Hiring someone to write your life story can be one of the most meaningful investments you make. Whether you’re preserving family history, building your personal brand, or leaving a legacy for future generations, a professionally written memoir ensures your story is told with care, clarity, and impact.
But how much does it actually cost?
The short answer: it depends. Ghostwriting services range from a few thousand dollars to well over six figures, depending on who you hire and how in-depth the process is. In this blog, we’ll break down the costs involved, what affects pricing, and what you’ll receive when someone writes your life story for you.
A. Understanding Ghostwriting for Life Stories
Hiring a ghostwriter means you’re working with a professional writer who will take your ideas, memories, and voice, and turn them into a compelling book. You remain the author, but the ghostwriter helps shape your story with structure, storytelling skill, and polished language.
Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Interviews & conversations:
You’ll have scheduled sessions where the ghostwriter asks questions, gathers your memories, and listens deeply to the experiences you want to share.
2. Transcription & planning:
The ghostwriter organizes your material into a book outline that makes narrative sense.
3. Writing phase:
They begin drafting your memoir chapter by chapter, often sharing early versions for your feedback.
4. Revisions:
Based on your input, the manuscript is refined to capture your tone, emotion, and message.
5. Final delivery:
Once the manuscript is complete, it’s ready for editing, design, and publishing.
A good ghostwriter won’t just write about you—they’ll write as you. That level of authenticity takes time, trust, and skill, which is why prices can vary significantly.
B. Average Cost to Have Someone Write Your Life Story
The cost of hiring a ghostwriter depends on several variables, but here’s a rough overview of common price tiers:
| Service Tier | Estimated Cost | What You Get |
| Entry-level ghostwriter | $5,000 – $15,000 | · Basic writing
· Limited revisions · Shorter book (under 30k words) |
| Mid-range professional | $20,000 – $40,000 | · Structured process
· Quality writing · Interviews · Revisions (40k–60k words) |
| High-end ghostwriter | $50,000 – $100,000+ | · Top-tier talent
· Deep collaboration · Full-length manuscript with publishing prep |
| Ghostwriting agencies | $30,000 – $100,000+ (package) | · Includes writing
· Editing · Publishing · Marketing support |
Why such a big range?
Because not all life stories—and not all ghostwriters—are the same.
Some projects are short family keepsakes, while others are full-length autobiographies aimed at commercial release. If you want your book to stand beside professionally published memoirs in bookstores, you’ll likely need to budget at the mid to high end.
Also, keep in mind that high-end ghostwriters are often booked months in advance and may have worked with celebrities, CEOs, or bestselling authors.
C. Factors That Affect the Price of a Ghostwritten Book
Several key factors influence what you’ll pay to have someone write your book:
1. Word Count and Length
A short life story (25,000 to 40,000 words) is far quicker to write than an 80,000-word memoir. Longer books take more research, more time, and more revision cycles—which increases cost.
2. Writer’s Experience and Background
Ghostwriters with strong credentials, industry awards, or prior bestselling titles naturally charge more. Newer writers or those in lower-cost regions may charge less but may lack the polish you want.
3. Interview Time and Research
If your book requires dozens of hours of interviews, reviewing journals, gathering family archives, or researching historical context, the writer will factor that time into the quote.
4. Revisions and Collaboration Style
Some clients want minimal involvement; others want to approve each chapter. If you’re looking for high levels of collaboration, expect that to be reflected in the cost.
5. Publishing Preparation
Some ghostwriters simply hand you the manuscript. Others provide a full-service package—including editing, formatting, cover design, and even self-publishing setup. This can add anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000+ to your total cost, depending on services included.
D. What’s Typically Included in a Ghostwriting Package?
Hiring a professional ghostwriter usually includes much more than just writing. Here’s what’s often bundled into a memoir or life story package:
1. Interviews and Personal Sessions
Your writer will conduct in-depth interviews, either virtually or in person, to get your story firsthand. This ensures the final manuscript captures your voice and vision.
2. Book Outline and Chapter Structure
After learning your story, the writer will draft an outline that guides the book’s arc. It may follow a timeline (chronological) or be structured by themes or turning points.
3. Draft Writing and Development
The core of the project—your story is written chapter by chapter, often with opportunities for you to review and give feedback along the way.
4. Revisions
Most ghostwriting agreements include 2–3 rounds of revisions based on your comments. This helps ensure the tone, details, and flow match your expectations.
5. Final Manuscript Delivery
Once approved, you’ll receive the complete manuscript—usually in Word or Google Docs format—ready for editing or publishing.
Some ghostwriters also help with:
- Finding editors or publishers
- Formatting for print/ebook
- Cover design coordination
- Writing query letters or back cover copy
Always ask for a detailed scope of services in your proposal so you understand exactly what’s included.
Your Life Deserves to Be Told—Professionally and Powerfully
Hiring someone to write a book about your life isn’t just about putting words on paper—it’s about honoring your journey and preserving it with care. Whether you’re writing for your family, your legacy, or the public, a professional ghostwriter can help you bring it all together with emotion, clarity, and confidence.
The cost to hire someone can range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on your goals, the complexity of your story, and the level of experience you seek. But at the heart of it, you’re investing in something priceless: your story, told right.
And once it’s in your hands, it’s a gift that can last for generations.
FAQs
Q1: How long does it take to ghostwrite a life story?
Typically, 4 to 9 months, depending on the book’s length, the interview schedule, and the number of revisions involved. High-end projects may take up to a year or more.
Q2: Will I own the rights to my book?
Yes. Most ghostwriting agreements specify that you retain full rights as the author, even though someone else wrote it on your behalf.
Q3: What if I only have rough notes or audio recordings?
Many ghostwriters can work from raw materials like journals, voice notes, or recordings. These assets can speed up the process and lower your total interview time.
Q4: Can I be involved in the writing process?
Absolutely. Most ghostwriters welcome collaboration. You can give input on the tone, structure, and even specific scenes—your level of involvement is up to you.
