How To Hire A Ghostwriter That You Can Trust

So you've decided you need a ghostwriter. Congratulations! You've taken the first step towards ensuring your blog or book is the best it can be. But now comes the hard part: finding a ghostwriter you can trust to produce high-quality work. Don't worry; we're here to help. In this blog post, we'll give you tips on how to hire a ghostwriter you can trust to produce great work. Keep reading to learn more!

What is a ghostwriter?

Essentially, a ghostwriter is a professional writer hired to write books, articles, speeches, or other texts officially credited to another person. Ghostwriters are often used by celebrities, politicians, and businesspeople who need assistance with their writing but don't have the time or skills to do it themselves. In some cases, ghostwriters will be hired to write an entire book from start to finish; in other cases, they may be brought in to help with specific sections or chapters. 

No matter what the scope of the project is, though, the goal of the ghostwriter is always the same: to produce a finished product that meets the client's needs and expectations. 

What Does a Ghostwriter Do? 

A ghostwriter can do a lot of different things, depending on the project they're working on and the needs of their client. Here are just a few examples.

• Research: In some cases, the ghostwriter will be responsible for conducting all of the research for the project themselves. This can involve everything from reading books and articles on the subject matter to interviewing experts and conducting primary research. 

• Writing: Of course, one of the essential things a ghostwriter does is sit down and write! This can include anything from drafting an outline for the project to writing entire chapters or even the whole book from start to finish. 

• Editing: Once the first draft is complete, it's time for editing and revision. The ghostwriter will go through their work (or work with an editor) to ensure that it's clear, concise, and free of any errors. 

• Publishing: In some cases—especially when writing nonfiction books—the ghostwriter may also be responsible for helping their client get published. This can involve everything from shopping around for literary agents to handling self-publishing logistics. 

How to hire a ghostwriter: eight factors to consider

If you're thinking about hiring a ghostwriter, you're not alone. In fact, more and more people are turning to ghostwriters to help them with everything from blog posts and articles to books and eBooks. But how do you know if hiring a ghostwriter is right for you? And if it is, how do you find and hire the right one? Here are eight factors to consider before taking the plunge.

1. What's your writing goal?

The first question you need to ask yourself is what you hope to achieve by hiring a ghostwriter. Are you looking for someone to help with the heavy lifting on a book-length project? Or do you need someone to develop fresh ideas and provide editorial feedback regularly? Perhaps you need someone to take your existing blog posts and turn them into e-books or print books. Once you know your writing goal, you can narrow your search for the perfect ghostwriter.

2. What's your budget?

The second factor to consider is budget. A good rule of thumb is to expect to pay a professional ghostwriter anywhere from $500-$5,000 per finished product, depending on the length and complexity of the project. If you're working on a tight budget, there are ways to get around that—more on later. But if money is no object, be prepared to pay top dollar for a high-caliber ghostwriter who can make your project shine. 

3. What's your timeline?

Another important factor to consider when hiring a ghostwriter is your timeline. How soon do you need the project completed? If you're working on a tight deadline, you must communicate that upfront so the ghostwriter can let you know if they're able to meet your deadline. 

4. What's your subject matter expertise? 

The first factor to consider when hiring a ghostwriter is whether they have subject matter expertise in the topic you need them to write about. A good ghostwriter will not only be a talented writer but also have knowledge and experience in the subject area they're writing about. This combination of skills will result in high-quality, accurate content that captures your voice and tells your story the way you want it told. 

5. Do you have an existing draft or outline? 

Another important factor to consider is whether you have an existing draft or outline for the project. If so, how much work will the ghostwriter need to complete the project? Will they need to start from scratch, or can they work with what you already have? The more work that needs to be done, the higher the price. 

6. Do you need editing or proofreading services? 

You'll also want to consider whether you need editing or proofreading services in addition to essential writing assistance. This is particularly important if you already have a draft you hope to refine. Remember that not all ghostwriters offer these services, so be sure to ask before making your final decision. 

7. Where will you find potential ghostwriters? 

When it comes to finding potential ghostwriters, there are a few different avenues you can explore. One option is to use online job boards and Freelance websites. These platforms can be excellent venues for finding qualified candidates, but it's important to remember that anyone can create a profile and start bidding on jobs. As such, you must take the time to carefully review each candidate's credentials before moving forward. 

Another option is to tap into your personal and professional network. If you know someone who's an excellent writer or has worked with a talented freelancer in the past, reach out and see if they'd be interested in taking on your project. referral can often be the best way to find quality talent. 

Finally, consider partnering with a ghostwriting firm. If you're unsure where to start your search or would feel more comfortable working with an established company, this could be the right option. 

8. How will you evaluate your finalists? 

Once you've compiled a list of potential candidates, it's time to evaluate your finalists. The first thing you'll want to do is send each candidate a writing sample request. This will allow you to see their writing style and get a better sense of their skill set. In addition, be sure to ask each candidate about their fees, availability, and turnaround time, so there are no surprises down the road. 

Finally, set up initial interviews with your top contenders. This step is crucial as it will allow you to assess not only their writing ability but also their communication skills and overall professionalism. 

How to hire a ghostwriter: eight qualities to look for

So you've decided to hire a ghostwriter. Congratulations! This is a great decision if you want to produce high-quality content without shouldering all the responsibility (and stress) yourself. But before you start writing that job posting, you should keep a few things in mind. Here are eight qualities to look for.

1. A good communicator 

A good ghostwriter should be able to communicate effectively and efficiently. This means being able to understand your vision for the project and articulate any questions or concerns clearly. It also means being responsive to your edits and feedback. A good ghostwriter will ensure you're happy with the final product before calling it done. 

2. A strong writer 

Of course, this one goes without saying. A good ghostwriter should be a strong writer with a command of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They should also have a knack for sentence structure and know how to craft a compelling narrative. If you're looking for someone to write website copy or marketing materials, they should also have experience with SEO keywords and be able to seamlessly incorporate them into the text. 

3. Experienced 

You don't necessarily need to hire someone with extensive experience as a professional writer. Still, it helps if they have some prior writing experience—preferably in the same or similar industry as your business. This way, they'll already know the subject matter and won't need to spend as much time researching as someone with no prior experience would. 

4. Flexible 

A good ghostwriter should be flexible and adaptable. After all, no two projects are exactly alike, so it's important that they're able to adjust their writing style and approach as needed to fit each project. Additionally, since unforeseen circumstances can sometimes arise during a project, they must be able to roll with the punches and make changes on the fly when necessary. 

5. Organized 

An organized ghostwriter is a productive ghostwriter—and that's what you want from someone you're paying by the hour or the project. They should have systems in place to track deadlines, timelines, invoices, payments, etc. so that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. No one wants surprises when it comes time to settle up at the end of a project! 

6. Trustworthy 

This one is important because you'll likely be sharing sensitive information with your ghostwriter about your business, your products or services, your target audience, etc., so they must be someone you can trust implicitly with this type of information. They should also be reliable, always following through on their promises and meeting deadlines without exception. You shouldn't worry about whether they'll actually do the work you're paying them for! 

7. Discreet 

A good ghostwriter will also be discreet and understand the importance of confidentiality in their line of work. They will sign any non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that you require before starting work on a project. They will never share confidential information about you or your business without express written permission. You can rest assured knowing that your secrets are safe with them!

8. Professional 

Last but not least, good ghostwriters will always professionally conduct themselves. This includes everything from maintaining regular communication throughout each project to dressing and behaving appropriately if you ever meet in person. You shouldn't ever have to worry about whether or not they're representing you and your business well—you should be confident that they always are.  

How to hire a ghostwriter: eight mistakes to avoid

Here are eight mistakes to avoid when hiring a ghostwriter.

1. Not doing your research

Just because you think someone is a good writer doesn't mean they're the best choice for the job. Make sure to do some background research on any potential ghostwriters before hiring them. Look at samples of their work, read reviews from past clients, and make sure they have experience in the same or similar industry as yours. 

2. Hiring someone without an NDA

Any good ghostwriter should be more than willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with you prior to starting work on a project. This protects both parties by ensuring that confidential information remains just that—confidential. Don't hire anyone who refuses to sign one! 

3. Focusing solely on price

Yes, price is an essential factor to consider when hiring a ghostwriter, but it shouldn't be the only one. Quality and experience matter too, so if someone is charging noticeably less than everyone else, there's probably a good reason why. Do some digging to make sure you're getting what you pay for. 

4. Not having clear objectives

Be sure to clearly outline your expectations before beginning any project with a ghostwriter. What do you want them to write? How much will they be paid? When are the deadlines? Having all of this information upfront helps ensure that both parties are on the same page from the start and eliminates potential issues down the line. 

5. Being unclear about direction & tone

Before assigning any projects, make sure to provide the ghostwriter with a clear direction and tone for their writing. Do you want it to be serious or lighthearted? Formal or casual? Knowing this upfront will help them write content that aligns with your brand's message and values. 

6. Not providing feedback

It's important to give honest and constructive feedback throughout the process so that your ghostwriter can make revisions as needed. Share what works and what doesn't, but remember to also take into account their expertise—they're likely aware of industry standards that you may not be! 

7. Refusing to pay on time

Payment is just as much a part of any professional relationship as communication and deadlines, so make sure not to forget it. Pay your ghostwriter on time and as promised—they're not doing you any favors; they're providing a service you agreed to pay for. 

8. Not having realistic expectations

Finally, remember to have realistic expectations when working with a ghostwriter. They may be incredibly talented writers, but they are still human and have other commitments that may take priority. Set clear timelines for each project and be understanding if they need more time than expected—make sure to communicate any changes in advance!  

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some of your questions about how to hire a ghostwriter!

How much does hiring a ghostwriter cost?

How much is it going to cost? The short answer is it depends. Here are a few factors that will affect the cost of hiring a ghostwriter.

Number of words

The number of words in your book will be one of the most significant factors in determining the cost of hiring a ghostwriter. The industry standard is between $0.01 and $0.05 per word, so a 100,000-word book would cost between $1,000 and $5,000 to write. 

Genre

The genre of your book will also affect the cost. If you're writing a non-fiction book, the research required may be more intensive, which could increase the price. On the other hand, if you're writing a lighthearted rom-com, the tone may be more conversational and less formal, which could decrease the price. 

Level 

The level of experience your ghostwriter has will also play a role in how much you'll pay. A well-established writer with multiple published books under their belt will charge more than someone just starting. But that doesn't mean you should necessarily go with the most experienced person you can find; sometimes, a less experienced writer can bring a fresh perspective to your project that an established writer might not provide. 

Where can you find ghostwriters?

There are a lot of places to look, and it can be tough to know where to start. Here are some of the best places to find ghostwriters for your project.

1. Fiverr 

Fiverr is a great place to find affordable ghostwriters if you're on a tight budget. The quality of the writers on Fiverr can vary wildly, so you must take the time to read through profiles and reviews before choosing someone for your project. However, if you're willing to put in a little extra work to find a good writer, you can get great results from Fiverr.

2. Upwork 

Upwork is a popular freelancer platform that offers various services, including ghostwriting. The quality of writers on Upwork is generally higher than on Fiverr, but you'll also pay more for their services. However, if you need a high-quality ghostwriter, Upwork is worth checking out.

3. LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is often considered a site for job-seekers, but it's also a great place to find freelance writers (including ghosts). Search for "freelance writer" or "ghostwriter" in the LinkedIn search bar and see what comes up. You can also browse through LinkedIn groups dedicated to writing and publishing, which is a great way to connect with potential ghostwriters for your project.

4. Craigslist 

Craigslist isn't usually the first place people think of when they're looking for professional services, but it can be a great place to find ghostwriters (and other freelancers). Just be sure you take the same precautions as you would when hiring anyone else—ask for references, be clear about your expectations, and don't pay anything upfront unless you're sure the person is legitimate. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find some great ghostwriting talent on Craigslist.

5. Your Network 

Finally, don't forget to look at your own network. Ask if anyone you know can recommend a good ghostwriter for your project. This is often the best way to find someone reliable who will do a great job at an affordable price.

How do you pay a ghostwriter?

Two main ways to pay a ghostwriter are hourly or per project. With an hourly rate, you will agree on an hourly wage with your ghostwriter and then pay them for each hour they work on your project. This method works well if you only need help with specific parts of your book or are unsure how long it will take to complete the project.

The downside is that it can be challenging to estimate how much the project will cost overall, and there's always the possibility that it could take longer (and cost more) than initially anticipated. 

Paying per project is generally considered the more traditional method and likely what you've seen used in other published books. In this case, you and the ghostwriter will agree on a total price for the project before work begins. This method gives both parties a clear understanding of what is expected and how much it will cost.

It also protects against scope creep (when additional tasks are added that were not originally part of the agreement). However, it's essential to ensure that you are both very clear about what is included in the project before agreeing on a price so there are no surprises later on. 

Final Words

Hiring a ghostwriter can be a great way to get the help you need with your writing projects— but only if you hire someone trustworthy and up to the task. Look for someone with clear communication skills, a good portfolio, and a genuine interest in your project. With the right person on your team, you'll be well on your way to completing your writing goals.