working closely with you | Yes, as a "with" or "as told to" credit | Public figures and memoirs where transparency helps credibility |
| Co-author | You both write | Yes, as an equal author | 2 experts combining knowledge in 1 book |
| Editor | You write; the editor improves it | No | Authors who've finished a draft and want it polished |
| Book coach | You write, with guidance and accountability | No | Authors who want to write it themselves but need a proven process |
Credit options: uncredited, "with," and "as told to"
Credit is a choice, not a rule. Most ghostwriters work uncredited and may get a thank-you in the acknowledgments. Some authors add a "with [writer's name]" or "as told to [writer's name]" line on the cover. Decide this upfront and put it in the contract.
What kind of books are ghostwritten?
Almost any type of book can be produced through ghostwriting, no matter if it's fiction vs nonfiction.
However, there are some types of book that are more commonly associated with ghostwriting than others.
One of the most prominent types of ghostwritten book is the autobiography or memoir of a famous person. The best celebrity memoirs are often written by ghostwriters because the celebrities lack the time, skill, or inclination to write their own book but still want to share their stories.
Some famous examples include Prince Harry’s memoir and Donald Trump’s infamous Art of The Deal.
Although nonfiction books such as those mentioned above are some of the most common candidates to be ghostwritten, there are also instances where fiction is produced through ghostwriting.
Typically, fiction ghostwriting occurs in one of two scenarios.
The first relates to entrepreneurial self-publishers, also known as authorpreneurs. These are people who identify a profitable niche of fiction that seems to be selling well.
In order to release a far greater volume of books than they could on their own, they hire ghostwriters and supply them with material such as outlines and background info as well as a style guide. This allows far more books to be released, resulting in greater revenue for the authorpreneur.
The second common scenario relating to fiction ghostwriting is when a famous writer wishes to capitalize on their brand recognition without having to write an entire book themselves.
Overall direction is supplied by the famous author and the writer's output is checked to ensure it has the right voice. However, the famous author is not the one actually producing the work.
Some people frown upon the use of ghostwriters in fiction, but there’s nothing wrong with using one!
Famous ghostwritten books (examples)
Some of the best-known ghostwritten books include Prince Harry's Spare, Andre Agassi's Open, and the original Nancy Drew mysteries published under the name Carolyn Keene.
Ghostwriting shows up on bestseller lists in both nonfiction and fiction. A few well-documented examples:
| Book | Credited author | Writer behind it | How it was credited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spare (2023) | Prince Harry | J.R. Moehringer | Uncredited on the cover; widely reported |
| Open (2009) | Andre Agassi | J.R. Moehringer | Uncredited on the cover; thanked by Agassi |
| The Art of the Deal (1987) | Donald Trump | Tony Schwartz | "With Tony Schwartz" on the cover |
| The Autobiography of Malcolm X (1965) | Malcolm X | Alex Haley | "As told to Alex Haley" |
| Nancy Drew series (from 1930) | "Carolyn Keene" | Mildred Wirt Benson and other Stratemeyer Syndicate writers | A publisher-owned pen name |
| V.C. Andrews novels (after 1986) | V.C. Andrews | Andrew Neiderman | Continued the brand after her death; publicly confirmed |
| Tom Clancy's Op-Center series | Tom Clancy (brand) | Jeff Rovin | Clancy's name as the brand; Rovin wrote the books |
One common mix-up: James Patterson's collaborators are named on the cover, which makes them co-authors, not ghostwriters. The rule of thumb: if the writer's name is on the book, they aren't a ghost.
Celebrity books are the most visible category. Browse our list of celebrity autobiographies and you'll notice how many thank a collaborator in the acknowledgments.
Is ghostwriting ethical?
Perhaps you have ethical questions about ghostwriting or are wondering: Is ghostwriting even legal?
That’s entirely understandable. At first glance, the idea of someone writing under someone else’s name might seem deceptive or underhanded.
In truth, you’d be surprised how many well-known names hire a ghostwriter to publish a book.
Is it deceiving to readers? Potentially. It really depends on the reader’s perspective.
For example, if you’re expecting to read the next great American novel from your favorite author, and discover it was actually ghostwritten - then based on your expectations, you might be deceived. A writer is essentially an artist - especially when it comes to fiction. Would you be okay finding out your favorite artist didn’t actually create their own art?
It really just depends on the context. Are readers having the wool pulled over their eyes?
In my opinion, not at all. As much as our author egos might beg to differ, it's not the person who penned the work that matters. It's the work itself.
But ghostwriting is more accepted by readers of nonfiction works, especially from authors that are big-name celebrities or thought leaders. These authors usually have a solid reason for hiring a ghostwriter - lack of time, or lack of writing skill - so readers are more forgiving.
Generally speaking, many would agree that there’s nothing unethical about ghostwriting.
From the perspective of the person being hired to write, there’s no exploitation taking place whatsoever. Ghostwriters are carrying out work they want to do for a price they have freely agreed.
The pros of ghostwriting
To fully weigh the advantages and benefits that ghostwriting offers, it’s important to break it down.
Ghostwriting can be advantageous in many different situations - again, it’s just a matter of context.
- Less time. Many authors rely on ghostwriting services because they just don’t have the time it takes to write high-quality content. So, they hire a ghostwriter that is able to provide quick-turnaround times, which in turn means less time it takes to publish.
- Minimal effort. Ideally, ghostwriters relieve you of the effort it takes to research and write your book. They compile all the essential information, and do the heavy-lifting when it comes to writing the content. However, this is only the case if the writer is a professional - there are horror stories of people hiring ghostwriters and it ended up requiring a ton more work than they expected.
- Potentially higher quality. If you know your topic, but are lacking in writing skills, you might opt for a professional writer to help you produce a high quality book. Of course, this is assuming they are actually a skilled writer.
- Tap into expertise of professionals. Ghostwriters write books for a living. This is their area of expertise, which means they probably know a whole lot more about the process than you do. Or, maybe the ghostwriter you hire is an expert in a specific topic you’ll be covering in your book!
- Accommodations for those with disabilities. For those with impairments, chronic illness, or disabilities that prevent them from writing a book, having someone else to write is a huge helping hand.
The cons of ghostwriting
Alright, now that we have a solid idea of the benefits that come with using ghostwriting, let’s take a look at some of the potential disadvantages.
- Your voice. Your book is a reflection of your experience, knowledge, and story. Your writing tone and passion will likely not shine through if someone else is writing for you. Although ghostwriters are professional writers and many can capture part of your essence, they will never be able to fully express your original thoughts.
- Personal accomplishment. There’s something gratifying about writing your own words on paper, and seeing your words turned into a book - it doesn't matter if you're self-publishing or traditional publishing. Your personal gratification may not feel that strong if you have someone else write your story.
- Potentially misleading. As we mentioned earlier, readers may or may not feel misled if they ever discover you used a ghostwriter for your book. Ideally, people won’t ever know your book is ghostwritten, but you should be prepared for all situations.
- Expertise. Through the book research and writing process, you come to discover so much about your subject (even if you’re already an expert). Ghostwriters will do this process for you, which means you are missing out on some potentially insightful learning experience. Additionally, readers may not see you as a true authority in your field if they discover that your book is ghostwritten.
- Expensive. Of course, hiring a ghostwriter to write your entire book is going to be a pretty penny, especially if you’re working with a true professional (which you should be). It’s an investment and it should be budgeted for.
Should you hire a ghostwriter?
Now that you understand what ghostwriting is, and the benefits and downsides that come with it, it’s time to assess your personal situation and determine if a ghostwriter is something you truly need to get your book written.
If any of the following situations sound like yours, a ghostwriter might be the best route to take.
Reasons to hire a ghostwriter:
- You’re confident in your book idea, but not your ability to write it.
- You want to write a nonfiction book to support your business but aren't interested in writing books.
- You're an experienced author who wants to publish books at scale but can't write them all.
Ultimately, whatever reason you have for wanting to hire someone to write your book is good enough. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Let’s check out the process of hiring someone for ghostwriting services.
How to hire a ghostwriter
Chances are, if you’re ready to get help writing a book, you’re a busy person.
To save you time, we’ve distilled the process of hiring a ghostwriter down into five simple steps.
Prepare your project for a ghostwriter
The quality of a ghostwriter’s work doesn’t just depend on their writing skill, although that’s undeniably important.
They also need clear guidance from you on the type of project you are producing and the exact way they will help you.
Some things to think about before hiring a ghostwriter include:
- Purpose. What is the reason for your work? Are you looking to entertain or inform? Who is your intended reader, and how do you meet their needs?
- Expectation. Do people already expect something from your written content? If so, how will you convey these expectations to your ghostwriter? Preparing samples of any past work released under your name might be helpful.
- Involvement. How much involvement do you want to have in the project? Knowing this ahead of time will help you find a suitable ghostwriter.
- Material. Gather together the material your ghostwriter will need to do their job. If you’re hiring someone to write your memoir, this might include photos and diaries from your life. In the case of a nonfiction book, it might include source material the ghostwriter will reference.
Although you can always work in conjunction with your ghostwriter further down the line, taking the time for initial preparation will not only make everyone's life easier but will show that you're serious about your project. A good first impression is invaluable.
After you’ve prepared as much as possible, it’s time to seek out the right ghostwriter for your work.
Find people to ghostwrite your work
So how exactly do you find someone to ghostwrite your project?
If you have the time, it’s a good idea to cast a wide net initially. Look in as many places as possible and consider a range of different ghostwriters. This will allow you to find the right person for your project, rather than settling on whoever you happen to stumble across.
To start your search, seek out ghostwriters in the following places:
- Search engines. Use sites like Google to find ghostwriting candidates. Try and be as specific as possible. Instead of searching for ‘ghostwriter’, try searching for the specific type of ghostwriter you want, such as ‘nonfiction ghostwriter’ or ‘memoir ghostwriter’.
- Freelancing websites. Sites such as Upwork have sections just for finding ghostwriters, as do specialist platforms like Reedsy.
- Self-publishing companies. Why not hire a ghostwriter recommended by a specialist self-publishing company? You might find it easier working with someone with experience in self-publishing.
- Social media. Search social media platforms such as Facebook for ghostwriters to find relevant groups and individuals. Services such as LinkedIn are also good places to look, and you might even want to try relevant hashtags on Twitter or Instagram.
- Word of mouth. Often, a word of mouth recommendation is worth its weight in gold. Don’t be shy to ask around and seek out recommendations for good ghostwriters.
- Writer forums. Forums, job boards, and other places where writers hang out are worth your attention.
After you’ve looked for ghostwriters in as many places as possible, it’s time to settle on someone in particular.
Choosing the right ghostwriter
Knowing where to look for ghostwriters isn’t enough. You also need to know how to choose between the writers you find.
If you’re evaluating someone to write your work, you should consider all of the following points:
- Voice. Will a potential ghostwriter be able to capture your voice? This is less of a concern if you don't have a reputation and aren't looking for your voice to come across. However, if you want the writing to sound like it could have come from you, find someone who can understand and convey your personal style.
- Experience. Does your ghostwriter candidate have experience in producing your type of project? What’s their writing background like in general?
- Portfolio. Ask to see some samples of a ghostwriter’s work. Be clear about the type of writing you would most like to see.
- References. If you’re looking at ghostwriters on a freelance site, be sure to check out their reviews. If you’re looking elsewhere, ask for some testimonials and references, and make sure you like what you hear before proceeding.
Aside from the tangible aspect of your evaluation, you also want to consider your rapport with a potential ghostwriter and whether you seem to click with one another.
Whether or not you’ll be working closely with this person, you’re entrusting them with a big responsibility. Everything will be a lot easier if you both get on well and communicate compatibly.
How much do ghostwriters make?
Cost shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when hiring a ghostwriter, but it’s something you can’t ignore. So how much do ghostwriters make?
Before weighing up the costs of various ghostwriters against their other qualities, it’s useful to think about the end goal of your project.
If you're looking to generate revenue by selling copies of your book, what will the retail price be? How many copies do you intend to sell? How much profit are you hoping to make?
If you’re more interested in boosting your profile and authority by releasing a book, how much is this worth to you? For example, you might hope to generate business referrals through your book. What’s the value of these? What are you willing to pay to make them happen?
After considering the above, seek out real ghostwriters. Try and find as many as possible who meet the criteria you identified in step 3. Find out their rates and try and establish an average rate for what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for some rough ballpark numbers, here are average rates for various types of ghostwriter:
- Top tier ghostwriters. There is an elite tier of ghostwriters who work on projects for celebrities and other elite individuals. They can charge between $100,000 and $500,000 for a book project.
- High-level ghostwriters. For professional ghostwriters operating below the elite tier, expect to pay around $20,000 to $80,000 for an average length book.
- More affordable ghostwriters. On sites like Upwork, you can hire their top ghostwriters for between $60 - $100 an hour, or agree on a project fee separately.
It’s important to see the money spent on a ghostwriter as an investment rather than a cost.
You should always anticipate a worthwhile return on your investment, regardless of if that return is in the form of money, exposure, or both.
Agreeing terms for your ghostwritten project
After evaluating different ghostwriter candidates, and finding someone who fits your budget, it’s time to drill down and agree terms.
Taking the time to agree on specific terms for your ghostwritten project at the very start is essential. You help to avoid any misunderstandings or hassles further down the line and ensure you and your writer are on the same page.
So what are some things you should agree on before the project begins?
- Project plan. Find a schedule that is mutually suitable for you and your ghostwriter. Be clear about milestones, deadlines, and the extent to which they are flexible. Make sure anything discussed is put in writing so there’s no room for misunderstanding.
- Communication. How often will you and your ghostwriter communicate? Which communication tools will be used? Reaching an understanding about communication at the start will ensure neither party feels either harassed or ignored.
- Payment amount. How much will you pay your ghostwriter? Will this be a flat rate for the project or paid on an hourly basis?
- Payment structure. Will you pay an advance upfront? Will their fee be paid according to the completion of project milestones? If your ghostwriter charges by the hour, how often will they bill you?
- Contract or escrow. How will the deal you’ve reached with your ghostwriter be formalized? Platforms like Upwork have a built-in platform for this, or you might want to sign a contract and use an escrow service.
- Confidentiality. Consider asking your ghostwriter to sign a nondisclosure agreement to avoid any issues cropping up further down the line.
It’s better to be thorough about every detail before getting started. It gives you a much better chance of having your expectations met, and gives your ghostwriter the clarity and confidence they need to produce their best work.
Tips on working with a ghostwriter
Working with a ghostwriter can be a rewarding experience if you approach it thoughtfully. Here are some tips to ensure a successful collaboration:
- Define your vision: Clearly articulate what you want the project to achieve. Share your goals, themes, and any specific messages you want to convey.
- Choose the right ghostwriter: Look for someone whose style matches your voice and who has experience in your genre. Review their previous work to gauge compatibility.
- Establish clear communication: Set up regular check-ins and establish preferred communication channels. Being open about ideas, concerns, and feedback is crucial.
- Provide detailed outlines: Create a comprehensive outline or brief. Include chapter summaries, key points, and any essential research. The more guidance you provide, the better the outcome.
- Share personal insights: Offer anecdotes, experiences, and insights that reflect your voice and perspective. This will help the ghostwriter capture your essence more accurately.
- Set realistic deadlines: Discuss timelines and be flexible. Creative processes can take time, and it’s important to allow for revisions.
- Be open to feedback: Encourage your ghostwriter to share their ideas and suggestions. Collaboration can enhance the project significantly.
- Review drafts thoroughly: Give constructive feedback on drafts. Be specific about what you like and what needs adjustment.
- Maintain ownership: Clearly define ownership and rights over the final work. This includes discussing credit and compensation upfront.
- Build a relationship: Invest time in getting to know your ghostwriter. A good rapport can enhance the creative process and lead to better results.
By following these tips, you can foster a productive partnership and create a piece that reflects your vision.
Final thoughts on using a ghostwriter
We’re in the business of helping authors write and publish books, and we’ve developed a step-by-step framework that helps authors do it for less time than they think it takes.
It doesn’t have to take years to write your book. You can write and publish a book in 90 days without using a ghostwriter - all while saving half the cost.
Want to learn the process?
If you’re sold on hiring a ghostwriter and ready to get started, we get it! For those of you in this boat, you'll be happy to know that selfpublishing.com also includes professional ghostwriting services! We can help you write the book of your dreams one way or another.
Frequently asked questions about ghostwriters
Is it illegal to use a ghostwriter?
No. Using a ghostwriter is legal and common, especially for memoirs and business books. The exception is academic work, where submitting ghostwritten papers as your own is misconduct.
Do ghostwriters get credit?
Usually not. Most ghostwriters work uncredited, though some authors add a "with" or "as told to" line on the cover or thank the writer in the acknowledgments. You decide, and the contract should say so.
Do ghostwriters get royalties?
Usually not. Professional ghostwriters typically charge a flat project fee, so the author keeps the royalties. With selfpublishing.com's ghostwriting packages, you keep 100% of your royalties.
Who owns the copyright to a ghostwritten book?
You do, as long as your contract transfers the rights to you through a written assignment or work-for-hire clause. Never start a project without this in writing.
How long does it take a ghostwriter to write a book?
Most ghostwritten books take 3 to 12 months from first interview to final manuscript, with nonfiction averaging 9 to 10 months. How quickly you review drafts is the biggest factor.
Who is the most famous ghostwriter?
J.R. Moehringer is one of the best-known today. He's widely reported as the writer behind Prince Harry's Spare and Andre Agassi's Open, and he also helped Nike founder Phil Knight with Shoe Dog.
How do you become a ghostwriter?
Build a portfolio of strong writing samples, pick a niche you know well, and start with shorter projects like articles or LinkedIn posts. From there, join freelance marketplaces or apply to ghostwriting agencies and firms.
Can a ghostwriter really capture my voice?
Yes, if the process is built for it. Look for plenty of interview time, a sample chapter you approve before full drafting, and multiple revision rounds. Those 3 things matter more than the writer's résumé.
Is "ghostwriter" one word or two?
"Ghostwriter" is the standard one-word spelling, and "ghost writer" is a common variant. Both mean the same thing.
