When people reach out to me, they sometimes are unclear about what they want in a ghostwriter. Many don’t realize that there is more than one type of ghostwriting.

When someone knows they absolutely need a writer to take the reins and write the book for them, they need a full ghostwriting contract. However, many can’t afford that service. Also, quite a few authors want to be more hands on despite not having writing experience. They want to learn and write with the ghost.

Sometimes an author contacts me who has some experience writing a book but needs help with a new genre. These writers are a perfect candidate for my writing partnership deal, which is half the price (because they do half the work).

I like to be flexible with my clients, so I offer a variety of packages:

 

Full ghostwriting package

 

With this package, I will write the book completely for my client from start to finish. Clients give me written notes when possible, which sometimes come in the form of a finished first draft that needs a rewrite. Once I have digested the notes, I interview the author for the rest of the information, drilling down to get all the details. Interviews take place over the phone or email, depending on the client’s wishes.

The full ghostwriting package is a great option for clients who are too busy to be a part of the writing process. I share what I am doing along the way, sending pieces as I write them, accepting feedback, and making adjustments accordingly.

I have a specific ghostwriting process, but again, I am happy to make adjustments to meet a client’s needs when necessary. In general, the project is split into four parts:

 

1. Outlining and researching
2. Writing the first half of the first draft
3. Completing the first draft
4. Editing the manuscript

 

I work on a milestone basis, dividing a project into fourths. I usually request a year to complete a book but can sometimes write faster. With this type of ghostwriting, I offer outside editing complimentary.

 

Time required

 

When you hire me to be your ghostwriter, you don’t need to allocate a lot of time to the project. However, you must be available to answer questions, review chapters, and critique the final manuscript.

Plan to spend two to three hours a week with me on this project. Having said that, some weeks I will not need any of your time. For instance, when I enter the editing phase, I will work solo and then will hire an editor. These activities won’t involve you, so there will be a good two to three months when I won’t need your help.

 

Fee for this type of ghostwriting

 

Different types of ghostwriting bring different fees. For ghosting, I bid on the project based on the proposed word count. For this work, I charge one dollar per word. This works out to $40,000 – $75,000 for an average-length book.

 

Writing partnership

 

When a client has writing experience, I will sometimes entertain a writing partnership contract. With this agreement, the author writes with me. It’s a different type of ghostwriting.

I teach the client while I work with them to write their story. This works for a nonfiction how-to book, a memoir, or a novel. As long as they know their way around the written word and understand the basic rules of writing, this can be a good route to go.

Some clients prefer it because they want to be a part of the writing process, and they feel better about putting their name on a book that they helped to create. It also comes with a reduced price tag. Note: this package requires a lot more work on the client’s part.

 

Time required

 

As a writing partner, you will need to spend more time on your book. Depending on your schedule, it could require as much as 10 hours a week (or sometimes more). In the beginning, there will be some studying you’ll need to do. I always request that my clients read up on story structure, so that we’ll be on the same page. In addition, it makes sense to read books similar to the book you wish to write.

 

Price for this type of ghostwriting

 

When the author who hires me will do half the work, I cut my ghostwriting price in half and charge 50 cents per word. The average book runs $25,000 – $40,000.

 

A type of ghostwriting somewhere in between

 

When someone doesn’t have the experience to help me write the book, but they are willing to roll up their sleeves and help out, I will give them a price somewhere in between the ghostwriting and writing partnership package. The cost really depends on several elements. Here are a few factors that can lower the price:

 

• A willingness to pay more upfront.
• Providing a lot of good notes are in writing. (Note: If you don’t have these notes written, don’t wait to get started. Hire me and I’ll guide you by asking questions to provide what I need.)
• Being flexibility with deadlines.

 

For this price, you can be a part of the writing process, doing what you wish to do and asking me to do the rest. For instance, you might say, “I’ll write this segment, but I need you to write that one.” Or “I’ll write this chapter, and you can do the rewrites.”

With these deals, I would expect to write more than half of your book and would guide you through the entire process.

 

Time requirement

 

This point varies, as there are multiple types of ghostwriting packages within this category. Having said that, expect to spend at least 5 hours a week writing or rewriting pieces and giving feedback. In addition, you’ll need to study various rules of writing.

 

Cost for this type of ghostwriting

 

The price would range from 50 cents per word to one dollar per word. I would need to interview you and learn your needs and determine your time and writing experience to see what I’d charge.

 

Coaching

 

Coaching is another type of ghostwriting. When someone comes to me and they are eager to write their book themselves, but don’t have the skill set, they hire me to coach them through the entire process. The writing process is still the same (i.e.: we start with outlining and research, then write the first draft, and once that is complete, we proceed to editing.)

A lot of new writers want to skip the outlining phase. That’s a mistake. It’s important for you to use story structure with a novel or a memoir. Even experienced writers need to create a road map to hit all the fundamentals required for a good book. When you miss some of the key elements that readers expect, your story falls flat. For instance, great authors keep conflict going throughout a book as it helps keep the story interesting. Without it, your readers will get bored and walk away.

Realize that with this package you are writing your first book with my help. Expect a learning curve but know in the end you will get a lot out of your experience. Writing a second book will be much easier. In addition, you’ll be closer to discovering your written voice.

 

Time requirement

 

It takes hundreds of hours to write a book on your own. As a coach you, I will save you a lot of time. In addition, I will make sure your first draft is in good shape for when you hire an editor. When an author writes their first book and turns the draft over to an editor, they often need to start over because they didn’t understand some of the basic rules of writing. For instance, you need to pick a point of view and stick with it. Mixing first and third person won’t work.

When you hire me as your coach, you won’t need to do a complete rewrite, and the editing process will be smoother.

 

Fee

 

The fee for coaching a new writer through authoring a book runs about $15,000 for a full coaching package. For this price, I’ll be by your side the entire time, helping you every step of the way. If your budget is smaller, we might be able to work out a special coaching package for you.

 

Note: At any time, you can shift to a higher level. For instance, if you start with a writing partnership package and realize you don’t have the time or energy to continue, you may upgrade and hire me as a ghostwriter. I’d credit your time and payments toward that new package.

 

Which type of ghostwriting is right for you?

 

When looking at the choices above, you’ll need to determine what type of ghostwriter is right for you. Consider these factors:

 

• Your writing experience.
• The time you have to devote to the project.
• Your budget.

 

If you wish a free consultation to find the best package for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to help you complete your book project!