What Are the Best Ghostwriting Services Available?

What Are the Best Ghostwriting Services Available?

Blog Article

Understanding Ghostwriting Services

What Is a Ghostwriting Service?

A ghostwriting service connects you with a professional writer who crafts your book in your voice, but under your name. You provide the idea, outline, and any initial content; the ghostwriter fills in the rest. These services range from solo ghostwriters to curated platforms that handle matchmaking, contracts, and revisions.

Who Needs Ghostwriting Services?

• Authors with Ideas, No Time
  Many aspiring authors dream up powerful memoirs or business books but lack time to craft long-form manuscripts. Ghostwriters bridge that gap, allowing you to focus on message while they do the writing.

• First‑Time Authors & Beginners
  New writers often need structure, storytelling expertise, or writing discipline. Ghostwriting services guide them through a proven process to deliver polished content.

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Why Quality Ghostwriting Services Matter

Maintaining Voice & Tone

A talented ghostwriter doesn’t just write; they channel your tone, phrasing, and personality. High-quality services include voice-matching steps—interviews, draft reviews, stylistic direction—to ensure authenticity.

Achieving Professional Standards

Publishing-grade writing demands strong structure, pacing, grammar, and market awareness. Professional ghostwriters bring industry-level polish that sets your book apart.

Time-Saving & Launch Speed

Writing a full book can take years. Ghostwriting services streamline the process—dozens of pages in weeks—and simplify logistics, keeping you on track for fast turnaround to meet market momentum.

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Key Factors to Evaluate Ghostwriting Services

Ghostwriter Experience & Genre Expertise

Assess whether writers in the service specialize in your target genre: memoir, business, self‑help, historical fiction, etc. Relevant experience ensures smoother collaboration and market fit.

Portfolio & Writing Samples

Request sample manuscripts or case studies. Short sample chapters help you compare writing styles, tone adaptability, and structural flow.

Communication & Revision Policies

A clear process—kickoff meeting, outline review, versioned drafts, revision rounds—is vital. Ask: Does the service offer structured check-ins? How many revisions are included? What’s their feedback turnaround?

Pricing Models & Budget Fit

Ghostwriting pricing varies greatly:

• Per-word (e.g., $0.25–$1/word)

• Fixed-fee per project (e.g., $10k–$50k for a 50k‑word book)

• Hourly or retainer-based for consultative services

Match the model with your finances—and know what deliverables you’ll receive at each price tier.

Rights, Confidentiality & Contract Terms

Confirm: who owns the copyright? Will your name appear as author? Is confidentiality guaranteed? Solid contracts protect both sides and ensure clarity on deliverables and payment terms.

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Writers Of The West

Overview & What Authors Say

Writers Of The West (WoW) is a USA-based boutique ghostwriting firm specializing in memoirs, business, and narrative nonfiction. They pair clients with experienced memoir/industry ghostwriters and manage briefing, drafting, and editing in-house.

Why authors like WoW:

• Focused on preserving author voice through extensive interviewing.

• Transparent milestones—from outline to final draft.

• For stories rooted in Western history or culture, writers bring genuine empathy and depth.

Their curated process and commitment to authenticity make them one of the top ghostwriting services available.

BookBaby

Ghostwriting Plus Publishing Services

BookBaby isn’t just a ghostwriting service—it’s an all-in-one platform for indie authors. Based in the USA, BookBaby offers professional ghostwriting services tailored to self-publishing success. What makes them standout is their end-to-end support: once the book is written, BookBaby helps with editing, formatting, cover design, publishing, and even distribution.

Why BookBaby works for authors:

• Their ghostwriting is handled by vetted American writers with genre-specific experience.

• Authors receive detailed consultations to shape their narrative or nonfiction voice.

• You can also get marketing help like press releases and email campaigns.

BookBaby is ideal for authors who want more than just writing help—they want a full publishing partner to walk with them from blank page to bookstore shelves.

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B&N Press (Barnes & Noble Press)

While B&N Press is primarily known for publishing and distribution through the Barnes & Noble marketplace, they also partner with professional ghostwriters. For authors focused on U.S. retail reach—especially print and eBooks in brick-and-mortar stores—B&N Press has strong advantages.

Key Benefits:

• Trusted brand recognition gives your book credibility.

• They offer packages that include ghostwriting, editing, and publishing.

• Distribution to Barnes & Noble online and retail networks.

If bookstore visibility is a major goal, B&N Press can connect you with the right writing talent while also providing shelf space most indie authors dream about.

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IngramSpark

IngramSpark is another top-tier publishing solution that partners with ghostwriting professionals. While they themselves don’t directly offer ghostwriting, they collaborate with services that do. Their main strength lies in wide distribution—including libraries, schools, and global retail channels.

Why consider IngramSpark with ghostwriting help:

• Ideal for nonfiction authors aiming at libraries, business audiences, and academic circles.

• When you hire a ghostwriter, publishing through IngramSpark gives unmatched reach.

• Authors retain full control of their work, pricing, and royalties.

If your ghostwriting goal includes wide, global distribution, IngramSpark is a heavyweight in this game.

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Blurb

Blurb is a self-publishing platform often used by visual authors—photographers, designers, memoirists—due to its print-on-demand capabilities and beautiful book templates. They work well with ghostwriting services especially for highly illustrated, design-heavy books.

Highlights of using Blurb:

• Combines visual publishing with professional writing.

• Ideal for memoirs, art books, or coffee table projects written by ghostwriters.

• Ghostwriters can integrate their content directly into Blurb’s print software.

This is perfect if you're a visual storyteller who needs help turning your story into a polished, stylish book.

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AuthorHouse

AuthorHouse is one of the oldest self-publishing services in the U.S. and offers full ghostwriting packages. Their services include concept development, writing, editing, proofreading, and custom cover design.

Why AuthorHouse stands out:

• Professional ghostwriters who specialize in all genres.

• Structured milestone-based process, keeping you involved at each step.

• Helpful for beginners who want to hand over most of the process.

Their ghostwriting and publishing bundles make AuthorHouse a good choice if you want a "done-for-you" experience without technical know-how.

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PublishDrive

PublishDrive is more of a digital publishing distribution platform, but many authors who use their services also need help writing. While they don't have in-house ghostwriters, they partner with vetted professionals.

Best use case with ghostwriting:

• Tech-savvy authors who want analytics, royalty optimization, and metadata control.

• Authors can combine external ghostwriting with PublishDrive’s marketing automation and eBook distribution.

PublishDrive gives you the backend firepower—pair that with a ghostwriter and you've got a high-performing author strategy.

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Draft2Digital

Draft2Digital is a streamlined self-publishing platform that offers tools for formatting and distributing your ghostwritten book to Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, and more. While not a ghostwriting service itself, many ghostwriters deliver manuscripts tailored to Draft2Digital’s systems.

Why it matters for ghostwriting clients:

• Simplicity: After ghostwriting, you upload and go live in hours.

• No upfront cost—revenue share model.

• Great for fiction authors using ghostwriters to build series or launch fast.

Pair this with a skilled ghostwriter and you can publish faster than you think.

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StreetLib

StreetLib is a versatile digital publishing platform that works globally, including in the U.S. They’re ideal for authors who want a multilingual, worldwide presence.

Best use:

• Authors who hire ghostwriters for international editions or translations.

• Publish once, distribute globally with ease.

When combined with ghostwriting, StreetLib becomes a great option for U.S. authors looking to go global.

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Kobo Writing Life

Kobo Writing Life is Kobo’s self-publishing arm and integrates well with ghostwriting services. It’s known for eBook-friendly tools and strong international exposure.

Perks for ghostwriting clients:

• Royalty control.

• Promotions and direct email marketing to readers.

• Integrates cleanly with ghostwritten content that’s ready for upload.

If your ghostwriter creates digital-first content, Kobo Writing Life is an excellent publishing partner to take it global.

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Comparing Platforms for Beginner Authors

Ease of Use

Let’s face it—many beginner authors are overwhelmed by choices. From ghostwriting to publishing, ease of use matters. Services like BookBaby and AuthorHouse shine in this area with guided workflows and dedicated reps. Meanwhile, Draft2Digital and Blurb offer self-service tools that are intuitive but require a little tech comfort.

Value for Money

Ghostwriting isn’t cheap, but smart budgeting helps. AuthorHouse and Writers Of The West offer all-inclusive packages that give beginners clarity. Platforms like PublishDrive and Draft2Digital don’t charge upfront fees, which helps budget-conscious authors.

Distribution & Publishing Benefits

Here’s how they stack up:

As you can see, your ideal choice depends on your goals—mass distribution, ease of use, or bundled services.

How to Choose Between These Ghostwriting Services

Matching Writing Style & Genre

Every writer has a voice—and so should your ghostwriter. When selecting ghostwriting services, matching the writer’s style with your genre is crucial. For example, if you're a business coach wanting a lead-generating book, you’ll need a ghostwriter fluent in persuasive nonfiction. On the flip side, if you're writing a memoir, you want someone who can evoke emotional storytelling.

Most reputable ghostwriting services will ask for your preferences, tone samples, or past blog posts to get a feel for your voice. Ask for a test sample or initial outline. Trust your instincts—if the sample feels "off" or lacks your essence, that service might not be the right fit.

Also, consider genre specialization. A writer who excels in romance fiction may not be right for a leadership guide. Many top-tier services like Writers Of The West and BookBaby match clients with niche-specific ghostwriters to ensure alignment.

Workflow & Communication

When you're working with a ghostwriting service, clarity of communication is non-negotiable. The best services offer structured onboarding, weekly or bi-weekly updates, and opportunities for revision. Ask how they track milestones, whether you’ll be part of brainstorming, and how they incorporate your feedback.

You want a process that respects your time while keeping you in the loop. Some services offer online dashboards where you can leave comments. Others stick to scheduled Zoom calls. Choose a service that matches your preferred communication style—hands-on or hands-off.

A solid workflow typically includes:

• Initial consultation

• Voice discovery (interview or survey)

• Detailed outline approval

• Progressive drafts & revisions

• Final review and formatting

Budget Tier: Budget, Mid-range, Premium

Ghostwriting costs in the USA can vary wildly depending on quality, experience, and service level. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:

Think of ghostwriting as an investment. If you're planning to monetize your book, speak at events, or build a brand, investing more may lead to higher ROI. Just be clear about what’s included in the package—revisions, editing, publishing help, and rights ownership.

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What to Expect from the Ghostwriting Process

Discovery & Brief Development

Everything begins with understanding your story and objectives. The ghostwriting process starts with a discovery session—this might be a phone call, questionnaire, or in-depth interview. Here, the ghostwriter gathers your backstory, goals, tone, structure preferences, and audience.

Some services go deeper with voice analysis, competitor comparison, or reviewing past content like emails, podcasts, or blogs to really capture your vibe.

A strong brief is like a blueprint—it guides the rest of the journey. The better the brief, the better the book.

Outline & Approval Stages

Once the ghostwriter understands your goals, they'll draft an outline. This isn’t just a list of chapters—it includes key talking points, transitions, themes, and pacing. You’ll review and give feedback. At this stage, authors often feel a sense of relief—it’s the first time their book starts to feel real.

Expect 1–2 rounds of back and forth to refine the structure. Don’t rush this—if the foundation is solid, the writing phase becomes much smoother.

Drafting, Feedback, Revisions

This is the heart of ghostwriting. Depending on your package, the ghostwriter may send:

• Chapters one-by-one

• Weekly drafts

• Or full manuscript chunks

You’ll provide feedback, ideally with specific notes—“Make this more conversational,” or “Can we add a story here?” Most services include 2–3 rounds of revisions per chapter or draft. Keep communication open, but trust the writer’s flow. Micromanaging every line will slow the process and frustrate both sides.

This phase can take 3 to 6 months, depending on length, availability, and scope.

Finalization & Delivery

Once revisions are done, the final manuscript is polished—often with professional editing and formatting included. Some ghostwriting services also provide:

• Cover design

• Publishing assistance

• Press release drafting

• Amazon KDP or IngramSpark setup

You'll get files in multiple formats (Word, PDF, ePub), all ready for printing or uploading. If contracts were clear from the start, all rights will transfer to you, and the ghostwriter’s involvement ends—anonymously.

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Tips for Managing a Ghostwriting Project Effectively

Effective Briefing

Want your ghostwriter to nail your voice? Give them everything up front—your goals, personal background, key stories, writing tone preferences, and examples of content you love (or hate). This is like giving GPS directions; the more accurate, the smoother the ride.

Some tips:

• Share a mood board or outline.

• Include past speeches, videos, or interviews.

• Highlight “dealbreaker” tone issues (e.g., “I hate overused buzzwords”).

Setting Milestones

Don’t just say “finish the book by September.” Break it down:

• Outline by July 1

• Chapter 1–5 drafts by August 1

• Revisions completed by mid-August

• Final manuscript by September

Agree on these early and set calendar reminders. A clear timeline helps you plan promotions, launch events, or publishing.

Regular Check-ins

Check-ins keep projects on track. Weekly 15-minute calls, email updates, or progress reports can help catch issues early. Even a one-line status update shows momentum.

Use shared tools like:

• Google Docs (for comments)

• Trello or Asana (task tracking)

• Slack or WhatsApp (quick updates)

Choose what works best for both sides—but make communication a non-negotiable.

Handling Feedback

Feedback is where collaboration comes to life. Be honest but kind. If a chapter misses the mark, explain why with context. Say:

• “This section felt too formal. Can we make it more casual like Chapter 2?”

• “I like how you described this event—can we use that tone more often?”

Avoid vague feedback like “It’s not working.” Specifics help your ghostwriter revise faster and better.

FAQs About Ghostwriting Services

Can I keep the ghostwriter’s identity secret?

Absolutely, and that’s one of the primary appeals of using ghostwriting services. Confidentiality is usually built into the contract, ensuring that the ghostwriter doesn’t claim authorship or disclose their involvement. This is standard across premium U.S.-based services like Writers Of The West, BookBaby, and AuthorHouse.

You hold the copyright. The book is published under your name, and legally, you’re recognized as the sole author. Unless you choose to give co-credit (rare), the ghostwriter remains invisible. Make sure your agreement clearly states this clause.

Do ghostwriters co-author or get credited?

Generally, no—unless that’s something you specifically arrange. Some authors do opt to include the ghostwriter’s name on the cover as a co-author or “as told to” contributor, especially in memoirs or biographies. However, most ghostwriters prefer anonymity because it allows them to take on multiple projects without building a public author profile.

If the ghostwriter contributes significantly to the content or structure and you want to share credit, it’s best to formalize that in the contract and discuss how royalties or recognition will work.

How long does ghostwriting take?

Depending on the complexity and length of your book, ghostwriting timelines can range from 2 to 8 months. A standard 40,000 to 60,000-word nonfiction or business book usually takes 3 to 5 months from discovery to final delivery.

Fiction projects may take longer due to plot development and character arcs. Memoirs also tend to require multiple interviews and deeper emotional storytelling, which can extend the timeline.

Make sure the service you choose outlines specific milestones and a proposed delivery schedule to avoid delays.

Are ghostwriting services expensive?

They can be, but the price reflects value. You’re not just paying for words—you’re paying for expertise, structure, tone matching, storytelling, and polish. In the U.S., professional ghostwriting services can range from:

• $2,000 for short eBooks or outlines

• $10,000–$25,000 for full-length mid-tier books

• $50,000+ for high-profile or agency-grade services

If you want your book to position you as a thought leader, speaker, or credible brand, it’s worth investing in quality ghostwriting. It saves time, stress, and ensures your book makes the right impact.

Do ghostwriting services include publishing help?

Some do—especially services like BookBaby, AuthorHouse, and Writers Of The West, which offer bundled packages. These may include formatting, cover design, ISBN registration, and even Amazon or B&N Press uploading.

Others, like Draft2Digital or IngramSpark, don’t offer in-house writing but are often used after a book is ghostwritten. If publishing help is important to you, choose a ghostwriting service that includes or partners with publishing pros.

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Conclusion

So, what are the best ghostwriting services available in the USA today? The answer depends on your goals, budget, and the type of book you’re creating. If you’re a first-time author with a great idea but no time or writing experience, working with a professional ghostwriter can be a game-changer.

Whether you go with Writers Of The West for memoir precision, BookBaby for an all-in-one solution, or Draft2Digital after hiring a freelancer—you now have a solid list of trustworthy, high-quality options. Remember, the right ghostwriter does more than just type words—they bring your story to life, in your voice, with your vision.

Don't let writer’s block, time, or technical know-how hold you back. Invest in your story. It deserves to be told—and told well.

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