Breaking Down Ghostwriting Fees: Per Word vs. Per Project Pricing Explained

If you’ve ever tried to hire a ghostwriter, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Why do rates vary so much?” From $0.10 per word to $20,000+ for a full manuscript, ghostwriting pricing can feel like a mystery — and the structure of the fee is often just as confusing as the number itself.

One writer quotes by the word, another by the project, and a third charges hourly or by retainer. So, what’s the difference — and how do you know which pricing model is right for your project?

This blog unpacks the two most common ghostwriting pricing models — per word and per project — and walks you through how each one works, their pros and cons, and what you should consider before hiring a writer. Whether you’re planning a blog series or a full-length book, understanding these pricing structures will help you budget wisely and avoid surprises down the line.

Defining The Two Most Common Pricing Models

1.      Per-Word Pricing

This model is exactly what it sounds like: the client pays based on the number of words written. Rates typically range from $0.10 to $1.00+ per word, depending on the writer’s experience, niche, and content type.

Pros:

• Transparent and easy to calculate
• Good for short-form or consistent volume work
• You pay only for what is delivered

Cons:

• Encourages volume over strategy (quantity over quality)
• Can get expensive for long-form content
• May discourage collaboration or revisions, as those aren’t always factored in

Per-word pricing works best when the scope is clear, the content is straightforward, and revisions are minimal.

2.      Per-Project Pricing

With this model, the ghostwriter quotes a flat rate based on the full scope of the project. This may include multiple deliverables (e.g., manuscript, outline, revisions, publishing support).

Pros:

• Clear expectations for both parties
• Better suited for complex or long-form projects
• Allows room for strategic input, research, and revision

Cons:

• Harder to compare across writers
• Requires detailed scoping upfront
• May seem more expensive at first glance, but usually reflects full value

Flat-rate project fees are commonly used for books, high-level business materials, and anything that requires strategy and storytelling, not just word count.

Comparing the Two Approaches in Ghostwriting Fees: Per Word vs. Per Project

Choosing between per-word and per-project pricing depends on several factors. Let’s break it down:

Step 1 – Scope and Complexity of the Project

Is your project a 700-word blog or a 50,000-word book?

Per-word pricing may suit simple deliverables, but complex work (like ghostwriting a memoir or business book) often includes interviews, outlining, revisions, and voice development — which are best captured under a flat project fee.

Step 2 – Timeline and Turnaround Expectations

Tight deadlines? Rush jobs? Ghostwriters may charge higher per-word or project fees depending on your timeline.

Per-project pricing often includes more flexibility for planning, whereas per-word writers might quote extra for urgent work.

Step 3 – Revisions and Communication Needs

Per-word quotes sometimes don’t include revisions or only allow one round.
In contrast, project pricing typically includes multiple drafts, scheduled feedback sessions, and progress calls — all crucial when crafting something important to your brand.

Step 4 – Long-Term Collaborations or One-Offs

Per-word pricing is ideal for ongoing assignments: blog posts, newsletters, product descriptions.
Per-project pricing fits better for one-time or milestone deliverables (like a keynote script or personal brand story) where strategy and consistency matter more than output volume.

Step 5 – Budget and ROI Considerations

Don’t just ask “How much does it cost?” Ask, “What is the outcome worth?”
A flat-fee book may cost $15,000, but if it helps land speaking gigs or $25k clients, it’s a smart investment.
Per-word may seem cheaper — until multiple rounds of edits or additional consulting bump up your total cost.

Hidden Costs or Add-Ons to Be Aware Of

Ghostwriting often includes more than writing. Make sure you ask about:

• Research and interviews: Are these hours billed separately?
• Formatting: Manuscript formatting for print or digital publishing
• Consulting time: Strategy sessions or planning calls
• Publishing support: Some ghostwriters help with self-publishing, cover design, or book descriptions — but not all

Understanding what’s included (and what’s extra) can help you avoid scope creep or unexpected invoices.

Per-Word vs. Per-Project Ghostwriting: Quick Comparison

Criteria	Per-Word Pricing	Per-Project Pricing
Best For	Short-form, repetitive tasks (blogs, articles)	Long-form, strategic work (books, speeches, courses)
Pricing Range	$0.10 – $1.00+ per word	$2,000 – $20,000+ per full project
Includes Revisions?	Often limited or extra	Usually includes multiple rounds of revisions
Collaboration Level	Minimal — more transactional	High — includes interviews, strategy, and feedback loops
Flexibility	Fixed by volume	Flexible — based on scope and outcomes
Project Complexity Support	Limited (writing only)	High (includes research, voice, formatting, etc.)
Payment Model	Pay per deliverable	Pay by milestone or installment

Choosing Between Per-Word and Per-Project Ghostwriting: What’s Worth Your Investment?

Choosing between per-word and per-project pricing depends on more than just budget — it’s about the type of project you’re working on, how much collaboration you want, and what kind of outcome you expect.

If you’re working on short, recurring content like blog posts, emails, or SEO articles — and you have a clear brief — per-word pricing might make sense. It offers simplicity, predictability, and a pay-as-you-go model that’s easy to manage.

But if your project is strategic, complex, or long-form — like a book, brand story, or keynote script — per-project pricing offers far more value. It includes not just writing, but also brainstorming, voice development, revisions, and often, publishing support. You’re paying for the result, not just the word count.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need a collaborator or just a content producer?
• Do I want flexibility and strategy or quick turnarounds?
• Am I investing in something I’ll use to grow my brand?

If your answers lean toward depth, voice, and impact — a flat project fee will likely serve you better in the long run.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all ghostwriting fee — and that’s a good thing.

Whether you’re hiring a writer for a weekly blog or a 200-page book, knowing the difference between per-word and per-project pricing models will help you set clear expectations, budget appropriately, and choose the right writer for your goals.

Per-word pricing offers transparency and simplicity for short, straightforward assignments. But for complex or high-stakes projects, project-based pricing gives you strategic value and creative partnership — not just content delivery.

The best advice? Don’t just compare prices — compare outcomes. When done right, ghostwriting isn’t just an expense. It’s a smart investment in your brand’s message, voice, and long-term growth.