Ghostwriting Fees: Per Word vs. Per Project – What You Need to Know Before You Hire

Hiring a ghostwriter is no longer a luxury reserved for celebrities or public figures. Today, entrepreneurs, coaches, creatives, and even busy professionals are turning to ghostwriters to bring their ideas to life. But before you jump into a collaboration, there’s a fundamental question you need to answer:

Should you pay your ghostwriter per word or per project?

Choosing the right payment model not only impacts your budget but also affects the creative process, communication, and final quality of the work. In this guide, we’ll explore both pricing models in depth and help you choose the one that aligns with your goals, project size, and expectations.

Why Ghostwriting Isn’t Just About Writing

Before discussing rates, it’s essential to understand that ghostwriting is a premium creative service—not just typing words for money. A professional ghostwriter becomes your voice on the page. They:

• Capture your tone and personality
• Translate complex thoughts into compelling content
• Conduct interviews and deep research
• Organize chaotic ideas into a powerful narrative
• Revise, edit, and polish until the message is clear

Ghostwriting is part art, part strategy, and part business. That’s why pricing varies—and why it’s important to choose a model that reflects both your vision and the value being delivered.

The Two Most Common Pricing Models: Explained

Ghostwriters typically offer two types of pricing:

1. Per Word Pricing

In this model, you are charged based on the number of words written. Rates can range from $0.10 per word for basic blog content to $1.50 or more per word for high-end, specialized, or book-length work.

2. Per Project Pricing

Here, you’re given a flat rate for the entire project. This is common for ghostwritten books, whitepapers, scripts, and memoirs. The quote usually includes planning, writing, research, and a set number of revisions.

Pros and Cons of Per-Word Pricing

Let’s take a closer look at per-word pricing and when it makes the most sense.

✅ Benefits

• Precision budgeting: You know what each word will cost and can cap your expenses.
• Ideal for short-form content: This model works well for blog posts, SEO articles, or product descriptions.
• Easier comparisons: You can compare quotes from different writers more easily.

❌ Drawbacks

• Incentivizes volume, not quality: Writers may focus on meeting word targets instead of crafting concise, impactful content.
• Lacks creative depth: Projects that require research, planning, or interviews can feel rushed under this model.
• Revision costs extra: Often, rewrites or edits are billed separately, increasing the final cost.

Pros and Cons of Per-Project Pricing

Per-project pricing is more comprehensive and is preferred for longer or more strategic writing assignments.

✅ Benefits

• One price, full service: You pay for the complete process, not just the words.
• Better creative collaboration: Writers can focus on telling a story rather than chasing word count.
• Professional workflow: Most project-based ghostwriters follow a structured process with milestones, check-ins, and built-in revisions.

❌ Drawbacks

• Higher initial investment: Flat-rate pricing may seem expensive upfront, especially for books or multi-phase content.
• Requires defined scope: If the project grows beyond the agreed scope, additional costs may apply.
• Not ideal for micro-tasks: Paying a project fee for a 500-word blog may not be cost-effective.

So, Which Model Is Right for You?

Let’s break it down based on the type of client and content:

Choose Per Word Pricing If:

• You’re producing regular short-form content (blogs, newsletters, landing pages).
• You prefer budget control over creative depth.
• Your content needs are straightforward and templated.
• You’re experimenting with ghostwriters and want to test quality first.

Choose Per Project Pricing If:

• You’re developing a book, memoir, or brand-defining content.
• You want to collaborate closely on voice, structure, and messaging.
• You expect research, outlining, or multiple interviews as part of the work.
• You need more than just writing—you want strategy and storytelling.

What Should Be Included in the Price?

Whether you choose per-word or per-project, always clarify what the quote includes. A high-quality ghostwriting agreement may cover:

• Discovery calls or brand voice alignment
• Interview sessions (especially for books or memoirs)
• Competitive research or fact-checking
• Outlining or chapter planning
• Multiple drafts and revisions
• Final proofreading or formatting

You should also ask whether rights to the content are fully transferred to you and how long the turnaround time will be.

Ghostwriting in 2025: What Are the Current Rates?

Rates have risen in recent years, especially with the growing demand for content in marketing, personal branding, and publishing. On average:

• Blog posts might cost anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on length and niche.
• E-books can range between $3,000 and $15,000 depending on complexity.
• Full-length books or memoirs may cost $15,000 to $50,000 or more, especially when working with experienced ghostwriters who offer full-service support.

Keep in mind: The more value your content creates, the more it’s worth investing in a skilled writer. A self-help book that launches your speaking career or a founder’s story that wins investors has ROI far beyond its word count.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

If you’re hiring a ghostwriter—especially online or through freelance platforms—watch for these signs:

• Extremely low rates (under $0.10 per word) that suggest inexperience or low-quality outsourcing
• No clear contract or deliverables
• Unwillingness to provide samples or testimonials
• Poor communication or delayed replies
• Surprise fees for revisions or editing

Always trust your instincts. A ghostwriter should feel like a partner, not just a vendor.

From Cost to Value: A Marketing Perspective

If you’re publishing content to grow your business or brand, consider the long-term value instead of just the short-term cost.

💬 “A ghostwriter isn’t just writing your story. They’re building your reputation.”

A well-written book can open doors to media coverage, speaking opportunities, or new clients. A poorly written one can damage your credibility. The same goes for blog posts, newsletters, and social media content that represent your voice.

That’s why many entrepreneurs and thought leaders choose project-based writers who offer a complete solution, not just words.

Final Thoughts: Invest Where It Counts

Choosing between per-word and per-project ghostwriting fees isn’t just about numbers—it’s about strategy.

If your goal is high-quality, deeply personal, or high-ROI content, then per-project pricing allows your writer the creative space to deliver their best work. But if you’re producing routine content and want to manage volume and budget, per-word pricing may suit you better.

Either way, always focus on:

• The quality of the ghostwriter’s past work
• Their ability to adapt to your tone and voice
• Their process and timeline
• Clear communication and mutual respect