Here’s a quick breakdown of market rates:
- Entry-Level Writers: Often charge $0.20–$0.50 per word or $40–$60/hr, typical project rates for simple blog posts or short eBooks range from $5,000–$15,000 (Reddit, Contra, Ebook).
- Mid-Tier Professionals: Charge around $0.50–$1.25 per word or $60–$100/hr, ideal for structured business books and memoirs priced between $20,000–$50,000 (Ebook).
- Premium Ghostwriters / Celeb-Level: These top-tier professionals may charge $1.50–$3.00+ per word or $100–$200+/hr, with full-book projects costing from $60,000 up to $150,000+ (Ebook).
Less expensive platforms like Upwork or Fiverr may list rates as low as $5 per 1,000 words, but quality and reliability often vary significantly (Medium). These options suit low-stakes projects—below the quality you’d expect for a published book.
Scam Warning: Reddit threads are full of alerts about agencies offering suspiciously low prices—many leaned toward AI stuffing, missed deadlines, or poor writing. Always vet credentials and check client testimonials independently (Reddit).
What Influences Costs?
- Complexity and research intensity– technical topics or memoirs demand more time
- Rush deadlines– projects completed in weeks rather than months can raise prices 25–50% (cloudghostwriting.com)
- Revision policies and package inclusions—editing rounds and support services affect total cost
If you’re deciding between platforms, packages, or pricing models, the full article walks you through reliable options and actionable insights.
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