Should You Hire a Ghostwriter? The Complete Guide for Aspiring Authors
Ghostwriting is one of publishing's best-kept secrets — used by CEOs, celebrities, and bestselling authors alike. Here's everything you need to know before hiring one.
Catherine Clarksons
Founder & CEO, LegacyQuill Agency
70%
Of New York Times bestsellers involved a ghostwriter
3–6mo
Average ghostwriting project timeline
500+
Authors we've helped publish their story
100%
Ownership stays with you — always
Some of the most successful books ever written were ghostwritten. From presidential memoirs to celebrity autobiographies to business bestsellers — ghostwriting is a legitimate, widely-used tool that helps people with powerful stories and valuable expertise get their book written and published.
The question isn't whether ghostwriting is right or wrong. The question is whether it's right for you. This guide will help you answer that — and if the answer is yes, show you exactly how to find, hire, and work with a ghostwriter to produce a book you're genuinely proud of.
Understand What a Ghostwriter Actually Does
A ghostwriter writes your book in your voice — you remain the credited author
They interview you, study your existing content, and capture your unique perspective
Ghostwriting is legal, ethical, and widely used across all publishing categories
From memoirs to business books to fiction — ghostwriters work across every genre
Know When Ghostwriting Is the Right Choice
You have a powerful story or expertise but struggle to put it into words
Your schedule doesn't allow the 6–18 months a book typically requires
You've started writing but keep getting stuck or losing momentum
You want a polished, professional result that matches your personal brand
Find the Right Ghostwriter for Your Book
Look for writers with experience in your specific genre or subject matter
Review writing samples and ask for a paid test chapter before committing
Check references from previous clients — ask about communication and deadlines
Platforms like Reedsy, Upwork, and specialist agencies are good starting points
Understand Ghostwriting Costs and Contracts
Professional ghostwriters charge $15,000–$100,000+ depending on experience and length
Always sign a work-for-hire agreement that transfers all rights to you
Include confidentiality clauses to protect your project and personal story
Agree on revision rounds, milestone payments, and delivery timelines upfront
Collaborate Effectively to Preserve Your Voice
Provide detailed interviews, voice notes, existing writing samples, and outlines
Give clear, specific feedback on early drafts — "more conversational" beats "I don't like it"
Share examples of writing styles you admire so the ghostwriter can calibrate
Stay involved throughout — the best ghostwritten books are true collaborations
Launch Your Ghostwritten Book with Confidence
You own the book entirely — publish it under your name with full confidence
Work with a professional editor to polish the final manuscript before publishing
Use the same launch strategy you would for any book: ARC readers, pre-orders, PR
Your story, your expertise, your name — the ghostwriter simply helped you tell it
Let's Bring Your Story to Life
Whether you write it yourself or work with a ghostwriter, LegacyQuill is here to guide you from idea to published bestseller.