Even if you are an exceptional writer, you need to assess if you still have the time to do it. If you currently have different hats to wear, how can you squeeze time to sit down and write? The best solution is to find a ghostwriter. But before you hire one, you need to understand the best selection process and even the acceptable ghostwriter fees.
How Much are Ghostwriter Fees?
There is no single way to answer this question. It depends on the complexity of the project, the ghostwriter’s skills, and even the agreed deadline. We’ve done a quick survey on how much ghostwriters ask. We listed the average cost per word.
- For Blog Posts and White Paper – $0.13 per word.
- For Books – $2.03 per word
While the common practice is to charge per word, this is not always the case. Ghostwriter fees can be based on the hours of work or per project. Allow us to explain the differences below.
Charging Per Word
As we’ve said, most ghostwriters choose this option as this gives them an idea of how much to charge right away. Take note that you must agree on the number of words. Otherwise, the ghostwriter fees might change.
If the writer thinks additional words could make the writeup even more substantial, remind them to inform you before making necessary adjustments.
Charging Per Hour
Admittedly, not all projects have the same complexities. A basic 1000-word article can be written in 2 – 3 hours. However, if it is a technical subject that requires research, it could even take you one full day. This is the reason why other ghostwriters charge using this scheme.
The danger here is that they might be overestimating the project and that could cause overcharging. What others do is track the time and monitor the project’s progress to come up with a fair price.
Charging Per Project
Lastly, a ghostwriter may charge per project. This is common for more seasoned professionals with years of experience. Since they have already finished several projects, they could already determine how much time and effort your request needs. Most likely, the package includes the number of words, revisions, and the frequency of your meeting with them.
Which Option is the Best?
Again, this depends on your project. For example, if you have simple tasks, then charging per hour might be more logical. However, if you are expecting 10,000 words or more for an eBook, doing it per word could be more costly. For larger-scale projects, having a fixed fee is more ideal.
Based on our experience, an hourly rate is the least preferred approach unless both of you are willing to monitor and track the progress regularly. You might need to use an app or software for this. That way, you can have visibility if the writer is indeed working on your project.
Do You Need a Contract?
Most clients today do not provide a written contract, especially for smaller projects. They only create an agreement when there is a significant amount involved. But this is what we want to change.
No matter how big or small your requests are, preparing an agreement will serve as your protection. It doesn’t have to be long. In fact, you can just add the essential details such as the scope of work, deadline, mode of payment, and the total ghostwriter fees.
Also, by having a contract in place, it makes the entire transaction more professional. Unfortunately, many freelance ghostwriters do not take job requests seriously. Naturally, they get as many clients as they can, and this could result in delays. To avoid this from happening, provide them a contract that protects both parties.
What’s the Best Payment Term?
Some ghostwriters would ask for 100% upfront payment. Others require a 50% down payment, and the rest will be paid once the project is done. In other cases, they will only send an invoice for the full amount after they have completed the request.
But what’s our take on this?
If you are going to hire a ghostwriter for the long term, then paying them every month for the job rendered is recommended. You can start paying them weekly to establish trust. Also, it’s a good way to evaluate the quality of their work.
However, for bigger projects such as eBooks where it could take months to finish, giving them down payment seems to be fair. Remember that they also need the funds to operate and cover their basic needs. This is also recommended for the client because it minimizes the risk.
