How to Hire a Ghostwriter
I became a ghost before I even knew what the job was called.
Back in Hollywood, between writing jobs on TV shows, I started freelancing — and it wasn’t long before Olympians, NBA players, and Silicon Valley founders began hiring me to help them write what they couldn’t. Not because they didn’t have the ideas, but because they didn’t have the time, voice, or structure to bring those ideas to life.
I’ve since ghostwritten everything from viral LinkedIn posts and founder Substacks to full-length memoirs that were so personal, I was flown out to exotic destinations to write them while doing in-person research with my clients and the important people in their lives. These days, I specialize in memoir ghostwriting — but I’ve done it all.
So if you’re wondering how to hire a ghostwriter for your book, brand, or business, here’s what I wish more people knew before they started searching.
What Is a Ghostwriter?
Let’s clear this up first.
A ghostwriter is someone who writes on your behalf, under your name. That might mean a memoir, a business book, your social media copy, a keynote speech, or even the “About” page on your personal website. If it’s written and you don’t have the time (or desire) to do it yourself, a ghostwriter can step in and craft your message — so it sounds like you, only better.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. A ghostwriter for your LinkedIn content might not be the same person who can write your memoir. Different formats require different storytelling muscles.
Where to Find a Ghostwriter
Let’s talk sourcing.
If you’re searching for a ghostwriter for hire, you might start by Googling, which is a good start (and maybe how you found me!).
But beware — posting your job on the open Internet to broad communities could be a mixed bag. You might get lucky… or you might get spammed with applications from people who’ve never written anything close to what you need.
Instead, here are smarter places to find a ghostwriter:
My curated writing job board. It’s where high-caliber freelancers hang out. You can submit a job here and reach talent with rates from $30/hour to $300/hour, depending on expertise.
Referrals from trusted peers. Especially in industries like tech, VC, or publishing, word of mouth goes a long way.
Specialized ghostwriting firms or boutique agencies. But expect a markup.
The more specific your ask, the better the fit. Don’t just post “writer needed.” Be clear: Do you want to hire a ghostwriter for your memoir? Your Substack? Your thought leadership content?
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter?
Short answer: it depends.
Here’s a rough breakdown of some average costs for what it costs to hire a freelance ghostwriter:
LinkedIn Posts. Anywhere from $100–$500 per post
Substack Ghostwriting. Anywhere from $500–$1,500 per issue
Memoir or Book Ghostwriting. Anywhere from $35,000–$150,000+
Hourly Story or Messaging Consulting. Anywhere from $50–$1,000+ per hour
I charge $1,000/hour for consultations and bespoke content strategy and creation work, and six-figure flat rates for full-service memoir ghostwriting. But if you’re looking for a range of portfolios and prices, you can find talented freelancer ghostwriters on my job board — with rates from $30/hour up to $300/hour.
(And if you’ve ever Googled “how much does it cost to hire a ghostwriter,” now you know: the top ones aren’t cheap, but they are transformative.)
What to Look For in a Ghostwriter
Whether you’re hiring a ghostwriter for a book, a keynote speech, or your next product launch, make sure they check these boxes:
1. Format Expertise
A great LinkedIn ghostwriter might not be able to structure a compelling book. Ask to see relevant samples — or better yet, results.
2. Creative Depth
Writers with a background in screenwriting, fiction, or memoir (like me) often bring narrative structure and emotional resonance that purely technical writers can’t match.
3. Voice Matching Skills
A good ghost can sound like you. A great ghost becomes you on the page. Look for someone who can adapt their tone, not just write well.
4. Process Clarity
You want a pro with a clear workflow. For memoirs, I use a two-step outline process (macro themes first, detailed chapter structure second), then deliver weekly drafts with feedback loops built in.
Before You Hire a Freelance Ghostwriter: Ask Yourself This
No matter who you’re hiring — whether it’s me or another freelancer — get clear on a few key things first:
What’s the goal of this writing project? A book to build your legacy? Daily posts to grow your business?
What’s your tone? Serious, warm, bold, vulnerable?
Do you have any comps (examples of writing styles you like)?
How involved do you want to be in the process?
The clearer you are on your vision, the easier it’ll be for your ghostwriter to bring it to life.
Final Thoughts: Hire the Right Writer, Not Just Any Writer
Hiring a ghostwriter isn’t just about outsourcing — it’s about creative partnership.
Your ghostwriter becomes a mirror, a translator, and in some ways, a co-creator of your public voice. Whether you’re building a personal brand, launching a book, or scaling your content strategy, the right ghostwriter can shape the narrative that shapes your future.
And if you’re ready to find a ghostwriter now?
👉 Submit your job here to reach vetted, freelance ghostwriters who understand voice, storytelling, and impact.
Or, if you’re looking to work with me directly — and your project is memoir-sized and mission-driven — you can get in touch below.
