As you negotiate the fee for your next writing project, ask if it’s ghostwritten. Will you, the writer, be emulating the voice, tone and style, of someone else whose name will appear on the piece?
If so, your standard rates don’t apply.
I’m sharing three reasons you should receive a higher fee for ghostwriting projects based on my experiences writing for others as a ghost over the past 16 years.
- Ghostwriting Requires Extra Onboarding Time
- Plan for More Reviews and Revisions in Ghostwriting
- You Get Paid to Stay Quiet
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela
1. Ghostwriting Requires Extra Onboarding Time
To do ghostwriting well, you will spend time reading, chatting with or listening to recordings of the person you are ghostwriting for before writing begins. I can confidently say this time adds up! And, it doesn’t replace reviewing the editorial guidelines for the brand or business. You will need first-hand exposure to the person’s existing communications.
With one of my ghostwritten projects, I chatted with the person I was writing for by phone while he was driving. I recorded and transcribed the conversation to listen and learn where he paused, the types of words he used and how his conversations flowed. Did he use examples? Did he talk conversationally or with a more polished presence?
If you base your project estimates loosely on time invested, add a few extra hours to the quote. You will use them.
2. Plan for More Reviews and Revisions in Ghostwriting
Once you start writing, it’s pretty common for ghostwriters to ask for a green light from the person they are ghosting for after creating an outline or a rough draft. You need to make sure you’re moving in the right direction before you put your finishing touches on the piece.
Then, after the client has reviewed the content, get ready for questions.
Sometimes people are surprised by how they sound—and that you mirrored it in the content! I’ve had a few interviewees reflect on their tone and approach after seeing “themseleves” down on paper. You know how it can feel weird to hear your voice in a recording or on a video? It’s just like that. It takes a moment to accept what you actually sound like.
Again, time is money. Budget for a few extra clarifying/curious/creative communications as you work together.
3. You Get Paid to Stay Quiet
There’s a reason you were hired as a ghostwriter. Sometimes it’s as simple as showing up as the polished presence of a business person, while other times it’s to keep any identities attached to a sensitive topic silent.
Either way, you don’t get a byline. You deserve compensation for not being able to chat about the project in a public way to promote your writing business and gain new clients.
Read your contract closely! It’s common to have clauses about not sharing anything publicly about the project, including social media posts or in work portfolios. Some clients will agree to using the project as a writing sample on an application, as long as it’s not public.
Charge Your Worth—Always!
Freelance writers, especially those new to the business, often have a hard time quoting project rates. I like to create an estimate based on a mix of time, effort and experience.
And, if it’s ghostwritten, I tack on more time because I know how these collaborations go!
Do you have any questions about working in freelance writing or content marketing? Send me a note and I’ll add your thoughts to my writing ideas list!
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