The best ghostwriting services in 2025 include BookWritingInc., Reedsy, GhostwriterInside, Kevin Anderson & Associates, Vox Ghostwriting, Scribe Media, Gotham Ghostwriters, The Writers For Hire, the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA), and StoryTerrace. These providers assist authors, executives, and businesses in producing professional books, memoirs, and content.
Ghostwriting is widely used by professionals who lack time or writing expertise but want to publish under their own name. Services typically include ghostwriting, editing, design, and sometimes marketing or publishing assistance. Costs vary by project type, typically ranging from $10,000 for standard manuscripts to over $ 75,000 for premium projects.
This guide compares the top 10 ghostwriting services in 2025, with details on pricing, features, and use cases to help you make the best choice.
Quick Comparison Table of Ghostwriting Services in 2025
| Service Name | Best For | Starting Cost Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| BookWritingInc. | Full publishing solutions | $10,000 – $40,000 | Editing + Publishing support |
| Reedsy | Freelance marketplace | $0.30 – $1.00 per word | Verified freelancers, flexible pricing |
| GhostwriterInside | Specialized ghostwriting | $10,000 – $35,000 | Books, speeches, business writing |
| Kevin Anderson & Associates | Business & celebrity books | $30,000 – $75,000+ | Strategy sessions, publishing consultation |
| Vox Ghostwriting | Full-service packages | $8,000 – $30,000 | Ghostwriting, editing, and book marketing |
| Scribe Media | Thought leadership books | $30,000 – $100,000 | Guided author programs, publishing support |
| Gotham Ghostwriters | Literary & nonfiction focus | $25,000 – $75,000 | Elite writers, editorial direction |
| The Writers For Hire | Business & corporate content | $5,000 – $25,000 | Technical writing, business specialization |
| Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) | Freelancer directory | $0.30 – $1.00 per word | Transparent freelancer rates |
| StoryTerrace | Memoirs & life stories | $7,500 – $25,000 | Personal biography packages |
Detailed Overviews Of The Top Ghostwriting Services In 2025
1. BookWritingInc. – Structured Ghostwriting with Publishing Support
BookWritingInc. is a U.S.-based ghostwriting agency offering full publishing solutions for authors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Instead of coordinating multiple freelancers, clients work with a structured team that manages everything from concept to launch.
Key Features
- Genres: business books, memoirs, self-help, and fiction.
- Services: ghostwriting, developmental editing, proofreading, design, and publishing.
- Confidentiality: NDAs included in standard contracts.
- Distribution: support for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
- Management: project handled by dedicated writing and editing teams.
Pricing (2025)
| Project Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Manuscript | $15,000+ |
| Business / Leadership Book | $25,000+ |
| Comprehensive Autobiography | $30,000+ |
Pros
- All-in-one publishing support (writing → editing → design → publishing).
- Structured workflow ensures consistency.
- Confidentiality contracts standard.
Cons
- Higher costs than freelance marketplaces.
- Less flexibility for authors seeking partial services only.
Note: Pricing data is based on BookWritingInc.’s service listings and verified industry benchmarks. Final project costs depend on word count, research complexity, and publishing add-ons.
2. Reedsy – Freelance Marketplace for Verified Ghostwriters
Reedsy is a global freelance marketplace connecting authors with experienced ghostwriters, editors, and publishing professionals. Unlike agencies, Reedsy allows authors to select freelancers directly from verified profiles.
Key Features
- Genres: fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, academic, and children’s books.
- Services: ghostwriting, editing, book design, and marketing.
- Transparency: freelancer profiles include portfolios, reviews, and experience.
- Confidentiality: NDAs depend on agreements between the author and freelancer.
- Flexibility: authors negotiate project scope and costs directly.
Pricing (2025)
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Ghostwriting | $0.30 – $1.00 per word |
| Full Book Project | $15,000 – $40,000+ |
Pros
- Wide pool of vetted ghostwriters.
- Flexible pricing for different budgets.
- Transparent freelancer reviews and work history.
Cons
- Quality depends on freelancer selection.
- No centralized project management team.
Note: According to Reedsy’s marketplace data, ghostwriting typically costs $0.30–$1.00 per word, with full manuscripts averaging $15,000–$40,000+ depending on length and complexity.
3. GhostwriterInside – Blending Creative and Corporate Projects
GhostwriterInside offers professional ghostwriting services across fiction, memoirs, and business content. It caters to both individual authors and corporate clients who need brand-driven materials.
Key Features
- Genres: fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and corporate writing.
- Services: ghostwriting, editing, formatting, and publishing coordination.
- Confidentiality: NDAs provided to protect client authorship.
- Corporate focus: white papers, speeches, and reports.
Pricing (2025)
| Project Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| Fiction / Nonfiction | $10,000+ |
| Memoirs | $15,000+ |
| Corporate Writing | $12,000+ |
Pros
- Covers both literary and business needs.
- NDA agreements strengthen trust.
- Offers editing and design support.
Cons
- Pricing transparency is limited.
Note: Pricing is drawn from GhostwriterInside’s stated packages and industry comparisons. Final costs depend on the manuscript’s length, research depth, and editing requirements.
4. Kevin Anderson & Associates – Premium Ghostwriting for Executives
Kevin Anderson & Associates is a New York–based ghostwriting agency specializing in books for high-profile clients such as executives, entrepreneurs, and celebrities. The firm is known for pairing authors with writers who have mainstream publishing experience.
Key Features
- Genres: executive memoirs, leadership books, celebrity biographies, and nonfiction.
- Services: ghostwriting, developmental editing, publishing strategy, coaching.
- Publishing connections: relationships with literary agents and publishers.
- Confidentiality: strict NDAs and privacy controls.
Pricing (2025)
| Project Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| Executive Memoir | $40,000+ |
| Business Nonfiction | $50,000+ |
| Celebrity Projects | $75,000+ |
Pros
- Writers with bestseller credentials.
- Editorial strategy tailored to market placement.
- Suitable for high-visibility projects.
Cons
- Costs are significantly higher than average.
- Often selective with smaller projects.
Trust Note: Costs are consistent with premium ghostwriting rates reported by Authors Guild and industry insiders, where projects for high-profile clients frequently exceed $50,000.
5. Vox Ghostwriting – Business and Nonfiction Specialists
Vox Ghostwriting provides ghostwriting for authors and companies focused on nonfiction and brand-oriented content. It emphasizes professional book creation combined with editing and publishing support.
Key Features
- Genres: business nonfiction, self-help, memoirs.
- Services: ghostwriting, editing, cover design, and publishing help.
- Focus: brand-driven storytelling and thought leadership.
- Confidentiality: NDA options included.
Pricing (2025)
| Project Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| Business Nonfiction | $12,000+ |
| Self-Help Book | $15,000+ |
| Memoir | $18,000+ |
Pros
- Tailored for professionals building authority.
- End-to-end service beyond writing.
- Emphasis on branding alongside writing.
Cons
- Pricing is less transparent than marketplaces.
- Smaller fiction projects may not be ideal here.
Note: Based on Vox Ghostwriting’s public service details and standard industry costs for nonfiction works in 2025.
6. Scribe Media – Structured Process for Thought Leadership
Scribe Media, formerly known as Book In A Box, focuses on business leaders and thought-driven professionals. It combines writing, coaching, and publishing into a clear process.
Key Features
- Genres: business, leadership, and thought leadership.
- Services: ghostwriting, editing, design, and publishing distribution.
- Structured approach: step-by-step collaboration with writers and editors.
- Confidentiality: contracts include strict privacy terms.
Pricing (2025)
| Package Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| Guided Author Program | $15,000+ |
| Ghostwriting Package | $36,000+ |
| Premium Publishing | $50,000+ |
Pros
- Well-documented process ensures predictability.
- Combines writing with publishing support.
- Experienced with business-focused manuscripts.
Cons
- More expensive than marketplaces.
- Primarily suited for nonfiction, not fiction.
Note: Pricing comes from Scribe Media’s official site, where ghostwriting packages are listed starting at $36,000+.
7. Gotham Ghostwriters – Elite Nonfiction Network
Gotham Ghostwriters is a New York agency known for its curated network of elite nonfiction and memoir writers. It matches authors with professional writers based on subject expertise.
Key Features
- Genres: memoirs, business nonfiction, politics, and history.
- Services: ghostwriting, editing, project matching.
- Premium network: writers with major publishing credits.
- Confidentiality: NDAs standard for client protection.
Pricing (2025)
| Project Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| Memoirs | $25,000+ |
| Business Books | $30,000+ |
| Political Works | $35,000+ |
Pros
- Access to high-profile, published writers.
- Personalized matchmaking for subject expertise.
- Strong reputation in the publishing industry.
Cons
- High minimum project cost.
- Primarily nonfiction, with less focus on fiction.
Note: Rates align with estimates shared in Reedsy’s ghostwriting cost guide and insider reports from Gotham’s writer network.
8. The Writers For Hire – Corporate and Technical Projects
The Writers For Hire is a Texas-based ghostwriting and content agency specializing in corporate, technical, and nonfiction projects. It uses a team approach where multiple writers and editors collaborate.
Key Features
- Genres: business, technical, nonfiction, and corporate communications.
- Services: ghostwriting, copywriting, content strategy, and editing.
- Confidentiality: NDAs and contracts standard.
- Team structure: projects managed by editors and coordinators.
Pricing (2025)
| Project Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| Corporate History | $20,000+ |
| Business Book | $25,000+ |
| Technical Writing | $18,000+ |
Pros
- Strong for businesses needing accuracy.
- Team model ensures review and editing consistency.
- Flexible for corporate materials beyond books.
Cons
- Less suitable for creative fiction projects.
- Pricing is higher than on freelance platforms.
Note: Pricing data verified against The Writers For Hire’s official packages and standard market rates for technical ghostwriting in 2025.
9. Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) – Professional Directory
The EFA is not an agency but a professional directory of vetted freelancers, including ghostwriters, editors, and proofreaders. Authors hire directly, choosing based on expertise and rates.
Key Features
- Genres: fiction, nonfiction, academic, memoirs.
- Services: ghostwriting, editing, proofreading, technical writing.
- Directory model: freelancers set their own rates.
- Confidentiality: depends on individual freelancer agreements.
Pricing (2025)
| Service Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Ghostwriting | $0.30 – $1.25 per word |
| Editing | $45 – $75 per hour |
Pros
- Transparent rate guidelines available on EFA site.
- Wide variety of professional backgrounds.
- Flexible hiring without middleman.
Cons
- No central project management.
- Quality depends on freelancer selection.
Note: Rates based on EFA’s official rate chart, updated for 2025 averages.
10. StoryTerrace – Personal Memoir Packages
StoryTerrace specializes in creating personal memoirs and life stories. It pairs clients with writers who interview and shape life experiences into professional books.
Key Features
- Genres: personal memoirs and autobiographies.
- Services: ghostwriting, interviews, design, and publishing.
- Focus: accessible packages for everyday storytellers.
- Confidentiality: agreements included.
Pricing (2025)
| Package Type | Starting Cost |
|---|---|
| Compact Memoir | $7,500+ |
| Standard Book | $12,000+ |
| Premium Memoir | $20,000+ |
Pros
- Tailored for personal and family memoirs.
- Package structure simplifies choices.
- Writers trained to handle sensitive life stories.
Cons
- Less suited for business or technical books.
- Packages limit flexibility for custom projects.
Note: Pricing sourced from StoryTerrace’s official packages, which start at $7,500 for compact memoirs.
Cost of Ghostwriting Services in 2025
The cost of ghostwriting in 2025 varies widely based on project type, length, research depth, and writer expertise. On average, professional ghostwriting services range from $10,000 for short manuscripts to $75,000+ for premium executive and celebrity books.
Ghostwriting Price Chart (2025 Estimates)
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range | Pricing Model | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Book | $20,000 – $45,000 | Flat project fee | Reedsy, BookWritingInc., Gotham Ghostwriters |
| Memoir / Autobiography | $15,000 – $35,000 | Flat project fee | StoryTerrace, EFA |
| Fiction (Novel) | $10,000 – $30,000 | Flat fee or per-word | Reedsy Marketplace, BookWritingInc |
| Thought Leadership Book | $30,000 – $75,000+ | Flat fee, milestone-based | Scribe Media, Kevin Anderson & Assoc. |
| Articles / Blogs | $0.30 – $1.00 per word | Per-word or per-article | Reedsy, EFA |
| White Papers / Reports | $5,000 – $15,000+ | Project-based | Corporate ghostwriters |
Factors That Influence Ghostwriting Costs
- Length of manuscript → Longer books require more writing hours.
- Research depth → Data-heavy or technical books increase costs.
- Writer expertise → Published authors or bestsellers command higher fees.
- Editing & revisions → Developmental and copyediting add cost layers.
- Publishing support → Cover design, formatting, and distribution raise final fees.
- Confidentiality & contracts → Strict NDAs and exclusive rights agreements may increase pricing.
Note: These ranges are compiled from Reedsy Marketplace, BookWritingInc., EFA rate chart, Scribe Media pricing, and public information from major ghostwriting firms.
How to Choose the Right Ghostwriting Service
Choosing a ghostwriting service in 2025 depends on aligning your goals with the right expertise, process, and budget. Here’s a checklist to guide the decision:
Ghostwriting Service Checklist
Confidentiality
- Confirm the service uses Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to protect authorship rights.
Portfolio & Experience
- Review past work samples or case studies.
- Look for published titles or testimonials when available.
Genre Expertise
- Match the writer’s strengths (business, memoir, fiction, technical).
- A business ghostwriter may not suit creative fiction.
Pricing & Transparency
- Request a written estimate.
- Clarify whether pricing is per word, per page, or project-based.
Editing & Publishing Support
- Some agencies offer editing, cover design, and publishing assistance.
- Decide if you need end-to-end service or just writing.
Collaboration Process
- Understand how writers gather your voice: interviews, questionnaires, or drafts.
- Ensure there are structured milestones for feedback.
Budget Alignment
- Compare options against your financial limits.
- Remember: experienced ghostwriters cost more, but reduce revision risk.
Quick Tip
Services like Reedsy and EFA allow you to compare multiple freelancers, while agencies like Scribe Media, BookWritingInc., or Kevin Anderson & Associates provide structured, full-service processes.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Ghostwriter
Hiring a ghostwriter can save time and improve quality, but it also comes with trade-offs. Understanding both sides helps you decide if it’s the right step.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Time Savings → Authors can publish without spending months writing. | High Costs → Professional ghostwriting often starts at $10,000+. |
| Expertise → Writers bring structure, clarity, and publishing knowledge. | Voice Challenges → Some projects risk losing the author’s unique tone. |
| Confidentiality → NDAs protect the author’s ownership of the work. | Dependence → The final manuscript relies heavily on another person’s effort. |
| Market Readiness → Experienced ghostwriters tailor books to industry standards. | Quality Variability → Freelancers and agencies differ widely in skill and style. |
| Publishing Support → Some agencies offer editing, design, and distribution. | Less Creative Control → Ghostwriters may interpret ideas differently than intended. |
Key Insight
Ghostwriting is most valuable for professionals who lack time but want a polished manuscript. It may not be ideal for authors who prefer full creative control.
Conclusion
Ghostwriting in 2025 has become a structured, professional service that supports authors, business leaders, and individuals who want to publish without investing years into writing. The best service depends on your project type, goals, and budget.
For authors seeking personal memoirs, services like BookWritingInc. specialize in life stories, while professionals aiming for thought leadership or business books may prefer structured agencies like Scribe Media or Kevin Anderson & Associates. Flexible options such as Reedsy or the EFA directory allow direct collaboration with freelancers at varied price points.
Costs range widely from $10,000 for shorter projects to $75,000+ for premium executive books, so evaluating confidentiality, expertise, editing support, and budget alignment is key.
By weighing these factors, you can choose a ghostwriting service that not only delivers a manuscript but also ensures your voice and ideas reach readers effectively.
FAQs
1. What is the average cost of ghostwriting in 2025?
The average cost of ghostwriting in 2025 ranges from $15,000 to $45,000 for a full-length book. Shorter works, like blogs, cost $0.30–$1.00 per word (Reedsy, EFA).
2. Are ghostwriting services confidential?
Yes. Most agencies and freelancers use Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to ensure the client owns the work. The ghostwriter’s contribution remains private unless both parties agree otherwise.
3. Who needs a ghostwriter?
Ghostwriters are often hired by executives, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and professionals who have valuable ideas but lack time, writing expertise, or publishing knowledge to complete a polished manuscript.
4. How long does it take to ghostwrite a book?
A ghostwritten book usually takes 6 months to 1.5 years. The timeline depends on manuscript length, research needs, and revision cycles between the author and ghostwriter.
5. Is ghostwriting legal?
Yes. Ghostwriting is legal if the terms are defined in a contract. Clients own the rights once they pay for the service, and NDAs ensure authorship protection.
6. Do ghostwriters get royalties?
Most ghostwriters are paid a flat fee and do not receive royalties. However, some agreements include revenue-sharing or co-author credit if negotiated.
7. How do I find the right ghostwriter?
You can find ghostwriters through agencies (e.g., Scribe Media, BookWritingInc.), marketplaces (Reedsy, EFA), or direct referrals. Always review portfolios, discuss the process, and confirm confidentiality before hiring.
