How to Find the Best Ghostwriter for Hire in the USA

If you have a passion for writing and have several ideas to compose an adventurous novel, but don’t know where to start. Don’t worry you have many options that facilitate you in creating a fiction or non-fiction book. For instance, you might have heard about ghostwriters involved in fiction writing, novels, memoirs, and non-fiction manuscripts. Professional ghostwriters develop content for another person or writing company. However, their name do not appear in the final document, instead, the original book is accredited to the legal creator. Ghostbook writing in the digital age has exponentially increased. Mostly, content marketers, writing services, and individuals looking for freelance ghostwriters who can write on their behalf. Certified authors have a host of reasons to hire a ghostwriter. It could be a lack of time due to a busy schedule, and incompetency in writing. Many writers develop a storyline but are unable to perceive creative ideas to proceed with writing the whole manuscript. Consequently, they search for an appropriate ghostwriter that meets their writing criteria. Several freelance creative ghostwriters in the market have vast experience in creating high-quality fiction and mysteries as required by targeted audiences.

You can hire a ghost book writer who pens down your unique manuscript. Reliable ghost scriptwriters can come up with fresh ideas and novelty concepts to create exceptional content.  They collaborate with the accredited author and deliberate on the writing plan formulated by the author. A brief outline of the book includes a plot, sequence of events, character profiles, and mapping out the settings of the narrative. Giving significant details helps a ghost fiction writer to finalize the narrative per the author’s requirement. Using their research skills, they review many fiction books written by renowned authors. It helps them gain knowledge about the topic and the theme of the book. Scanning the books assists them in learning various writing styles. Consequently, the ghostwriter adopts a similar writing diction and usage of language employed by the original author. Compiling a mesmerizing fiction grabs reader’s attention and tempts them to read the whole book.  Along with composing manuscripts, professional ghostwriters associated with writing services work on various kinds of content including website content, social media posts, blogs, articles, and emails.  

Jointly working allows a ghostwriter and the authorized author to develop a trustful bond. It implies authors trust the ghostwriter’s writing expertise and knowledge and acknowledge their work. Providing continuous guidance motivates ghostbook writers to exhibit their diligence and passion in writing and create a unique and enthralling manuscript for the audience.

Hiring a Professional Ghostwriter in the USA

Let’s unpack the detailed process of hiring a competent and professional ghost. Begin with:

Defining the Need to Hire a Ghost Writer

How to approach the right ghostwriters is a daunting task for the author. It involves a time-consuming and laborious process. Before hiring ghostwriters for writing projects, the best ghostwriting company should analyze the goals and mission of writing the manuscript.  The author should define the scope and purpose of writing a book for a specific audience They should identify the key objective of what they intend to achieve with the forthcoming publication. Whether the new book aims to educate and boost the knowledge of a wider audience or the newly released volume offers entertainment and pleasure to the readers. A well-informed book should resonate with the intended audience’s choices, perceptions, and reading trends. Knowing about readership interests and their preferred writing style and content allows authors to develop the best volume that meets the reader’s expectations and boosts comprehension and knowledge levels.

 Once vision and goals are established, the author should proceed toward choosing the topics and themes to be included in the book. The main theme incorporated in different sections of the narrative exhibits the purpose, value, and goals the author aspires to convey to the targeted audience. Furthermore, the authors explicate the plot, the core theme, and other key narrative points to the ghostwriter. Hence, defining realistic goals and purposes develops clarity and understanding in ghostbook writers of how to shape the content and structure of the book that lives up to the audience’s requirements.

Choosing relevant ghostwriters that meet clients’ needs

Another criteria that authors prefer to follow is to select a relevant ghostwriter that understands the specific requirements of the author. It implies the professional ghost to possess high knowledge of the required area or field they intend to write. The specific domains include writing novels, fiction, memoirs, and non-fiction books on a variety of topics such as business, marketing, academic, health, and wellness. A company prefers hiring versatile book writers who have attained specific industry knowledge, and exclusive writing styles to develop high-quality, impressive manuscripts.

While Searching

For an independent ghostwriter or a ghostbook writing business, you may encounter monetary issues. You are required to create a tangible budget to pay ghostwriting fees. If you are new in the ghostwriting industry, you are required to know that ghostwriting fees vary depending on the professional writer’s skills, knowledge, and experience.  A ghostwriter working on a novel or fiction of 200-300 pages, requires an amount that ranges from $12,000 – $15,000. For writing extensive projects such as historical fiction or research writing books that involve broad research, the non-fiction ghostwriters ask for payment of around $40,000. If a company hires an experienced ghostwriter, they are bound to pay a large amount such as $80,000 to the writer. Before preparing an economical budget, traditional book writing services or independent self-published authors conduct extensive market research to find competitive rates of ghostwriting fees.

Relying on their existing financial status, and potential return on investment, they set a reasonable budget to meet financial expenses. While preparing a cost-effective and attainable budget, renowned book writing services in the USA make fiscal estimates and analyze the financial costs and overheads. They evaluate the writing project’s complexity. An extensive manuscript of about 300 to 400 pages involves different expenses such as setting customized book structure, designing front and back book covers, and editing and refining the content.

Prepare feasible budget

Professional editing of the manuscript involves various phases. From the initial stage to creating the first draft, the proofreaders comprehensively analyze the chapters and sections. Along with fixing grammatical and syntax errors, specialized editors fine-tuned the quality of the content. Before sending the book for publishing, copy editors thoroughly check the manuscript to find minor errors. Consequently, the self-published authors and the organizations are required to allocate a significant portion of the budget to meet the cost of professional editing services.

The other financial costs include book formatting and production, designing, and publishing.  Creating a practical and economical budget allows potential book writing services and independent writers to approach competent and experienced ghostwriters and provide them with the required remittance to deliver premium quality work.

Where to Find Qualified Ghostwriters in the USA

• Freelance Online Platforms

The ghost-hunting process isn’t easy. The authors and ghostbook writing agencies explore the ghostwriting marketplace and online platforms to find skilled and experienced ghostwriters. They can ask for recommendations from colleagues, industry experts, and well-known authors and join freelance platforms. Having a wide-ranging browsing list, the company executives search social media sites such as LinkedIn, and Facebook and visit company’s and author’s websites.

Furthermore, collaborating with the leading freelance platforms also makes it easier to find potential ghostbook writers. Well-known freelance writer marketplaces that authors approach to find professional ghostwriters include Guru.com, Reedsy, Upwork, and Fiverr. These online platforms facilitate ghostwriting freelancers to search for different writing projects posted by ghostwriting companies, and self-published authors and publishers. While reviewing these sites, the book writing services find portfolios and sample work of the ghostwriters. Consequently, it enables them to find suitable ghostwriters possessing the potential and knowledge of the book genres they desire to create.

• Search for Remarkable Ghostwriters through Professional Ghostwriting Agencies

Another richer source to find prospective ghostwriters is to ask for professional assistance from the best ghostwriting companies in the USA. The company executives and professional experts search for the top professional writers through different online sources. They review portfolios and their existing and past services in the ghostwriting field. Many ghostwriters have posted their sample writings on author’s websites and forums. Companies check the websites to get an idea of the ghostwriter’s writing style, and genre of writing. Having a broad list of potential ghostwriters facilitates ghostwriting firms to select appropriate writers with strong writing, research, and editing skills. Moreover, they possess the capacity to understand the client’s requirements and develop high-quality well- informed content. Another quality that is observed in ghostwriters is their versatility in crafting high-caliber content related to different genres.  

The Interview Process

The standard hiring process requires authors and companies to assess the candidate’s skills and expertise by conducting a detailed interview. The potential questions prepared by the company executives and human resource department help them know the academic background, and educational credentials such as diplomas, advanced degrees, and certificates of the applicant. Moreover, examining the potential ghostwriter candidate’s CV further assists the production manager in knowing the extensive book writing expertise and skills of the applicant.

Once the selected candidate explicates their education qualification, they are asked to share their vision, and purpose to join the ghostwriting company. Moreover, they also state their future expectations and goals in opting for a prospective career as a ghostwriter. To further gauge the writing skills and compatibility of ghostwriters, the human resource department requires candidates to undertake a written test. It includes composing a brief writeup on a given topic or summarizing the passage. The written assessment evaluates the communication and analytical thinking skills, vast knowledge, and information-based learning outcomes of the ghostwriter. Additionally, the comprehension and creative skills of the applicant are better evaluated through these tests.

Read Testimonials from previous organizations for recommendation

As the book writing agency finally selects the interviewees, the next steps involve finding credible sources for character reference of the chosen candidate. It implies the book writing groups, and the company executives to read testimonials and feedback provided by previous employers, associates, and correspondents. Endorsements by ex-coworker or past employers highlight the expertise, and experience of professional writers. Various references showcasing the professionalism, passion, and commitment of ghost book writers boost the reputation of the writer in the ghostwriting services market. Therefore, professional freelance ghostwriters should gather high-quality testimonials prior to the interview session. It significantly assists the book writing services in gauging the work experience and relevant skills to manage multiple writing projects efficiently. Hence, companies get the opportunity to select the right professional with an inclusive style of writing, diverse knowledge related to different genres, and high ingenuity.

Pricing of ghostwriting projects

Once the proficient ghostwriter is hired, the accredited author and ghostwriters are required to sign an agreement. A ghostwriting contract is significant as it outlines the writing project’s details. Ghostwriters for hiring for multiple writing projects learn the standard rate of ghostwriting payment. The contract explains the four milestones. The ghostwriter gets the first payment as they finalize the initial milestone of completing the outline. The second milestone payment is delivered when half of the first draft is finished. The next payment is given after the first draft. The last milestone payment is provided when the final draft of the manuscript is submitted.

Regarding the cost of ghostwriting, some ghostwriters prefer charging according to per word, per page, per hour, or project. The contract specifies different criteria for ghostwriting charges and also mentions an average cost of ghostwriting that ranges between $20,000 to $40,000. The rates for each project vary.

When it comes to per-word criteria, fiction writers normally charge $0.20 to $1.50 or more. Per-page rates range from $0.10 to $0.70 while per-hour charges comprise $49 to $84. Additionally, the hired book writer asks for an upfront fee that is required to be paid before the beginning of the project. The upfront cost includes $15,500 and $15,000 based on the length of the book. The standard rates for beginners are $10,000 per project. The experienced ghostwriters charge amounts up to $40,000. As they work on a whole book, they request for flat fee. A flat fee covers numerous aspects of the book such as conducting research, writing and manuscript editing, and proofreading. A qualified ghostwriter may charge an extra amount if they have to rework and refine the content.

Having a clear understanding and knowledge of ghostwriting rates assists both the ghostwriting agencies and the ghostwriters in negotiating the payment procedure. It leads to better collaboration and strengthens relations between the author and the writer.

Collaboration between Author and Ghostbook writer

If you have recently joined the ghost book industry, you might not have any idea of how to work in collaboration with the client and how to proceed with the writing process. Novice ghostwriters who are hired to work on shorter and more extensive writing projects follow a collaborative working process. In the initial phase, the accredited author discusses the significant aspects of the book such as the project scope, storyline, theme, and characterization. During one-on-one conversations, the ghost book writing agency also deliberates over publishing goals and timelines. Once the client and writers get on the same page, they organize weekly or monthly meetings through audio or video calls, teleconferencing, book discussions, and extended interviews through Zoom.

Constructive meetings between the client and ghostwriters comprising preliminary meetings, discussions, interviews, and research allow fiction writers to know the author’s perceptive of creating the manuscript. With cooperation, they develop the book outline. As the book plan gets approved by the author, the ghostbook writers begin working on the first draft of the book. The casual discussion between the client and the writers facilitates the novel writers to develop unique and exciting plot ideas, write a brief introduction of the book, and the preface, and compose the first three chapters.  The writers also get relevant material through blog posts, presentations, interviews, workshops, and podcasts provided by the client. Utilizing these sources helps writers create a sequence of events, and settings and introduce important characters in the initial book chapters.

Strong working collaboration significantly assists in the further development of the book. Following the author’s guidance and constructive feedback regarding different elements of the book helps ghostwriters to thoroughly work on the book. They work chapter-by-chapter, adding missing elements and refining the text and vocabulary.

Effective communication builds confidence and motivation in writers to work with consistency and complete the required chapter within the set time frame. Moreover, the author and ghostwriters develop flexibility and open-mindedness that create a compatible work environment. The authors acknowledge the ghostwriter’s viewpoint and insight and stir them to incorporate their perspective in the chapters.

Finalizing and Reviewing the Work

The review process of a book after the completion of the chapters involves numerous phases of proofreading and evaluating the content. The detailed process comprises assessing the book’s structure and format, detecting plot holes, monotonous settings, and unsuitable themes in the manuscript.

Evaluation of the book outline

The initial review of the book includes a detailed analysis of the chapters.  The content overview includes reviewing the introduction of the book. The editors ensure that the summary provides relevant information about the title of the book, and describes significant narrative events.  Furthermore, the introduction of the author should be included. The editorial team analyzes the outline of the book. The copyeditor deeply looks into the various aspects of the book plan. For instance, the outline should be descriptive, along with a brief overview of each chapter. A detailed book plan helps authors comprehend the plot structure and how to create coherence between chapters and sections of the book. Moreover, they get an idea of how to expand the book.

Detail analysis of the chapters- Detecting irregularities in content

The review of the chapters begins with identifying the narrative inconsistencies. It includes assessing the plot holes such as the abrupt beginning of the story and lack of flow in the narrative. The gaps in the plot make the story unexciting for the readers. Further reviewing the initial draft enables editors to find whether the characters’ roles are visible and easily comprehensible by the audience. The internal and external conflicts should captivate the reader throughout the book. The major themes should explicate the meaning and purpose of the manuscript and define the author’s aims and objectives for the publication.

The discrepancy in the first draft also includes evaluating transitions in paragraphs. The editorial department analyzes the pacing issue, and lack of coherence between the paragraphs. The editors keep their sharp focus on the narrative to remove irrelevant details and restructure different sections of the manuscript. Editors redraft the content by building coherence and organization in the text. Moreover, eliminating unnecessary details and repetitive content makes the content obscure and unappealing for the readers.  To ensure flow in the text, the book writers add new paragraphs or revise the existing content to establish flow and maintain transition between paragraphs. Moreover, the ghostwriters add simple phrases and sentences that build the connection between the previous and following sections or paragraphs of the manuscript. Thus, employing transition editing establishes a connection between sections and paragraphs and speeds up the pace of the story.

Analyzing Sentence Structure

The copyeditors take time to read and analyze each sentence carefully to identify spelling, punctuation, and syntax errors. They review the sentence composition. They edit the lengthy and complex phrases into simple and short sentences that convey the message. Moreover, creating concise punchy sentences develops excitement and curiosity in readers. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation of the draft highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the content, focuses on the clarity of ideas, maintains clarity and translation between paragraphs, and improves vocabulary to boost the overall readability of the content.

Proofreading the final draft

The final editing process looks for minor structural and content errors that were previously missed by copyeditors. The editing of the text includes refining the quality of the text and improving the pacing of the content to make the story more compelling. They check grammatical errors, typos, inconsistent use of tense, complex phrases, and excessive use of adverbs. Consequently, they ensure that syntax is clear and consistency and flow of ideas exist throughout the document. While looking at the font size, the proofreaders make sure that the ghostwriters select a clear and coherent font. For instance, they can consider using Garamond, Janson, Times New Roman, Calibri, or Aerial Black. Thus, the formatting of the book requires editors to employ the standard fonts that make content readable and appealing to the audience.

The line editors make sure that the text is justified. It signifies editors to set the text that begins from the left side and extends to the right-hand margin. The left-justified text is a standard alignment format that optimizes the quality and improves the organization of the manuscript. The other essential elements that are required to analyze are the appropriate use of margins, numbering of the pages, checking the book’s page size, and employing attractive headings and subheadings in the chapters and sections of the book.  Eye-catching headings at the beginning of the content capture the reader’s attention and entice them to read the whole book.   The startling titles separate the book into parts and chapters making the manuscript more impactful.

Rectifying the formatting and structural errors implies editors enhance the quality of the publication and ensure clarity, and coherence in the narrative. The collaborative efforts of the authors and editors help create a polished and error-free manuscript that meets international publishing standards.

To Recapitulate  

The current market demand for ghostbook writers in the publishing industry is experiencing notable growth. Highly experienced ghostwriters work on diversified content such as creating fiction, novels, memoirs, and non-fiction books. Moreover, many ghostwriters also get involved with creating business and marketing materials. It includes composing social media posts, blogs, and articles.

Many ghostwriting agencies prefer hiring proficient ghostwriters who possess diversified knowledge and skills to craft manuscripts of a variety of genres. Hunting for potential ghostwriters is a daunting task. They post job listings on online job sites. Moreover, ghostwriting agencies look for experienced ghostwriters on online sites, social media channels, and freelance marketplaces. They review the portfolios and their writing samples that allow ghostwriting agencies to know about ghostwriters’ qualifications, their preferred genre of writing, and their extensive experience in the ghostwriting industry.

The hiring process includes reviewing and resumes of candidates. It helps in searching for appropriate ghostwriters who possess high-quality writing skills and expertise. Moreover, companies hire ghostwriters who showcase the quality of work, commitment, and passion. While conducting interview sessions with the top candidates, the company executives and HR prepare questions related to writing experience, style of writing, their approach to content creation, and their future goals.  After selecting an appropriate candidate, the company provides a job offer along with the details of the compensation and benefits package. Ghostwriters charge amounts based on their qualifications and experiences. If you prefer hiring an outstanding ghostwriter for your organization, consider hiring competent ghostwriters with strong writing skills, versatility, industry knowledge, and adaptability to learn new skills and display their passion and eagerness to learn, grow, and excel in their ghostwriter field.