In 2025, the cost of hiring a nonfiction ghostwriter ranges from $10,000 to $100,000+, depending on experience, project length, and subject complexity. Some professional nonfiction ghostwriters charge per word, while others prefer flat rates or packages.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the pricing structure, explore the variables that impact costs, and provide a clear nonfiction ghostwriting services pricing guide to help you budget effectively.
Why Costs Vary So Widely
When you see a range like $10,000 to $100,000+, it may feel overwhelming. The reality is that nonfiction ghostwriting services differ dramatically depending on who you hire and what you’re asking them to do.
- Experience matters: A new freelancer may charge $0.25–$0.50 per word, while a bestselling ghostwriter could demand $2–$5 per word.
- Project type: Writing a memoir takes different research and emotional labor compared to a technical business book.
- Level of involvement: Do you need full-scale research, interviews, and editing, or just polishing existing drafts? This greatly impacts the cost of hiring a nonfiction ghostwriter.
Nonfiction Ghostwriting Rates 2025: Standard Pricing Models
Ghostwriters typically use one of three pricing methods. Here’s how nonfiction ghostwriting rates 2025 are shaping up:
1. Per Word Rates
- Range: $0.25 – $5.00 per word
- Example: A 60,000-word book could cost anywhere from $15,000 to $300,000.
- Best for: Authors who want clarity on how length affects cost.
This model is popular among freelance nonfiction ghostwriters who prefer flexibility. Professional nonfiction ghostwriter charges per word often vary depending on subject matter, research depth, and turnaround time.
2. Per Project Flat Fees
- Range: $15,000 – $100,000+
- Best for: Memoirs, biographies, and structured nonfiction projects.
Many ghostwriters prefer offering a ghostwriter cost per project estimate. It avoids surprises for both sides and allows an author to plan a budget.
3. Hourly Rates
- Range: $50 – $250+ per hour
- Best for: Smaller projects, consulting, or partial assistance (e.g., book proposals).
This pricing is less common for full manuscripts but may apply when you only need part of the writing process outsourced.
Average Cost of Nonfiction Ghostwriter by Project Type
Not all nonfiction books are created equal. Different genres come with different expectations.
| Type of Nonfiction Book | Average Range (2025) | Key Factors |
| Memoir or Biography | $20,000 – $75,000 | Heavy interviews, emotional storytelling, and research into personal history |
| Business / Leadership Book | $25,000 – $80,000 | Requires clarity, structure, and subject matter expertise |
| Self-Help or Motivational | $15,000 – $60,000 | Reader engagement style and content framework |
| Technical / Research-Based | $30,000 – $100,000+ | Requires data analysis, research, and accuracy |
Book Ghostwriting Fees for Memoirs
Memoirs are one of the most popular nonfiction categories. They also happen to be some of the most intensive projects. Ghostwriting memoirs usually require hours of interviews, organizing timelines, capturing the author’s authentic voice, and making sure the story resonates emotionally with readers.
Book ghostwriting fees for memoirs in 2025 typically range from $20,000 to $75,000. Well-known or highly experienced ghostwriters with published memoirs under their belt may charge even higher.
What’s Included in Nonfiction Ghostwriting Services Pricing Guide
When you receive a nonfiction ghostwriting services pricing guide from a professional, here’s what you should expect to be included:
- Interviews & Collaboration: Multiple sessions to understand your voice and experiences.
- Research: Background checks, fact verification, or business/industry insights.
- Drafts & Revisions: Typically 2–3 drafts until the manuscript feels right.
- Editing Support: Light editing is often included, though deep editing may cost extra.
- Confidentiality Agreement: A standard practice in professional ghostwriting.
Understanding what’s included prevents confusion and ensures you’re comparing apples to apples when evaluating different ghostwriters.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Hiring a Nonfiction Ghostwriter
- Experience Level: A writer with decades of experience will cost more than a newcomer.
- Subject Complexity: Technical, historical, or data-heavy books often cost more.
- Timeline: Rushed projects increase costs due to higher workload.
- Author Involvement: The more research and material you provide upfront, the lower the fee may be.
- Length of the Book: Shorter works like booklets or guides may fall on the lower end of rates.
Professional Nonfiction Ghostwriter Charges Per Word vs. Packages
Some authors prefer the clarity of per-word billing, while others like predictable packages. For example:
- Per Word: $1.50 per word × 60,000 words = $90,000.
- Package Deal: A flat $45,000 for the entire manuscript, including revisions.
Both models are valid; it depends on whether you value flexibility or cost certainty.
How to Find Affordable Nonfiction Ghostwriting Options
If your budget is limited, here are a few ways to manage costs without sacrificing quality:
- Hire emerging ghostwriters: They charge less while building their portfolios.
- Break the project into stages: Start with a book proposal or sample chapters.
- Negotiate payment plans: Many ghostwriters accept installment-based payments.
- Be clear with expectations: A well-defined project scope helps avoid extra costs.
Affordable nonfiction ghostwriting options exist, but always balance savings with quality. A poorly written book may cost more in the long run.
Ghostwriter Cost Per Project Estimate in 2025
For a standard 200–300 page nonfiction manuscript:
- Low-end freelancers: $10,000 – $20,000
- Mid-level professionals: $25,000 – $60,000
- Top-tier, in-demand ghostwriters: $75,000 – $150,000+
This ghostwriter’s cost per project estimate is an industry average, but each project can vary.
FAQs
Q 1. What is the average cost of hiring a nonfiction ghostwriter in 2025?
The average cost of nonfiction ghostwriting in 2025 ranges from $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the writer’s experience, project scope, and the type of book. Memoirs and business books usually fall on the higher end because they require more research and narrative depth.
Q 2. Do nonfiction ghostwriters charge per word or per project?
Yes, some ghostwriters charge per word (usually between $0.50 and $3.00), while others prefer flat project fees that cover the entire manuscript. A per-project estimate is more common for full-length books, while per-word rates may apply to shorter projects like articles, speeches, or book proposals.
Q 3. Are there affordable nonfiction ghostwriting options for first-time authors?
Yes. Many first-time authors start with freelance nonfiction ghostwriters who offer flexible packages or phased payment plans. While affordable options exist, it’s important to balance cost with quality. Choosing the cheapest option may save money upfront, but can hurt your book’s long-term success.
Conclusion
Hiring a nonfiction ghostwriter in 2025 is an investment in your story and credibility. While costs may seem high at first, professional ghostwriting ensures your book is well-written, researched, and aligned with publishing standards. The key is understanding pricing models, evaluating ghostwriter experience, and choosing the right structure for your budget. Whether you’re writing a memoir, a business guide, or a self-help book, the cost of hiring a nonfiction ghostwriter should be viewed not just as an expense, but as a partnership in creating a book that truly resonates with readers.
