A ghostwriter does not perform the same thing that a traditional writer used to do. Usually, they write for others and their writings formally credited to another individual. Executives, Political Leaders, and Celebrities take the help of a ghostwriter to write or edit their autobiographies, or other written material. Ghostwriters also write songs and lyrics for others. Screenplay authors take the help of a ghostwriter to rewrite or edit their scripts to improve quality. Though a ghostwriter doesn’t get any credit for their writings, sometimes they are acknowledged by the publisher or author.
Ghostwriters earn their living in a different way
Ghostwriters are hired for various purposes. People hire a ghostwriter:
- To write and edit a rough draft.
- To write based on the credited author’s outline.
- To write a research paper.
- To write fiction based on the existing author’s style.
- To write a book for publishing.
- To write a book on a specific topic.
- To write a responsive corresponding message to the politicians and public official employees.
- To write papers for pharmaceutical companies.
- To write blog posts for specific companies or organizations.
- To write essays or term papers related to content for college and university students.
- To write musical songs pieces and songs for the composers.
How much a ghostwriter can earn?
Typically, a ghostwriter needs to spend a long period, even several months to research, write and edit their work for clients. The fee for their work depends on various factors. Sometimes they are paid per page, sometimes they contract for percentage on each royalty sale, and sometimes they work with a flat fee.
Usually, a ghostwriter charges about $4 per word. Sometimes they demand more or less depending on the difficulties.
Literary agent Madeleine Morel estimates that averagely a ghostwriter takes between $30,000 and $100, 00 in advance from major publishers.
According to the SEO writers, the flat fee for a distinctive book (about 200-250 pages) is between $10,000 to 12,000. Sometimes the rate may go up to $16,000.
According to a professional ghostwriting service, Ghostwriters Ink, the flat fee of a ghostwriter ranges between $12,000 and $28,000 for a per book.
Manhattan Literary, one of the most popular ghostwriting service providers has mentioned that the flat fee of a ghostwriter for a 250-page book is about $18,000.
Nowadays, ghostwriter has started outsourcing their writing to offshore locations. There are different marketplaces available for the ghostwriter, where they can earn between $3000 and $5000 to complete a 200-page book. That means every page costs only $12-$18.
Credit of Ghostwriter
The credit of a Ghostwriter depends on the contract between the author and the ghostwriter. Sometimes they receive partial credit by the author. Their names are written in the book by the phrase “as told to…..”, “with…..”. Also, the credit of the ghostwriter may be signified as a “thanks” in the preface or introduction of their written books. While it is about nonfiction books, they may be credited as a “research assistant” or a “contributor”. On the other hand, most of the time a ghostwriter does not receive any official credit for writing an article or a book. Moreover, a ghostwriter may be asked to subscribe to a “nondisclosure contract”, which prohibits a ghostwriter to reveal his/her writing role.
Though the credit of a ghostwriter remains concealed, they are the person who has given his/her best effort behind writing a book, article or another writing piece. Maybe they are not accredited for their work, but they receive a salary from the authors. If you have the ability to express your thoughts in writing, you can choose a ghostwriting profession to earn your living.