You have a story inside you. I know you do. It might be the memoir of a life that’s seen it all, a business book ready to shake up an industry, or a family history that deserves to be held and read for generations. The idea is brilliant, the message is powerful, but the path from your mind to a physical, beautifully bound book can feel… well, impossible. Let's be honest, staring at a blank page is terrifying, and the thought of writing an entire book can make even the most determined person want to take a very, very long nap.
This is where the magic of ghostwriting comes in. It’s not about giving up control; it’s about finding a talented partner who can take your vision, your voice, and your expertise and weave them into a masterpiece. Think of it as hiring an architect for your dream house. You provide the blueprint and the vision, and they handle the complicated construction to bring it to life, perfectly and professionally. Trying to do it all yourself is like trying to build that house with a single screwdriver and a YouTube tutorial. You could do it, but why would you want to?
That’s exactly why we created this guide. We’ve done the heavy lifting to find the best ghostwriting services available, from freelance platforms to boutique agencies. We'll break down what makes each unique, who they're best for, and how to get started. Understanding the foundations of quality writing is essential when you're evaluating potential partners, so if you want a deeper look at what separates good from great, explore these proven ways to improve writing skills.
This isn't just a list; it’s your roadmap to finding the perfect collaborator to turn your incredible idea into a finished book you can be proud of. Let's find your ghostwriter.
1. Reedsy
If the thought of finding a qualified ghostwriter feels like searching for a needle in a digital haystack, Reedsy is the powerful magnet you need. Instead of a free for all platform, Reedsy is a highly curated marketplace specifically for book professionals. Think of it less like a massive online mall and more like a high end, invitation only gallery of talent.
The platform's biggest flex is its rigorous vetting process. They famously accept only the top echelon of applicants, which means every ghostwriter profile you browse has already been pre screened for quality, experience, and professionalism. This immediately removes a huge layer of stress and uncertainty from your search for the best ghostwriting services.
Why It Makes the List
Reedsy excels at making the hiring process transparent and structured, which is a godsend when you're undertaking something as personal as writing a book. You can filter their 200+ ghostwriters by genre (from sci fi to memoir) and specific nonfiction topics, ensuring you find someone who truly gets your subject matter.
The platform empowers you to request quotes from up to five different ghostwriters simultaneously. This isn't just about price shopping. It's about seeing how different professionals would approach your project, what their timelines look like, and whose communication style clicks with yours. Everything happens within their streamlined ecosystem: messaging, file sharing, and even payments are handled through their secure portal.
Key Insight: Reedsy’s built in, auto generated contracts offer a fantastic layer of security. They create a clear, legally sound agreement that protects both you and the writer, covering milestones, payment schedules, and confidentiality so you can focus on the creative work.
What to Expect
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Reedsy stand out:
- Vetting is Everything: Knowing that every writer has a proven track record of success with traditionally published books provides incredible peace of mind.
- Total Transparency: Writer profiles are packed with details, including portfolios, testimonials from past clients, and a full bio.
- One Stop Shop: Beyond ghostwriting, you can find editors, designers, and marketers, making it a comprehensive resource for your entire book journey.
Pricing: This is a professional marketplace, so pricing varies widely based on a writer's experience and the project's scope. Expect book projects to range from $15,000 on the lower end to well over $100,000 for top tier, bestselling authors. While not the cheapest option, the quality reflects the investment.
Best for: Aspiring authors who prioritize quality and security over finding the absolute lowest price. It's perfect for memoirs, business books, and fiction projects where subject matter expertise is crucial.
Explore Reedsy’s Vetted Ghostwriters
2. Upwork
If Reedsy is the curated, high end gallery, Upwork is the bustling, sprawling city market of the freelance world. It’s a massive platform where you can find a ghostwriter for literally anything, from a 50,000 word business book to a heartfelt wedding speech. Instead of waiting for writers to come to you, Upwork puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to post your project and watch the proposals roll in.
The sheer volume of talent can feel overwhelming, but Upwork's power lies in its robust filtering and project management tools. It’s built to handle the entire hiring lifecycle, from initial job posting to final payment, all within one secure system. This makes it an incredibly accessible entry point for finding the best ghostwriting services, especially if you have a clear budget and scope in mind.
Why It Makes the List
Upwork is the undisputed champion of speed and variety. You can often receive your first qualified proposal within 24 hours of posting a job, which is a game changer when you're eager to get started. The platform gives you an unparalleled view into a freelancer’s work history, including past client reviews, success scores, and portfolio pieces.
The built in project management features are a huge asset. You can set up milestones, where you release payment only after a specific section of work (like a book chapter or outline) is completed to your satisfaction. This milestone based approach, combined with Upwork’s payment protection plan, significantly reduces the financial risk of hiring someone you've only met online. You can also track hourly work and communicate directly on the platform, keeping everything organized.
Key Insight: Upwork’s “Talent Scout” feature is a hidden gem. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, their recruiters can help match you with pre vetted, top tier ghostwriting talent for your specific project, giving you a more curated experience without leaving the platform.
What to Expect
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Upwork a strong contender:
- Vast Talent Pool: Access to a global network of writers across every conceivable genre, niche, and price point.
- Total Project Control: You define the budget, timeline, and deliverables. The milestone system ensures you only pay for work you approve.
- Built in Security: Escrow services and dispute mediation offer a solid safety net for both you and your ghostwriter.
Pricing: The financial spectrum on Upwork is enormous. You might find writers offering to ghostwrite blog posts for $50 or seasoned professionals charging $30,000+ for a full length book. For a quality book project, a realistic budget typically starts around $5,000 and can go up to $50,000 or more, depending on the writer's experience and your book's complexity.
Best for: Entrepreneurs, marketers, and authors who are comfortable managing a project and want a wide selection of candidates across various budgets. It's excellent for finding writers for blogs, thought leadership articles, and book projects where you're prepared to do your own vetting.
Find Ghostwriters on Upwork
3. Fiverr
If the idea of a vast, open marketplace sounds like the Wild West of writing talent, Fiverr is the bustling frontier town where you can strike gold. It's a massive digital services platform where ghostwriting isn't just one service; it's thousands of individual "gigs," each with its own flavor, price, and specialty. This makes it a fantastic starting point for those who want to see a wide spectrum of what's available without a hefty upfront commitment.
The platform's strength lies in its sheer volume and accessibility. You can find ghostwriters for almost any niche imaginable, from a short ebook on cryptocurrency to a full length fantasy novel. The transparency of its gig based structure lets you see exactly what you're getting for a set price, making it one of the more straightforward options when searching for the best ghostwriting services.
Why It Makes the List
Fiverr excels at breaking down the often intimidating process of hiring a ghostwriter into manageable, bite sized pieces. Instead of sending out broad inquiries, you shop for specific packages. Need a 5,000 word lead magnet? There’s a gig for that. Want someone to write just the first chapter to test your chemistry? You can find that too. The powerful filters let you narrow down the talent pool by genre, language, turnaround time, and budget.
For those wary of inconsistent quality, the "Fiverr Pro" badge is a game changer. These sellers are manually vetted by Fiverr’s team for their professional experience and high quality work, offering a level of assurance much closer to a curated marketplace. This creates a two tiered system where you can start small and affordable or go straight for verified, top tier talent, all within the same platform.
Key Insight: Fiverr's escrow system provides a crucial safety net. Your payment is held by the platform and only released to the writer once you approve the delivered work. This built in protection manages the financial risk, allowing you to focus on the creative collaboration without worrying about payment disputes.
What to Expect
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Fiverr a unique option:
- Granular Service Options: You can hire writers for specific tasks like outlining, chapter writing, or proofreading, not just entire book projects.
- Budget Flexibility: From incredibly affordable entry level gigs to premium Pro services, there is a price point for nearly every budget.
- Structured Process: The platform manages communication, file delivery, and revisions, keeping the entire project organized and on track.
Pricing: The range is enormous. You can find gigs for as low as $100 for short projects, while full book length projects from standard sellers might range from $1,000 to $10,000. Fiverr Pro ghostwriters command higher rates, often starting at $15,000 and going up, depending on the scope and their expertise.
Best for: First time authors wanting to test the waters with a smaller project, entrepreneurs needing blog posts or ebooks, or anyone looking for maximum choice and budget flexibility.
4. Gotham Ghostwriters
If you're a senior executive, public figure, or thought leader, your time is your most valuable asset. Gotham Ghostwriters operates on this very principle. It isn't a DIY marketplace; it’s a high touch, white glove agency that acts as your personal literary talent scout. Think of them as the executive search firm for finding the perfect ghostwriter to articulate your vision.
Founded by an award winning journalist and former presidential speechwriter, Gotham brings an elite, insider level understanding of the publishing and media worlds. They specialize in matching high profile clients with seasoned writers who are experts not just in storytelling, but in capturing the distinct voice and authority of leaders. This is one of the best ghostwriting services for those who need more than just a writer; they need a strategic partner.
Why It Makes the List
Gotham Ghostwriters excels in the art of the perfect match. Their process is deliberate and consultative. Instead of you scrolling through endless profiles, they take the time to deeply understand your project goals, your voice, and the specific expertise required. Then, they dive into their extensive network of over 4,000 specialists to hand pick a small selection of ideal candidates for you to meet.
This agency is particularly powerful for projects that extend beyond the book itself, like speeches, op eds, and broader thought leadership campaigns. Their connections to literary agents and publishers provide invaluable strategic guidance, helping you not just write the book, but get it published and noticed. They understand the entire ecosystem, from initial concept to a successful book launch.
Key Insight: Gotham's strength is its bespoke matchmaking process. It saves executives and public figures countless hours by pre vetting and curating a shortlist of top tier talent perfectly suited to their specific niche, tone, and publishing goals.
What to Expect
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Gotham Ghostwriters a premium choice:
- Executive Level Service: The entire process is designed for busy leaders, with the agency handling the heavy lifting of sourcing, vetting, and project scoping.
- Elite Talent Pool: Their network is filled with professional writers, many of whom have experience working with bestselling authors, politicians, and Fortune 500 CEOs.
- Publishing Strategy: They don't just find you a writer. They offer strategic advice on developing a compelling book proposal and navigating the path to publication.
Pricing: As a boutique agency offering a premium service, pricing is bespoke and reflects the high caliber of their talent. Projects are custom quoted based on scope and complexity, but you should expect to make a significant investment appropriate for top tier professional services.
Best for: Senior executives, public figures, industry experts, and organizations who need a top flight writer for a book, speech, or thought leadership content and value a curated, high touch matchmaking experience.
5. Kevin Anderson & Associates (KAA)
If you’re serious about landing a traditional publishing deal, Kevin Anderson & Associates (KAA) is like having a secret key to the industry. This isn't just a pool of writers; it's a premier editorial firm staffed by former acquisitions editors from Big 5 publishers. They approach ghostwriting from an editor’s perspective, focusing on crafting a manuscript that’s not just well written but commercially viable.
Their biggest advantage is their insider knowledge. The team knows exactly what literary agents and publishing houses are looking for because they used to be the ones making the decisions. This strategic approach infuses every part of their process, from initial concept development to polishing the final book proposal. They are all about building a book that can succeed in a competitive marketplace.
Why It Makes the List
KAA demystifies the often opaque world of high end ghostwriting with something incredibly rare in this industry: transparent pricing. Their website features a detailed rate card, so you know exactly what to expect financially before you even make the first call. This level of honesty is a massive breath of fresh air.
The firm excels in providing comprehensive, strategy led support. Services like their "Blueprint Day" planning session and beta reader panels show they are invested in the book's fundamental structure and market appeal, not just the words on the page. You’re not just hiring a writer; you’re engaging an entire editorial team to champion your project, making them one of the best ghostwriting services for authors with big ambitions.
Key Insight: The direct involvement of former Big 5 editors is KAA’s superpower. This gives you invaluable guidance on shaping your story, developing a killer book proposal, and targeting the right literary agents, dramatically increasing your chances of getting published.
What to Expect
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Kevin Anderson & Associates stand out:
- Radical Transparency: Publicly posted rates for ghostwriting, editing, and proposals let you budget with confidence from the very beginning.
- Publishing Insider Strategy: Their team includes former executive editors who provide high level strategy sessions and project oversight.
- Full Service Support: KAA offers an entire suite of services, including book proposals, query letters, and coaching, to guide you from idea to agent submission.
Pricing: KAA is a premium service with clear, tiered pricing. Full ghostwriting projects typically start around $45,000 for a short book and can exceed $150,000 for complex projects with bestselling authors. Editorial services are often priced per word.
Best for: Entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and aspiring authors aiming for a traditional publishing deal. It's a perfect fit for nonfiction, business books, and memoirs where a strong commercial angle and industry connections are vital.
Explore KAA's Ghostwriting Rates
6. StoryTerrace
If you believe every life is a book waiting to be written, StoryTerrace is the publisher ready to print your story. This service is specifically designed for turning personal life stories into beautiful, professionally crafted books. It demystifies the entire process, making it an incredibly approachable option for individuals and families wanting to preserve a legacy, celebrate a milestone, or give an unforgettable gift.
StoryTerrace’s unique strength lies in its all inclusive, productized packages. Instead of navigating complex negotiations and hiring multiple vendors, you choose a fixed price package that bundles everything from interviews with a matched writer to professional book design and even printing. This streamlined approach removes the guesswork, which is perfect for first time authors who just want to focus on telling their story.
Why It Makes the List
StoryTerrace excels at making memoir creation accessible and transparent. Their process is built around a series of recorded interviews between you and your ghostwriter, ensuring your voice and memories are the foundation of the manuscript. A dedicated project editor oversees the journey, acting as your guide and ensuring every detail aligns with your vision.
The service is especially brilliant for family and legacy projects. Imagine capturing your grandmother’s life stories in a gorgeous hardcover book for the entire family to cherish for generations. The tiered packages, like the Swift, Classic, and PRO, clearly outline the number of interview hours, word count, and number of printed copies you'll receive, so there are no surprises.
Key Insight: StoryTerrace’s bundled design and printing services are a game changer. You avoid the headache of finding and managing separate designers, typesetters, and printers. Everything is handled under one roof, resulting in a cohesive, professionally finished book delivered right to your door.
What to Expect
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes StoryTerrace a standout choice:
- Package Based Simplicity: Clear, upfront pricing and deliverables in named packages make it easy to choose the right fit for your story and budget.
- A Personal Touch: You are carefully matched with a writer from their pool of over 800 vetted professionals who is best suited to your story’s tone and subject.
- All in One Service: The process covers writing, editing, photo integration, cover design, and printing, offering a complete end to end solution.
Pricing: StoryTerrace offers fixed price packages, starting around $7,000 for their "Swift" package and scaling up for more comprehensive projects with longer interviews and more pages. They also offer installment payment options, making their professional services more financially accessible.
Best for: Families creating legacy projects, individuals wanting to write a personal memoir, and anyone looking for a gift that truly lasts a lifetime. It's the ideal choice for personal histories rather than complex business or technical books.
Explore StoryTerrace’s Book Packages
7. Scribe Media
If you're an entrepreneur, executive, or expert with a world changing idea but zero time to write, Scribe Media is your full service publishing partner. They built their entire system around a single, powerful premise: your ideas, captured through interviews, and transformed into a professionally published book. They don't just offer ghostwriting; they offer a complete, structured process from concept to a book in your hands.
Scribe's approach is designed for busy professionals who think and speak faster than they type. Instead of expecting you to produce pages of notes, their core method involves a series of recorded interviews where a skilled ghostwriter extracts your knowledge, stories, and voice. This makes them one of the best ghostwriting services for turning expertise into a tangible asset without derailing your business.
Why It Makes the List
Scribe Media demystifies the book creation process by offering transparent, all inclusive packages. There’s no guesswork about what’s included or what the final cost will be. Their tiers, from "Guided Author" for those who want to write themselves with heavy support, to their flagship "Professional" ghostwriting service, are clearly laid out with timelines and deliverables. This system is perfect for someone who values a predictable, managed project.
Their deep experience in the business and nonfiction space is a massive advantage. With over 2,000 books launched, they understand how to position a book to build authority, generate leads, or secure speaking engagements. Their process includes everything from outlining and ghostwriting to cover design, interior layout, and even publishing and distribution support.
Key Insight: Scribe's interview based process is its secret sauce. It ensures your unique voice, anecdotes, and industry specific phrasing are captured authentically, resulting in a book that truly sounds like you wrote every word yourself.
What to Expect
Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Scribe Media stand out:
- Package Based Clarity: You know exactly what you’re getting and how much it will cost from day one, which eliminates the financial uncertainty common with hourly freelance projects.
- End to End Service: They handle the entire publishing journey, which is a huge relief for authors who don't want to become publishing experts overnight.
- Focus on Authority: Scribe excels at creating books that serve as powerful marketing tools and legacy pieces for nonfiction authors.
Pricing: Scribe's services are a significant investment, reflecting their comprehensive, managed approach. Packages start in the high five figures. For example, their core ghostwriting and publishing package, Scribe Professional, is listed at $48,000, payable in installments.
Best for: Executives, entrepreneurs, and consultants who want a turnkey solution for writing and publishing a high quality nonfiction book to establish their authority and grow their brand.
Explore Scribe Media's Services
Top 7 Ghostwriting Services Comparison
| Service | Implementation Complexity (🔄) | Resource Requirements (⚡) | Expected Outcomes (📊) | Ideal Use Cases (💡) | Key Advantages (⭐) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reedsy | 🔄 Medium — curated matching and platform workflow | ⚡ Moderate — pay-per-project; premium for top talent | 📊 High-quality, publishing-ready manuscripts and strong editorial polish | 💡 Book-length fiction, memoir, and nonfiction projects; compare multiple quotes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Strong vetting, detailed portfolios, built-in contracts |
| Upwork | 🔄 Low — post job or invite freelancers; client-led vetting | ⚡ Variable — wide budget range; client time for screening | 📊 Variable — quality depends on hire; can produce anything from drafts to finished work | 💡 Broad needs: books, speeches, blogs, rapid hires across budgets | ⭐⭐⭐ Fast proposals, escrow/milestones, large talent pool |
| Fiverr | 🔄 Low — purchase gigs or request custom offers | ⚡ Low–Moderate — gig tiers; Pro for higher quality | 📊 Good for small projects or pilot chapters; book-length may need custom scope | 💡 Short projects, sample chapters, budget pilots, quick turnarounds | ⭐⭐⭐ Quick package comparisons, transparent gig inclusions |
| Gotham Ghostwriters | 🔄 High — high-touch intake and bespoke matching | ⚡ High — bespoke pricing; premium budgets typical | 📊 Elite-quality manuscripts, speechwriting, and publishing strategy | 💡 Senior executives, public figures, and clients seeking agent/publisher connections | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Elite talent matching and strong publishing/media relationships |
| Kevin Anderson & Associates (KAA) | 🔄 Medium — formal editorial process with clear stages | ⚡ High — premium services with published rates | 📊 Publishing-caliber nonfiction, strong proposal and agent-targeted support | 💡 Nonfiction authors pursuing traditional publishing and proposal development | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Transparent pricing and ex–Big‑5 editorial expertise |
| StoryTerrace | 🔄 Low–Medium — package-based, managed project editors | ⚡ Moderate — fixed packages include design and printing | 📊 Finished memoirs/legacy books with design and print deliverables | 💡 Memoirs, family histories, gifts; first-time authors who want turnkey service | ⭐⭐⭐ Clear packages, bundled design/printing, approachable process |
| Scribe Media | 🔄 Medium–High — interview-driven, guided author workflows | ⚡ High — package pricing and publishing/marketing add-ons | 📊 High-quality nonfiction with publishing and marketing support | 💡 Entrepreneurs/executives writing authority nonfiction and seeking publishing help | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Transparent packages and deep nonfiction track record |
Final Thoughts
Whew, that was a journey. We have explored some of the very best ghostwriting services available today, from the vast marketplaces of Reedsy and Upwork to the white glove treatment at firms like Kevin Anderson & Associates. You have seen how each platform, agency, and freelancer network offers a unique path to bringing your book to life. It is a lot to take in, but now you are equipped with the map and compass needed to navigate this exciting adventure.
The core takeaway is this: there is no single “best” choice, only the best choice for you. Your perfect ghostwriting partner is out there, waiting to hear your story, your big idea, or your life’s work. The key is to match your specific needs, budget, and working style with the right service.
Recapping Your Options
Let's quickly crystallize the main paths you can take:
- For Curated Quality: Platforms like Reedsy and boutique agencies such as Gotham Ghostwriters are fantastic if you want a pre vetted pool of top tier talent. They have done much of the initial screening for you, saving you time and giving you peace of mind.
- For Maximum Choice & Budget Flexibility: Marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr offer an enormous range of ghostwriters at nearly every price point. You will need to do more homework and vetting yourself, but the potential to find a hidden gem is huge.
- For a Full Service, Hands Off Experience: Premier agencies like Kevin Anderson & Associates and Scribe Media are the all inclusive resorts of the ghostwriting world. They handle everything from concept to publishing, ideal for busy CEOs, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who want a turnkey solution.
- For Capturing Personal Histories: If your goal is a beautiful, personal memoir or family legacy book, a specialized service like StoryTerrace is designed specifically to honor and preserve those precious memories.
Your Actionable Next Steps
Feeling a little overwhelmed by the options? That is completely normal. The secret is to take it one step at a time. Here is what you should do next:
- Clarify Your Vision: Before you even think about contacting a ghostwriter, get crystal clear on your book’s purpose, audience, and core message. What do you want this book to achieve? Who are you writing it for?
- Set a Realistic Budget: Determine what you are comfortable investing. This will immediately help you narrow down your search. Remember, hiring a ghostwriter is an investment in your legacy, brand, or business.
- Create a Shortlist: Pick two or three services from our list that resonate most with your goals and budget. Do not try to explore all of them at once.
- Start the Conversation: Use the vetting questions and contract tips we provided earlier in this guide to begin interviewing potential writers. This is not just about their resume; it is about finding a creative partner you connect with.
Finding the right ghostwriter is a deeply personal process. It is about more than just writing skills. It is about trust, chemistry, and a shared vision. You are entrusting someone with your voice, your story, your very essence. Take your time, trust your gut, and do not be afraid to ask the tough questions.
As you start organizing your thoughts and materials for your writer, you will likely be doing a lot of talking and transcribing. It can be helpful to understand how these processes work. Exploring tools like the best voice to text software can give you insight into how your interviews and notes can be efficiently turned into written text, a process your ghostwriter will be an expert in.
Ultimately, embarking on this journey is a courageous act. You are choosing to give your story the professional polish and narrative power it deserves. You are choosing to create something permanent, a physical legacy that will outlast tweets and blog posts. It is a beautiful, honorable, and incredibly rewarding endeavor. So take a deep breath, take that first step, and get ready to finally hold your book in your hands.
Ready to skip the endless searching and connect with a perfectly matched, pre-vetted ghostwriter for your project? At My Book Written, we specialize in making that connection seamless. Visit My Book Written to see how our personalized matching service can help you find the ideal professional to bring your story to life.