What does a ghostwriter do?
What does a ghostwriter do? They write books, speeches and content published under your name. Here is how it works, what it costs and who uses one.
A ghostwriter writes books, speeches, articles or posts that are published under someone else’s name. You provide the story, ideas and opinions; the ghostwriter turns them into finished writing, and you take the credit.
The short version
Think of a ghostwriter as a professional who lends you their writing skill. They interview you, research your subject, plan the structure and write the text. You review and approve everything. When it is done, the work is yours: your name, your copyright, your royalties.
Ghostwriting is far more common than most readers realise. Many celebrity memoirs, political speeches, business books and executive LinkedIn posts are written with professional help.
What ghostwriters write
Most ghostwriters specialise. The main types of work are:
- Books: memoirs, autobiographies, biographies, novels, business and self-help books
- Speeches: weddings, eulogies, keynotes and after-dinner speeches
- Business content: LinkedIn posts, blogs, articles and thought leadership
- Scripts: YouTube videos, podcasts and corporate video
How a ghostwriting project works
A typical book project starts with a consultation, then a series of recorded interviews, often weekly. The writer proposes an outline, you approve it, and they write the book chapter by chapter. You read each chapter and give notes before they move on.
Shorter projects such as speeches follow the same pattern in miniature: a brief, a few questions, a draft and revisions.
What a ghostwriter does not do
A professional ghostwriter does not invent your opinions or put words in your mouth that you do not believe. Good ghostwriting is collaborative: the ideas are yours.
Reputable ghostwriters also do not write academic work for students. In England, supplying essays or dissertations to students for submission has been a criminal offence since 2022.
How much a ghostwriter costs
Costs depend on the type and length of the work. In the UK, a full-length memoir typically costs £18,000 to £55,000 or more, while a bespoke wedding speech usually costs £150 to £400. Our pricing page lists market ranges for every service.
