Dollars and Sense: Understanding the Cost of Ghostwriting

Juliet Lyall

If you’re worried that hiring a ghostwriter will break the bank, let’s dispel that myth today.

The cost of ghostwriting varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the project, the experience level of the writer, and the timeline for completion.

Understanding what goes into the cost will help you plan your budget and make the best decision for your business.

So, let’s unmask the costs associated with hiring a ghostwriter.

What factors affect the cost of a ghostwriter?

The complexity of the project 

Does your desired content require a deep dive into a specific area of expertise? 

If so, expect to pay more. 

Specialized content requires not only a skilled writer, but also one who’s knowledgeable in your niche. 

Since they’ll need to understand complex concepts and distill them into easy-to-read content, this drives the cost upwards. 

Think of it as an investment, the quality and accuracy of the content often translate into credibility for you and your brand. 

Experience level of the ghostwriter 

Not all ghostwriters are created equal. 

A seasoned ghostwriter, equipped with the knowledge of SEO best practices and a knack for adopting your brand voice, may charge more than a novice writer. 

Remember, you’re not just paying for the words, but the writer’s years of experience, their proven ability to engage readers, versatility of style, and commitment to deadlines. 

The timeline for completion 

Need a blog post drafted by tomorrow?

Expedited timelines come with a higher price tag. 

Ghostwriters juggle multiple clients and projects, so they will need to reshuffle their schedules to prioritize urgent requests.

If you extend your timeframes, you will save money.

Expertise and qualifications 

A ghostwriter who is a subject matter expert typically has a wealth of experience and competence in their relevant field. 

They are skilled writers with professional experience in their industry. 

Their content will bring a high level of credibility, specificity, and detail to your blog posts that general ghostwriters may not have the qualifications to provide.

Naturally, expert services come with a premium price tag. 

The intrinsic value of the content 

Rather than considering the price alone, you must keep in mind the value you’re receiving from these subject-matter experts. 

The unique insight, specialized know-how, and authoritative tone they bring to the table is invaluable.

This credibility translates into increased audience trust, higher conversion rates, and long-term branding benefits. 

Breadth and depth of research 

An important factor you might overlook is the depth and breadth of research needed for a piece written by a subject-matter expert.

If an article requires extensive research and data analysis, this increases the cost. 

Remember, high-quality, research-intensive content often results in more audience engagement and shares.

It’s an investment worth making. 

How much do ghostwriters charge?

We asked several subject-matter experts about the price ranges for a 1,500 word article.

As noted above, prices vary depending on the writer’s expertise, the research required, and your timeframes.

However, to give you a ballpark figure, professional ghostwriters with considerable expertise in specialized fields may charge anywhere between $500 to $2,000 for a single 1,500-word article. 

Bear in mind that you may get better rates if you negotiate for a set amount of content production on an ongoing basis. This helps both you and your writer plan ahead and manage projects.

While the price ranges may seem higher at first, remember that you are not just paying for words on a page. 

Hiring a ghostwriter is a valuable investment in your content strategy. 

Instead of viewing it as an expense, consider it a beneficial partnership that frees up your time, allows you to focus on other essential aspects of your business, and offers a fresh perspective and creativity to your content development. 

That’s priceless!

Juliet Lyall

About JULIET

Juliet Lyall loves words, and sometimes they love her back.
As a writer, editor, and newsletter agency owner, she understands the content business from both sides.
Juliet’s 15-year writing career includes creating copy and content for 8-figure entrepreneurs and building new publications for public companies.
The Oxford comma. Always.