If you’re in the market for a ghostwriter, you may be surprised to find that I openly share my fees – I know a lot of ghostwriters don’t (although I’m not really sure why)… Maybe they’re worried about scaring people away, or they don’t have a set fee and make their prices up based on what they feel the client can afford.
When I was creating this site, I thought about it for a while, but I decided I’d rather have my fees out in the open, for two reasons – but the most important reason is, I don’t want to waste either of our time – especially if price is your only or main consideration. (Although I’ll share some stories about why that may be a really, really bad idea in a minute!)
Here’s what you need to know first about choosing me to be your ghostwriter:
My fees for new ghostwriting projects varies – based on the genre, the length of your book or screenplay, how quickly you want to get started and your deadline, for example. But you’ll always know exactly what the project is going to cost, when I can get started and I’ll be able to give you a good idea of how long it’s going to take, after our initial, no-obligation meeting.
You should also know that I’m not a cookie-cutter writer and I don’t offer cookie-cutter pricing. Because your project deserves better than that, and because you want to work with a professional writer who helps you create a marketable, well-written manuscript that you’ll be proud to have your name on the front cover.
Another thing you should know is that I only work with a certain level of author. My clients are professionals who are committed to taking action, who understand the importance of hiring the right ghostwriter for their book, and who are willing to make the investment to get it done.
So if price is your main – or only concern, and you’re looking for a cheap option, you might want to check out places like elance, guru.com or odesk. (But before you do, you might want to check out these book-writing horror stories from real clients who got taken advantage of by unprofessional or out and out scam artists. (Their mistakes could save you time, money and dignity down the road.)
Most of my projects could be grouped into one of these categories:
Full-Length Manuscripts:
Estimated Time Frame: Four to six months. Length: 180 – 600 pages Fee Range: $18,000 to $50,000. Services Included: Conceptualizing, working with the author as needed to flesh out the book, transcription of any interviews or phone work, creating characterizations, background, plotting, continuity and pace, conducting interviews, Q & A’s, background research and fact checking, platform development, marketing and publicity consultation, query letter, writing, basic editing and one re-write as necessary.
Here’s a basic guideline of how many words it takes to create total pages in your book:
Word Count Number of Pages
45,000 180
60,000 240
75,000 300
90,000 360
105,000 420
135,000 540
145,000 580
150,000 600
(Note: This is based on the industry standard of 250 words per page, using Courier 12 pt. font. Your manuscript may vary, based on your writing style, the genre of your book, and your preferred font.)
VIP Level Services and Full Manuscript Writing:
If you’re the type of person who accepts nothing less than the best from yourself and those around you, our VIP service was designed with you in mind. Past VIP clients have included celebrities from the arts and entertainment industry, musicians, CEOs of major multinational companies, doctors and fitness gurus. Estimated Time Frame: Three to Six months. This service is perfect for you if: You’re absolutely committed to getting your book written this year, but you don’t have everything ready to go. With this level, if you need to take a break, or you need more hand holding and want someone who can do more of the heavy lifting, then this is what you want. (For more information about the VIP program, please use the ‘Contact us’ form, and put VIP Level in the subject line.) Length: 200 – 300 pages. Fee Range: $40,000 – $75,000. Services Included: Conceptualizing, working with the author on a weekly, bi-weekly – or customized schedule – to flesh out the book, transcription of any interviews or phone work, creating characterizations, background, plotting, continuity, interviewing other people, Q & A’s, background research and fact checking, platform development, writing, basic editing and rewriting as necessary. PLUS you also get: Complete book marketing strategy and 3-10 initial interview bookings. Celebrity Endorsements (availability varies), 2 rewrites and minor editing, Query Letter or Book Proposal.
Special Reports, White Papers – A 15 to 75 page manuscript which includes up to 5 stock photos, graphics, charts, graphs or screenshots, used to cement your status as an expert in your field or industry. Estimated Time Frame: 30 – 90 days Fee Range: $1000 – $2300. Without the need for extensive research, or the photos, graphics, charts, graphs or screenshots it’s a little more “vanilla” but it’s in the lower fee range.
Screenplays – A screenplay that runs approximately two hours in length. Estimated Time Frame: 5 to 9 months. Fee Range: $16,000 to $22,000.
Proposals – If your main priority is selling your manuscript to a publisher, let me prepare a professional proposal that gets results. Estimated Time Frame: 30 to 60 Days. Length: 30 – 60 pages. (Includes 2 sample chapters, book outline, an analysis of your market or niche, and a query letter.) Fee Range: $3,500 — $15,000.
Manuscript Editing/Proofreading – Detailed line editing/proofing of your completed manuscript. Estimated Time Frame: 30 – 90 days. Fee range: $3,000 to $8,000.
Manuscript Review and Marketing Strategy Session – Are you wondering if your manuscript or screenplay is marketable? Want to know if it’s got a good chance of being published? Wondering what your options are for marketing and promotion? Let me review it, and then we’ll have a meeting to go over my review and recommendations. Fee Range: $1,500 – $2,000 (The call will be recorded and transcribed so you can review my suggestions and recommendations whenever you want.)
Celebrity Forewords, Book Endorsements – One thing the books that make it to the best-seller list have in common are those fabulously written forwards, testimonials and book endorsements by experts in their fields, celebrities and people whose names are instantly recognizable. If you’d like this for your book, it’s entirely doable, (thanks to my fabulous rolodex and connections with some really wonderful and generous people)… Prices and availability vary, and you only pay for results – so let’s give it a shot!
All fees are paid in installments, and are based on achievement of project milestones – as per our standard ghostwriting contract.
For other projects not listed, or to receive our an estimated fee schedule please se the ‘Contact Us’ form and I’ll be happy to get in touch with you.
