Quick Guides
Should I Hire a Ghostwriter?
Do you have a great idea for a book but wonder if you should write it or hire a ghostwriter? Use the quick answer section below and download our free quick guide for additional information to help you make an informed decision.
It depends on your needs.
On the surface, ghostwriting can appear mysterious, even secretive, but it doesn’t have to be. Using a ghostwriter is actually fairly common within the publishing industry—traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing.
Ghostwriting services are not regulated, so anyone can say that they are a ghostwriter. You don’t want to be taken advantage of, so we’ve created this short guide to give you the information you need so that you can make an informed decision.
If you are thinking about hiring someone to write your book, here are some important questions and considerations:
Are you a good writer?
As an author, it’s important to understand your strengths and weaknesses. If you have a great idea for a book, but you’re not a good writer, then hiring a ghostwriter who has the experience to execute your book project could be a good option.
How’s your confidence level?
If producing a high-quality book is your goal, are you confident that you can pull it off? Truthfully, often all you need is a really good editor to get a manuscript in tip-top shape; however, it has to have good bones to begin with. Ghostwriters write books for a living and are often experts in a particular field of writing. If you need someone to help round out your ideas and fill in some of the gaps, then hiring a ghostwriter could give your book the polish it needs.
Can you invest in quality?
Anyone can write a book, but that doesn’t guarantee it will be a good one. There are different levels of ghostwriting support from beginners to best-selling authors who ghostwrite. You can expect to pay 10K on the lower end to over $200K. You are paying for results including quality and the potential for future sales. Consider your budget and decide if hiring a ghostwriter is worth it for you.
Do you have time to write?
Writing a book is a big investment of time. You also don’t know how long it will actually take until you begin the writing process. If you have a book deadline or goal (e.g., 90 days, six months, a year), but don’t have the time to write, then a ghostwriter can alleviate the deadline pressure.
Are you comfortable?
Whatever your opinion of ghostwriting, your comfort level with the process will impact the outcome. Working with a ghostwriter requires vulnerability and transparency in order for the writer to capture not only your voice and tone but also your passion for the subject matter. If you have reservations about working with a ghostwriter and don’t trust them or the process, you won’t get the best product out of the process. Honor future readers by finding a quality ghostwriter who can do the job or write the book yourself and find a fantastic editor.
Should I hire a ghostwriter?
Whatever your opinion of ghostwriting, your comfort level with the process will impact the outcome. Working with a ghostwriter requires vulnerability and transparency in order for the writer to capture not only your voice and tone but also your passion for the subject matter. If you have reservations about working with a ghostwriter and don’t trust them or the process, you won’t get the best product out of the process. Honor future readers by finding a quality ghostwriter who can do the job or write the book yourself and find a fantastic editor.