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How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter in 2026?

30 April, 2025 Blog Writing 5 mins read

Estorytellers is a premier ghostwriting and book publishing agency that specializes in delivering high-quality writing solutions customized to the unique needs of authors and businesses. We are the most sought-after ghostwriting company that handles every aspect of your book writing, book publishing, and marketing all under one roof.


How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Ghostwriter

Ghostwriting keeps growing fast. Authors, founders, coaches, and creators now hire ghostwriters for books, eBooks, blogs, and business content. If you are searching for how much does it cost to hire a ghostwriter, the honest answer stays the same in 2026. Prices depend on many real factors.

I have worked with hundreds of authors at Estorytellers. I can tell you clearly. There is no fixed rate. The cost to hire a ghostwriter changes based on the writer, the work, and the results you expect.

What Really Affects Ghostwriting Costs?

Understanding how much does a ghostwriter cost starts with knowing what drives pricing. Here is what matters most today.

Experience and Writing Skill

Senior ghostwriters charge more because they deliver clean structure, strong flow, and fewer revisions. Writers with business, medical, or technical knowledge raise the ghostwriter book cost because errors cost money.

Type of Project

A short eBook costs far less than a full memoir or research-heavy book. More interviews, more research, and more revisions increase ghostwriting services rates.

Word Count

Longer books reduce per-word pricing but increase total spend. A 15,000-word eBook feels affordable. A 60,000-word book needs planning and budget control.

Timeline

Urgent deadlines raise the cost to hire a ghostwriter. Faster delivery means focused time and fewer parallel projects.

Extra Support

Editing, proofreading, formatting, and publishing prep add to final pricing. Some services include basics. Others charge separately.

Ghostwriting Rates in India 2026

India remains cost-effective, but quality writers no longer work at throwaway prices. Updated ghostwriting rates 2026 look like this:

Typical Ghostwriting Rates in India

  • Short eBooks (5,000 to 15,000 words): ₹25 to ₹50 per word

  • Full-length books (50,000 to 100,000 words): ₹15 to ₹40 per word

  • Business, medical, technical books: ₹30 to ₹60 per word

These numbers reflect real ghostwriting rates in India for trained professionals, not beginners.

eBook Ghostwriting Rates vs Book Writing

Ebook ghostwriting rates are usually lower because:

  • Word count stays smaller

  • Research stays lighter

  • Production stays simple

Still, strategy-heavy eBooks for coaches or founders may cost more than fiction novels. Content depth matters more than format.

Ghostwriter Pricing by Content Type

Books and Memoirs

In India, a 50,000-word book usually costs ₹2.5 to ₹5 lakh based on the writer’s skill. In the US, the same book can cross $30,000.

Blogs and Articles

Freelance ghostwriting rates for blogs range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per 1,000 words based on topic and authority.

Business Content

White papers, reports, and leadership content range from ₹4 to ₹6 per word. Expertise drives pricing here.

Speeches and Niche Work

Speeches cost ₹10,000 to ₹50,000. Academic or niche writing varies by subject and review depth.

How Ghostwriters Charge in 2026

Writers now use four main pricing models:

  • Per word: ₹3 to ₹10+

  • Per page: ₹750 to ₹2,500

  • Per hour: ₹1,000 to ₹4,000

  • Flat project fee: Best for books and eBooks

Flat fees protect budgets and reduce surprises.

Freelancers vs Agencies

Freelancers may look cheaper. Risk stays higher. Missed deadlines, rewrites, and silence cost more later.

At Estorytellers, we manage writers, editors, timelines, and quality checks. You pay once and get a finished product that reads right and sells right.

Real Cost Examples

  • 50,000-word memoir: ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakh

  • Beginner novelist: ₹1 to ₹2 per word

  • Five blog posts (1,000 words each): ₹15,000

  • Business white paper (5,000 words): ₹25,000

These numbers reflect real ghostwriting services rates today.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a ghostwriter in 2026 stays simple when expectations stay clear. Define goals. Set timelines. Choose skill over shortcuts.

At Estorytellers, I help authors control ghostwriter book costs without cutting corners. You get writing that sounds like you and works for your audience.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to hire a ghostwriter in India?

The cost to hire a ghostwriter in India ranges from ₹15 to ₹60 per word. Price depends on experience, topic, and length. Estorytellers offers clear pricing with no hidden charges.

2. What affects ghostwriting rates the most?

Experience, research level, deadlines, and revisions impact ghostwriting rates the most. Business and technical books cost more.

3. Are eBook ghostwriting rates lower than book writing?

Yes. E-book ghostwriting rates stay lower due to shorter length. Strategy-heavy eBooks may still cost more.

4. How much does a full book cost in India?

A full book usually costs ₹2.5 to ₹6 lakh, depending on complexity and writer level.

5. How can I reduce the ghostwriter book cost?

Clear outlines, fixed scope, and choosing an agency with transparent pricing help control costs.

 

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