Setting Your Ghostwriting Fees

By: Rachel Mork

If you're considering ghostwriting, you may be confused as to how to set your ghostwriting fees. While there are no set rules as to what you can and should charge, there are some simple ways to determine what rates are appropriate and reasonable.

First of all, you need to realize not all ghostwriting is equal. Ghostwriting for websites writing SEO-friendly articles will bring in a different pay rate than ghostwriting blog posts or the text for a novel or non-fiction book. If you are looking at a ghostwriting position where you blog every day about a single topic, you will get a much lower rate per word than a gig where you need to do research for each article. Identify the type of ghostwriting required before you quote a pay rate.

Once you've identified what kind of ghostwriting you will be doing, compare rates amongst other freelancers and ghostwriting services. There are many websites available that state what standard pay rates are for various writing and editing services. You should also look up what your competition is charging. Look online for rates listed by other ghostwriters in your area of expertise.

Make sure you sell your services well when you apply for ghostwriting gigs. If you're a published author or have significant expertise in a field (such as the medical field), make sure you play up your experience, your knowledge base, your good reputation and your commitment to excellence. A good resume and plenty of good referrals will make it possible to charge higher rates.

You'll also want to set some parameters within which you will work. Decide how much you need to make per hour for the job to be worth your time, then determine how much time various projects will take. Set your rates accordingly and start answering ads or posting your availability online. If you're getting most of the jobs for which you apply, your rates are too low-go ahead and raise them for future clients. If you're not getting very many gigs, your rates are too high for your expertise.

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Wondering what ghostwriting is all about? Ghostwriters write books, articles, blogs and Web sites for individuals or companies with a story to tell, but no time, writing skills or experience in organizing those stories. Most often, ghostwriters write without attribution for work produced.

If you're considering becoming a professional ghostwriter, you will want to do as much research on the topic as possible before you quit your day job. It is a fun, challenging career, but it will take a while for you to build a good enough portfolio and to find clients who will pay well enough for you to support yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ask.com
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If you're new to ghostwriting, you may wonder where you should look to find ghostwriting jobs. Check out these writing tips for finding a variety of ghostwriting jobs for which you can apply.

Learn if ghostwriting can hurt your chances of getting professional writing careers like writing for a column or becoming a publishing author.

Freelance writing presents the perfect opportunity to make a decent income from the comfort of your home. There are many types of writers. Most writers dabble in creative writing, non-fiction, and business writing.

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