How to Hire a Professional Ghostwriter

Let’s start with a secret most publishers won’t tell you: Many of the books you’ve read weren’t written by the name on the cover.

That’s right. The memoir from your favorite celebrity? The business book by that high-profile CEO? The self-help guide from the motivational speaker? Chances are, a professional ghostwriter brought those ideas to life.

But here’s the thing: Hiring a ghostwriter isn’t just for the rich and famous. It’s for anyone with a story to tell but not enough time, skill, or confidence to write it themselves.

The problem? Most first-time authors don’t know how to hire a ghostwriter the right way. They end up with someone who doesn’t understand their vision, misses deadlines, or delivers a manuscript that sounds nothing like them.

This guide will walk through everything you need to know to hire a book ghostwriter who can turn your ideas into a polished, market-ready book without the headaches.

Why Hire a Book Ghostwriter? The Real Reasons Successful People Do It

1. You Don’t Have Time (But You Have a Book Inside You)

Writing a book takes hundreds of hours. For entrepreneurs, executives, and busy professionals, that’s time they simply don’t have.

Real Story: A CEO once told me, “I could either spend six months writing a book or six months growing my business. The book ghostwriter let me do both.”

2. You Want a Book That Sounds Like You—Only Better

A good ghostwriter doesn’t just write; they capture your voice. Whether you need to sound authoritative, conversational, or inspirational, they’ll make sure the book feels like you wrote it.

Example: Many celebrity memoirs are ghostwritten. Readers feel like they’re hearing the celebrity’s real voice because the ghostwriter has mastered their tone and style.

3. You Need a Book That Actually Sells

A poorly written book can hurt your credibility. A professional ghostwriter ensures your book is clear, engaging, and market-ready so it doesn’t just sit on a virtual shelf.

4. You’ve Hit Writer’s Block (And It’s Not Going Away)

Many authors start strong but get stuck after a few chapters. A ghostwriter keeps the project moving forward, no excuses.

True Experience: One author had a half-finished manuscript for years. After hiring a ghostwriter, she had a completed book in three months.

5. You Want to Establish Authority (Without Writing It Yourself)

For experts, coaches, and thought leaders, a book is the ultimate credibility builder. A ghostwriter ensures it positions you as an authority in your field.

Step-by-Step: How to Hire a Ghostwriter Who Actually Delivers

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Book’s Purpose

Before hiring anyone, ask:

1. Who is this book for? (Busy moms? Entrepreneurs? Fitness enthusiasts?)
2. What do I want readers to feel? (Inspired? Educated? Entertained?)
3. How will this book help my career or business?

Action Tip: Write a one-page summary of your book’s main message, audience, and tone. This helps ghostwriters understand your vision.

Step 2: Decide: Freelancer or Agency?

There are two main ways to hire a ghostwriter:

Where to Find Ghostwriters:

1. Freelance Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Reedsy
2. Agencies: Fleck Publisher, BookBaby, Ghostwriting Services
3. Referrals: Ask other authors or publishing professionals

Step 3: Vet Ghostwriters Like a Pro

Not all ghostwriters are equal. Here’s how to find the best one:

1. Check Their Portfolio: Do they have published books in your genre?
2. Read Client Reviews: What do past clients say about their reliability and quality?
3. Ask for Samples: Can they show real examples of their work?
4. Conduct an Interview: Do they understand your vision?
5. Discuss Deadlines: Will they meet your timeline?

Red Flags:

1. No portfolio or samples – How do you know they’re any good?
2. Vague pricing – Are there hidden fees?
3. Poor communication – If they’re slow now, they’ll be slower later.

Step 4: Agree on Pricing and Terms

Ghostwriting costs vary widely. Here’s a general breakdown:

Payment Models:

1. Flat Fee: One price for the entire project.
2. Hourly Rate: $30–$100/hour (risky—costs can add up).
3. Milestone Payments: Pay in stages (e.g., 30% upfront, 40% midway, 30% on delivery).

Pro Tip: Always get a contract outlining deliverables, deadlines, and payments.

Step 5: Collaborate Effectively

A ghostwriter can’t read your mind. To get the best results:

1. Provide clear notes: Share outlines, past writings, or voice recordings.
2. Give feedback early: Don’t wait until the end to say, “This isn’t what I wanted.”
3. Stay available: Answer questions promptly.

Step 6: Avoid These Ghostwriting Scams

Unfortunately, not all ghostwriters are legitimate.

Watch out for:

1. “Pay Me First” Scams – Always use milestone payments.
2. Plagiarized Work – Use Copyscape or Grammarly to check.
3. Overpromising – If they claim to write a bestseller in 2 weeks, it’s a red flag.
4. No Contract – Never work without a signed agreement.

True Story: One author paid a ghostwriter $5,000 upfront only to receive a poorly written, plagiarized manuscript. Always vet carefully and use contracts.

Where to Find the Best Book Ghostwriters

1. Freelance Platforms (Upwork, Fiverr, Reedsy)

Pros: Wide range of options, competitive pricing.

Cons: Quality varies carefully.

How to Filter:

1. Look for writers with 5-star reviews and published samples.
2. Message 3-5 candidates before deciding.

2. Ghostwriting Agencies (Fleck Publisher, BookBaby)

Pros: Vetted writers, project management, and reliability.

Cons: More expensive than freelancers.

Why Agencies Work:

1. They match you with the right ghostwriter.
2. They handle editing, formatting, and revisions.

If you’re looking for professional ghostwriting services, contact Fleck Publisher to discuss your book project with our team of experienced, vetted ghostwriters.

3. Referrals from Other Authors or Publishers

Best for: Finding trusted, high-quality ghostwriters.

How to Ask:

1. “Who did you use for your book? Would you recommend them?”
2. “What was your experience like?”

4. Writing and Publishing Communities

Where to Look:

1. Facebook Groups (e.g., “Authors and Writers”)
2. Reddit (r/HireAWriter, r/Publishing)
3. LinkedIn (Search for “professional ghostwriter”)

Pro Tip: Post a detailed job description to attract serious candidates.

Real-Life Success Stories: Authors Who Nailed It with Ghostwriters

1. The Busy CEO Who Became a Bestselling Author

Challenge: A tech CEO had no time to write but needed a book to establish authority.

Solution: Hired a ghostwriter through Fleck Publisher.

Result: A polished, professional book that helped him land speaking gigs and media features.

2. The Coach Who Turned Her Knowledge into a Book

Challenge: A life coach had years of experience but struggled to organize her thoughts.

Solution: Worked with a ghostwriter to structure her ideas into a clear, engaging book.

Result: A #1 Amazon bestseller in her niche.

3. The Memoir That Sounded Just Like the Author

Challenge: A retired athlete wanted to share his life story, but wasn’t a writer.

Solution: A ghostwriter interviewed him, captured his voice, and wrote the book.

Result: A heartfelt memoir that readers said “sounds just like him.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Ghostwriter

1. Choosing Based on Price Alone

1. Risk: Cheap ghostwriters often deliver low-quality work.
2. Fix: Focus on experience and samples, not just cost.

2. Not Checking References

1. Risk: Ending up with a writer who misses deadlines or plagiarizes.
2. Fix: Always ask for references and read past work.

3. Skipping the Contract

1. Risk: No recourse if the writer disappears or delivers poor work.
2. Fix: Always sign a contract outlining deliverables, deadlines, and payments.

4. Micromanaging the Writer

1. Risk: Slowing down the process and frustrating the ghostwriter.
2. Fix: Provide clear guidelines upfront, then trust the process.

5. Ignoring the Ghostwriter’s Expertise

1. Risk: Ending up with a disjointed or unmarketable book.
2. Fix: Listen to their suggestions on structure and tone, they know what sells.

Final Checklist: Are You Ready to Hire a Ghostwriter?

Before reaching out to a ghostwriter, ask yourself:

1. Do I have a clear vision for my book? (Purpose, audience, tone)
2. Have I set a realistic budget? ($1,500–$50,000 depending on length)
3. Do I know where to find reputable ghostwriters? (Freelance sites, agencies, referrals)
4. Am I prepared to collaborate? (Provide notes, feedback, and timely responses)
5. Do I have a contract ready? (Protects both parties)

If you checked all the boxes, you’re ready to hire a ghostwriter who can bring your book to life.

The Bottom Line:

A Ghostwriter Is an Investment in Your Success

Hiring a book ghostwriter isn’t just about outsourcing the writing; it’s about turning your ideas into a professional, market-ready book that boosts your credibility, grows your audience, and opens new doors.

Whether you’re a busy entrepreneur, a first-time author, or an expert with a message to share, the right ghostwriter can help you publish a book you’re proud of without the stress of writing it yourself.

Ready to hire a professional ghostwriter? Get in touch with Fleck Publisher today and take the first step toward publishing your book.