Best Ghostwriting Tips & How To Choose a Ghostwriter

Should you hire a ghostwriter, or does this undermine your credibility as an author? We often hear about ghostwriting for nonfiction books, but what about fiction? Great question.

How do celebrities suddenly become successful authors? Do they use ghostwriters? And if so, should you? Another great question.

If you’ve ever tried to write a book, you know a lot goes into the process. From show-don’t-tell writing rules to character development to your theme, the writing process can be tough. We know this, celebrities know this, and as a credible writer yourself, I’m sure you know this!

While ghostwriting fiction isn’t as popular a topic as a ghostwritten a celebrity’s memoir (e.g. Spare, Prince Harry’s memoir ghostwritten by J.R. Moehringer), it is still popular. Whether for fiction or nonfiction, you can use ghostwriting to launch your writing career.

Regarding ghostwriting, The Guardian goes so far as to say, “As long as there have been celebrity memoirs, there have been ghostwriters . . . [and] it seems there is no celebrity who will turn down the chance to write a novel.”

If celebrities, who have access to just about every option available, choose to work with a ghostwriter, it’s worth considering as a credible option. In fact, you may want to use a ghostwriter to become a successful author yourself.

Hint: you don’t have to be a celebrity to do so! 

Ghostwriting: what you learn

• What exactly does a ghostwriter do?
• What is the ghostwriting process?
• Pros of using a ghostwriter
• Cons of using a ghostwriter
• Popular authors who used ghostwriters
• Ghostwriting FAQ

What exactly does a ghostwriter do?

Ghostwriting is writing material for someone else who becomes the named author. In other words, a ghostwriter writes the content for someone else, which is then published under the other person’s name.

This begs the question, what is a ghostwriter’s recognition in the end? Do ghostwriters get credit? Often, they do not. Like a ghost, they write the book and then disappear without credit.

Because of this, working with a ghostwriter can be extremely beneficial for writers who get stuck at a certain point in the writing process. A ghostwriter can help an author through a specific draft, without the author having to give up their name as the author.

Ghostwriting can be an incredible experience for new authors, particularly as they work through their rough drafts. You may ask about ethical implications (especially if you do not edit your book at all), and rightly so.

There are ways to work with a writer collaboratively, while still ensuring they are paid appropriately and receive the recognition they deserve for their work.

When working with a ghostwriter, you can consider: 

• Paying them a percentage of royalties 
• Acknowledging their work along with your other acknowledgments 
• Putting “with [their name]” along with yours on the cover 

For an example of a writer who did this, view this author’s work. While a ghostwriter helps you write your book, they do their work understanding they don’t have the final say in how the book turns out. That’s up to you, the author, to determine through your subsequent edits.

What do ghostwriters write? 

Speaking of what ghostwriters do, ghostwriters can write for a huge array of projects across genres and multimedia. Large companies often hire freelance writers to create copy for their websites, without a byline attribution. This is a form of ghostwriting.

You may have heard of ghostwriters taking on:

• Autobiographies
• Political speeches
• Academic essays
• Fiction novels
• Captions for social media

For our purposes, we will focus on ghostwriting as it pertains to fiction and nonfiction books.

What is the ghostwriting process?

There are multiple ways to work with a ghostwriter, but here are two processes that are pretty typical for the ghostwriting experience.

Collaboration

This first option focuses on a collaborative approach. Let’s say you have a phenomenal novel idea and are aching to get your book out into the world.

You have done a ton of work upfront: crafting characters, thinking through plot lines, and creating the setting of your story. For nonfiction, you researched your topic, collected sources, and delved into your theme.

You reach out to a professional writer and ask them to write your first draft. They agree, and you send them your research and outlines. Not long after, you have your rough first draft.

This is where your unique perspective and creativity come into play. Ghostwriting is not a one-and-done process. Since it’s your idea, you can go in and change up sentences, rephrase paragraphs, and finesse those character arcs. 

The difference is, now you have a manuscript to work with and you’re not staring at that blank page. You may resonate with this form of ghostwriting. 

There is no shame in working collaboratively with someone in the writing process. As the author, you can choose what works best for you and your vision.

As a creative writer, you likely don’t want to give up the entirety of the creative process. You are a writer after all! But now you have something to work with—a map to help you reach your goal of authorship. 

If you want to become a successful author but just can’t get past a certain stage in the writing process, it may be time to hire a ghostwriter.

The full ghostwriting experience

The second option is to give the ghostwriter creative control. No matter how much you want to write a book, sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. 

For the highly successful actress Millie Bobby Brown (discussed later), having a ghostwriter do the heavy lifting of writing her grandmother’s story made sense. After all, how was she supposed to write a novel in between filming and promoting her next movie?

The good news is, your busy doesn’t have to look like a celebrity’s busy to use, and benefit from, ghostwriting. Maybe you just have a really great idea for a novel but don’t want to go through the writing process. 

Maybe you’d rather oversee the project and direct it from a distance, rather than play a major role in the editing process. If this sounds like you, then hiring a ghostwriter might be the right choice.  

How to hire a ghostwriter

What is a ghostwriter hiring process like? Because ghostwriters are often hired for one project, or a small set of projects, the most important thing to look for is experience.

Potential clients will look for the ghostwriter’s ability to deliver and deliver well. When you use a freelance site like Upwork, this often means looking for experience and positive reviews on the site itself. 

However, you can also hire ghostwriters who work with established companies. Finding a ghostwriter can take quite a bit of time, so working with one from a well-known company can save you that time and effort.

Then, you can put that time into finessing the final draft of your book! Plus, booking ghostwriting services can help you complete your rough draft so you can jump-start your publication process.

How much do ghostwriters get paid?

While prices vary, for quality ghostwriting, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 – $100+ an hour. This means that for a book-size project, your costs could average upward of $20,000 – $100,000. Of course, hourly rates depend on the ghostwriter’s method.

Some may work off of your notes while some may want to interview you. Each writer’s workflow, and therefor their time investment, will influence their price point.

Other ghostwriters charge per word. Entry-level ghostwriters may charge between $0.01 – $0.05 per word. Those with a solid background of ghostwriting experience can charge $0.15 – $1 per word. When hiring a ghostwriter per word, be clear on the word count you want your book to be.

Since the writer can’t take credit for their work, and most aren’t paid royalties, they may charge a lot more than if their name was on the piece of content and they received a percentage of royalties.

On the other hand, we offer ghostwriting service packages that ensure you receive a quality draft along with help through the publishing process. 

Not only will you benefit from guidance throughout the drafting process, but you also receive help sharing your final manuscript with the world.

Pros of using a ghostwriter 

After your writing preparation, working with a ghostwriter often just requires an author’s touch to finalize, redraft, and put their own unique voice in their book.

Because of this, it’s hard to beat ghostwriting as an effective system for getting your first draft done! If you find yourself lacking in one of the below three areas, it may be time to hire a ghostwriter.

Lack of time

If you don’t have the time or desire to write a book yourself, ghostwriting may be a great option for you. Maybe you run a business and want an eBook as a sales funnel.

You might know what you want in your book, but it doesn’t necessarily matter if you’ve written it yourself. A ghostwriter can take the content you have in mind and convert it into a full book, giving you an easy product.

Lack of experience

Ghostwriters often have experience in the industry and might have a better idea of what sells. Even if they’re writing your story, they’ll likely know what details, themes, or tropes can boost interest and engagement in your story.

Lack of forward progress

While most writers love the writing craft, sometimes an author gets stuck during the writing process and can benefit from the help of a ghostwriter. In our experience, this phase is almost always during the first draft, and therefore, one of the biggest pros to ghostwriting.

Why? This stuck phase is where writers either give up their dream, or press on to achieve their goal. Ghostwriting is just another tool in an author’s tool belt to help them get over these writer’s block slumps and do so quickly.

If you’re stuck in the middle of writing your novel, you may want to work with a professional writer who can get you over the creative block.

This ensures you don’t need to spend time drafting your book, but later, you can spend time editing what’s written and putting your own finishing touches on every word.

But, these aren’t the only reasons to hire a ghostwriter. You may not lack time, experience, or feel stuck, but need help in another way.

Desire for higher quality

If you need help with obtaining a certain quality of writing, ghostwriting may be for you. Many ghostwriters are “natural” writers. Writing comes easily to them (although it still takes work!).

If you’re worried about the quality of your first draft, a ghostwriter can ensure a high level of writing competence.

You can then work from this draft as you create your own changes. Note that you will still want to work with a professional editor after ghostwriting your book.

Non-native speakers can benefit from native writers

Additionally, depending on the language you want to write your book in, a ghostwriter can be a great option. This is particularly true for non-native English speakers looking to write a book in English.

You can hire a ghostwriter to take your writing and rewrite it for readability. This will help rid your work of errors that may show up in your grammar or the idioms you use.

Additionally, if you want to write your book in a language other than English, it’s helpful to hire a ghostwriter whose native tongue is in the language you desire for your book.

Those unable to type or write can complete something written

Finally, there are a number of disabilities that can bar someone from writing a book, or writing at all. Hiring a ghostwriter can help you accomplish a huge goal or dream if you’re not able to physically perform the work necessary to write. 

For some, a ghostwriter may be the gateway to achieving their dreams.

Cons of hiring a ghostwriter

Just as there are pros and cons to writing a book yourself, there are pros and cons to ghostwriting. If you’re considering hiring a ghostwriter, you may want to consider a few cons.

The initial draft won’t be your work

One of the biggest joys authors have when finishing a book is that they did it themselves. Writing a book is a major feat, one that a very small percentage of the population will ever accomplish. When you work with a ghostwriter, your initial draft may not be your own work.

When you choose ghostwriting, you give up the fulfillment of saying you wrote the book, some of your creative control, and the learning process that allows you to grow as a writer yourself. 

That said, if you take your book through detailed edits,  the final draft will have your authorship all over it. Plus, you can always write your next book yourself!

It can get expensive for good work

As mentioned above, ghostwriters are expensive! Some of the more affordable ghostwriters may feel costly, while those with experience may feel far out of budget.

That said, if you market your book well, you could earn your investment back rather quickly. It’s crucial to weigh your investment with the return you are likely to gain on your investment.

It takes time

With ghostwriting, it’s crucial to communicate with your writer, review the material, provide feedback, and of course, engage in the process of revisions. This all takes time. 

But, if you work with a quality ghostwriter, this back and forth could ensure you overcome your writer’s block and actually complete your novel!

Popular authors who used ghostwriters

Believe it or not, some of the greats you studied in your school days are said to have worked with collaborative writers. Below is a list of authors, classic and contemporary, and the context behind their writing process. 

Alexandre Dumas 

The literary icon who wrote The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo actually worked with Auguste Maquet for the writing of these novels.

Dumas used Maquet to such a large capacity (apparently without paying him appropriately) that Maquet took him to court to claim his co-authorship and obtain unpaid fees. 

Alexandre Dumas worked with Maquet on his plots and even referenced his expertise as a trained historian. Together, they created stories that have inspired and entertained readers for generations.

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown’s debut novel, Nineteen Steps, is based on her grandmother’s experiences in 1943. However, despite the close ties Brown has to the novel, the book was ghostwritten by author Kathleen McGurl.

While this collaboration sparked dispute, McGurl shared some details about her process with Brown and even posted about it on her own author website.

This leads readers to believe there was no NDA (non-disclosure agreement), and although McGurl’s name does not appear on the cover, she is receiving some recognition. 

Ian Fleming

If this name doesn’t ring a bell, this next one will: James Bond. Ian Fleming created the character of James Bond, but even so, do successful fiction authors use ghostwriters for characters as iconic as 007?

While Fleming was the originator of the characterization of Bond, there is a discussion of ghostwriter Kingsley Amis’ role in the series.

Tom Clancy

Tom Clancy, well known for his character Jack Ryan, is said to have used co-writers Mark Greaney and Grant Blackwood for some of his novels. Due to his collaborative methods, he published novels at a rate that was unprecedented.

This quickly established him as an incredibly successful author, one who knew how to leverage the use of ghostwriters while still using his own creativity to fuel his books. 

James Patterson

Do successful fiction authors use ghostwriters? If you’re James Patterson you do! Patterson is known as the most popular storyteller of our time, and even he uses ghostwriters.

Famous for his thriller and suspense prowess, he has used ghostwriters Maxine Paetro, Michael Ledwidge, and Candice Fox.

The benefits these writers bring to Patterson’s work are twofold: a fresh perspective and a particular set of skills. With over 200 books under his name, it’s apparent that he’s figured out the formula for using ghostwriters the right way.

Michael Crichton

Even the late Michael Chrichton of Jurassic Park fame can thank a ghostwriter for finishing his incomplete novel, Eruption, sixteen years after his passing.

Remarkably, the writer who uses ghostwriters, James Patterson, was asked to ghostwrite the remaining chapters of Chrichton’s book.

Learning about ghostwriting and the famous authors who used it begs the question, “Did the great literary authors we so admire reach their prestige because they knew their own literary weaknesses and discovered ways to accommodate these weaknesses?” It’s a question worth considering.

Ghostwriting: take your next step

Hiring a ghostwriter is not a sign of defeat, but a sign that you know when you need help and know how to get it. This in itself is a tremendous win!

Remember, you can hire a ghostwriter to help you complete your first draft, then go back and make all the creative changes you want.

Jumpstart your writing process by using our free Book Outline Generator below! You could be the next successful author to use a ghostwriter!

Ghostwriting FAQ

What exactly does a ghostwriter do?

A ghostwriter writes content that gets published under someone else’s name. They do everything from drafting books to writing speeches, blog posts, and even social media captions. Some ghostwriters work from detailed outlines, and others create content just based on interviews or rough notes.

How much do ghostwriters get paid?

Rates vary based on experience and project scope. Entry-level ghostwriters might charge a few cents per word, while experienced ones can charge $1 per word or more. Full-length books often cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on complexity and the writer’s expertise.

Do ghostwriters get royalties?

Most ghostwriters don’t get royalties. They’re usually paid upfront or per project, but some high-profile deals include a revenue split. If you want a ghostwriter to take a lower fee, you might offer a cut of future book sales.

Is it OK to have a ghostwriter?

Absolutely! Even famous authors and celebrities use ghostwriters. If you have a great idea but lack time, experience, or writing skills, hiring a ghostwriter is a smart move. Just make sure you’re involved in shaping the final product.

Can a ghostwriter steal your story?

A professional ghostwriter won’t, especially if you have a contract in place. Contracts protect both parties by clarifying rights, payment, and confidentiality. If you’re worried, work with a reputable writer or company.

Is ghostwriting in demand?

Yes, and it’s growing. With more entrepreneurs, influencers, and professionals wanting books or content without writing it themselves, ghostwriters are in high demand, especially in nonfiction and business writing.

Do you have to acknowledge a ghostwriter?

No, but you can if you want to. Some authors credit their ghostwriters in the acknowledgments or put “with [ghostwriter’s name]” on the cover. Others keep it completely behind the scenes.

Why don’t ghostwriters get credit?

With ghostwriters, that’s the deal! They’re hired to write, not to take credit. The author who hires them gets the byline, and the ghostwriter gets paid. Some ghostwriters prefer it this way—it keeps their work varied and their business steady.