What Is a Ghost Writer for an ebook? How To Hire One

Do you all know that the public face of some of the most popular ebooks, novels, and speeches delivered by politicians actually wasn’t written by them?

Yes, you heard it right!

Those hit pieces are the work of experts who specialize in turning other people’s ideas into influencing plots.

And those experts are “GHOSTWRITERS.”

Not sure what is a ghost writer for an ebook? 

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global ghostwriting services market is expected to expand by 6.80% from 2023 to 2030! With the business of ghostwriting growing, more people and businesses hire these writers to save time.

So, if you’re looking for someone to ghostwrite your next big project, this blog is the place to be.

Here, we will cover a wide range of topics, including what is a ghostwriter, the qualities to consider, and the cost of the work. So, without further ado, here we go!

What Does a Ghostwriter Actually Do?

Ghostwriter Definition:

Many people are not sure about “What does a ghostwriter do?” 

Well, the answer is simple: they write content for multiple projects for different clients.

Their responsibilities include: 

• Conducting topic research
• Collecting inquiries from clients
• Writing the content and editing it based on feedback. 

Ghostwriters make sure that the content they write flows naturally with their clients’ writing style and looks like it was written by the client, not a ghostwriter. 

Types of Ghostwriting (It’s More Than Just eBooks!)

Ghostwriting is not limited to eBooks; many different types of ghostwriting are highly popular, some of which are included below: 

• Books & Memoirs
• Academic Writing
• Blog Posts & Articles 
• Speeches & Presentations 
• Marketing & Business Writing 
• Social Media & Personal Branding 

4 Common Misconceptions About Ghostwriting

While ghostwriting benefits many people and is widely used, some people have false myths about it.

The following four are some of the most common misconceptions regarding ghostwriting. 

1. It’s unethical!

The Myth: 

A common belief among many is that ghostwriting lacks moral principles, as the author taking credit is not the person who actually writes the book, which leads to an impression of dishonesty in taking credit for another’s work. 

The Truth: 

Ghostwriting is completely legitimate. 

Even though it is referred to as dishonesty, it is actually a collaborative effort where two people share their knowledge, skills, and ideas to produce the final product. 

Quick Tip: 

2. Ghostwriters don’t matter 

The Myth: 

Many assume that ghostwriters are simply “invisible” and don’t play a crucial role in content creation. They think all a ghostwriter does is reword someone else’s thoughts.

The Truth: 

Ghostwriters choose not to ask for their work credit, but this does not lessen their importance.

Ghostwriters are skilled experts who handle all of the behind-the-scenes work for your content.

They have valuable expertise and skills for carrying out research, crafting stories, creating ideas, and changing to different tones and styles.  

Note: 

3. It’s just for the rich and famous

The Myth: 

It is a common myth among people that only wealthy professionals, politicians, or celebrities can hire ghostwriters and not common individuals. 

The Truth: 

The reality is that ghostwriters are accessible to all, not just high-profile individuals.

While it’s true that famous people, politicians, and other high-profile people often hire ghostwriters, that doesn’t mean that regular people can’t hire them for their work. 

Anyone who wants to publish a book or blog for their business can easily hire ghostwriters to do the work for them.  

Things to consider: 

4. Ghostwriting discredits the credibility of the authors

The Myth: 

Another widespread myth is that if an author does not write their book, their trust and respect are diminished. 

The Truth: 

The truth is that ghostwriters complete the writing and research, but they do so using the information, ideas, and statistics provided by the client. 

Therefore, it is evident that ghostwriters do not undermine an author’s credibility.  

Quick Tip: 

Why You Might Need a Ghostwriter

• Saves You Tons Of Time

Hiring a ghostwriter will save you a lot of time.

Writing is a difficult job that demands a mix of creativity and deep study to ensure that your content is well-researched and memorable. 

But not everyone has the time to spend this much on writing blogs and books.

Therefore, it can be quite difficult for working professionals to find the time to research, write, and edit an eBook. 

A ghostwriter expedites the process while maintaining a high-quality result.

• Lack of Writing Expertise? No Worries!

Not everyone is good at what they do, which is why many business leaders have difficulty pouring down their thoughts properly. 

In this case, hiring a ghostwriter will guarantee that you receive high-quality, expert-level writing. 

Insert infographics here

Infographics – what is a ghost writer

How Is a Ghostwriter Different From a Regular Writer?

Ghostwriter vs. Regular Writer

How to Evaluate a Ghostwriter’s Skills

It’s important to hire the right ghostwriter to make sure your content is reliable, engaging, and fits your objective. 

Here are a few ways to assess their level of experience before starting a collaboration.

• Portfolio Review : 

Review their work portfolio to check their writing skill style. Ask for samples in your industry to see if they’ve worked in that specific industry or not.

Things to consider: 

• Client Testimonials  

You should also look at the ghostwriter’s testimonials to find out whether his previous clients were satisfied with his services and what they thought of his work. 

• Trial Assignments

You can ask the ghostwriter for a test writing assignment before finalizing a project contract. This way, you can see if he is a good fit for your book/blog or not. 

Note: 

Red Flags to Watch For

There are a lot of skilled ghostwriters out there, but not all of them are professional or have the right skills to write good material. 

Here are some important signs to look out for:

• Vague or no portfolio

When a ghostwriter lacks a portfolio to show or seems confused about fields of expertise, writing, or other relevant topics, it is evident that you shouldn’t hire them. 

• Unrealistically low pricing

A professional profile is aware of the cost of the ghostwriting industry; therefore, they will not offer you work for free or at an unrealistically low price. 

Keep an eye on the price; if someone offers to do the work for a very low price, they probably aren’t the right option for you. 

• Poor communication or lack of professionalism

If the ghostwriter doesn’t respond or usually takes a long time to do so, or if they don’t seem professional, that’s a big red flag and they won’t value your work later as well. 

So, never opt for late responders or lack of professionalism!!

Where to Find High-Quality Ghostwriters

Here are a few options where you can search for a writer:

• Freelance Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Reedsy
• Ghostwriting Agencies: Established firms with vetted professionals
• Professional Networks: LinkedIn, referrals, writing communities
• Industry-Specific Writers: Niche experts in business, healthcare, tech, etc.

6 Qualities To Look For In A Professional Ghostwriter

Choosing the right ghostwriter is important in getting top-notch content. 

But what if you are unsure how to know which is the best one? 

Then the following 6 are some important characteristics to keep an eye out for: 

1. Multiple Industry Expertise

A skilled ghostwriter should have expertise in a variety of industries. 

Thus, it is crucial to review their previous work in the same niche for which you are searching for a writer to see if they can fit your content’s needs. 

2. Ability to Match Your Voice and Style

Check to see if the author can work with a range of styles and tones. 

In this manner, he can do the same for your book, making it seem as if you wrote it yourself.

It is suggested that you ask for a sample test to verify their skill. 

3. Strong Research and Interviewing Skills

Search for a writer who is skilled in research and digs deeply into a topic.

Since ghostwriters often have to write on topics they are unfamiliar with, they must be proficient at conducting extensive research and communicating with clients to gather pertinent details.

4. Confidentiality & Professionalism

A skilled ghostwriter will respect confidentiality and be ready to sign an NDA without raising problems.

Thus, look for individuals who understand how does ghostwriting work and won’t cause any problems later on.

5. Receptiveness to Feedback and Revisions

Look for a ghostwriter who is open to your feedback and willing to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the text meets your requirements without causing issues. 

6. Strong Time Management and Deadline Discipline

Do look into the ghostwriter’s portfolio and see what others have to say about their commitments. 

Find reputable ghostwriters who can offer high-quality work on time to keep the project on schedule. 

The Hiring Process Of A Ghostwriter? – Step-by-Step

Here are some steps to help you understand the entire process if you’re unsure about how to hire the best ghostwriter: 

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Before hiring a ghostwriter, you should discuss your project’s objectives and requirements to see whether the ghostwriter is a suitable fit and can meet all of your needs. 

Also, before hiring, take an interview with a writer regarding things like: 

• Can you provide samples of related work?
• Describe how you write.
• How do you make sure that the content meets the criteria for my voice? 

Step 2: Discuss The Cost

After communicating your needs, ask about the cost and how many revisions the writer would provide without charging you more.  

Note: 

Step 3:  Setting Up a Contract

Once the two of you have reached an agreement on the cost, you can set up the contract and begin working on your project with a ghostwriter. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter?

The cost of hiring a ghostwriter varies based on several factors, which are given below:

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Experience Level

Experienced ghostwriters charge higher fees than beginners because of their extensive experience and versatility. 

The normal fee range for professional ghostwriters is from: 

• $6,500 and $42,000 for non-fiction books 
• $3,500 to $16,000 for writing novels
• $1,500 to $5,000 for books with illustrations. 

The price will depend on the ghostwriter’s experience and the type of content you want him to write. 

• Type Of Project

As ghostwriters work on various projects, the fee will eventually vary depending on the project’s nature and complexity. 

• Deadline 

Urgent projects that require a short timeframe are likely to affect the overall cost. 

To meet your deadline, a ghostwriter has to change how they work, put your job at the top of their list, and spend extra time on it.

This is why the cost will be affected more than normal because the writing, research, and revision all have to be completed quickly.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

Ghostwriting & Copyright: Who Owns the Work?

Once you pay a ghostwriter, you typically own full rights to the content. Ensure this is clearly stated in the contract.

Confidentiality & NDAs

Many ghostwriters sign NDAs to protect client privacy. Always confirm this upfront if discretion is important to you.

Ethical Questions Around Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting is widely accepted in business and publishing. The key ethical factor is ensuring that the content truly reflects the author’s knowledge and perspective.

Conclusion 

We hope that our blog helped you understand everything about “what is a ghostwriter.” 

Ghostwriters work for everyone, so whether you’re a public figure, corporate leader, or entrepreneur, hiring a professional ghostwriter will make your work a thousand times easier.

But make sure you find a professional whose skills match your goals and the needs of your business.

FAQs

Q1: Can I hire a ghostwriter for a single article or blog post?

Yes, you can hire a ghostwriter for one-time projects!

Many ghostwriters provide services for short-form writing, such as articles, blogs, and social media postings.

Q2: What is ghostwriting in writing?

When a professional writer writes content for someone else without revealing their name, this is called “ghostwriting.” 

The client gets all the credit for the work, and the ghostwriter usually signs an NDA to keep their identity secret.

Q3: What is the ghostwriter meaning in publishing?

In the publishing industry, a ghostwriter is a writer who writes content for another person’s publications, articles, or speeches while pretending that the original author (client) wrote it. 

Q4: What is a ghostwriter for speeches and presentations?

When it comes to public speaking, people often wonder, “What is a ghostwriter?” 

When politicians or celebrities hire ghostwriters to compose speeches and presentations for them, they ensure their message is clear, impactful, and aligned with the speaker’s personality.