Are you fond of writing? However, it is a challenging task to explain something in writing. Still, writing a book stands among the most pursued dreams. There are only a few who have been able to sustain time and skills for this purpose in developing their ideas. This is where the book-writing services play.
Be it fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, or books about the business sector, hiring a professional will help you bring out your desired vision in a book. But what can you expect in terms of the cost? Generally, the price will depend on several factors, including the type of book, length, and experience level of the writer. This blog will explore these factors in detail to give you a clearer picture of what hiring professional book writing services costs.
What are book writing services?
Book writing services feature specific options to help you develop a book. These services mostly involve people who are called ghostwriters. They get the complete idea of what is your vision of the book. And then jot it down on a piece of paper for you.
Ghostwriting can be done for anything from blogs to novels to fully developed manuscripts. Some services include:
Concept Development: It will assist you in brainstorming for your book.
Writing and Ghostwriting: It involves the translation of notes. Transcribing audio and video interviews in written form. All the raw material provided in any form can be converted in manuscripts into a fine manuscript.
Editing and Proofreading: Ensuring your manuscript is error-free and flows smoothly.
Formatting Assistance: Formatters make your work presentable. They prepare it for print and electronic publication.
Publishing Support: Professional book writing services will assist and guide you through the process of publishing.
Elements that Affect the Cost of Book Writing Services
1. Book’s No. of Pages and Complexity
Another major determinant is the word count and complexity of the project. For example, outsourcing a 30,000-word self-help book will cost you much cheaper rather than a 100,000-word novel. The reason is that the story will have intricate plot twists and detailed research.
- Short Books (30,000–50,000 words): Depending on their complexity, these would cost between $5,000 and $12,000.
- Medium-size books (50,000–80,000 words) usually cost $12,000 and $25,000.
- Long Books (80,000–100,000 words or more): This will cost $25,000 to $50,000 or higher, mainly for details-intensive projects.
2. The Experience of the Author
Another very important factor in setting the price is the writer’s level of professionalism. An experienced writer will cost you more than a newbie writer. An experienced writer will have a spate of successful books and prominent clients. On the other hand, just looking to break into the field will relatively cost you less. Here are some rough estimates of the pricing tiers:
- Beginners: US $0.01 to US $0.05 per word. Writers with little or no experience in this kind of business but who can still deliver at a relatively lower cost.
- Experienced Writers: Seasoned writers who have some years of experience and a portfolio of completed works will be paid $0.10 to $0.50 per word. Their portfolio will also include previously published books.
- High-Level Professional Writers: $1 to $3 per word. High-level professionals are bestselling authors and in-demand ghostwriters. Their expertise, industry know-how, and connections all come at a price.
3. Ghostwriting vs. Co-Authoring
A ghostwriter differs from a co-author in that a ghostwriter is invisible, whereas a co-author is known and recognized in the book. Perhaps ghostwriting has the attraction of being more costly. They are the people who work secretly for you. It is all secret and behind-the-scenes on the part of the ghostwriter. At the same time, he surrenders ownership over the material.
- Ghostwriting: $15,000 to $50,000+ based on the writer’s experience and the book’s length.
- Co-authoring: may sometimes be less expensive than ghostwriting. However, it depends on an agreement with the writers.
4. Degree of Involvement
Part of the cost will also depend on how much you are involved in the process. Some authors in clients want the writer to combine everything. They only give the main idea and want concept development to final edits. Some Authors would like to provide an in-depth outline or notes. The more you can contribute to the process, the lower the cost.
- Full-Service Writing: It costs more if you want the writer to handle everything—research, writing, editing.
- Partial Engagement: If you have already developed a solid outline or have written parts of the book. Partial engagement might be cheaper as less work is required from the writer.
5. Research Needs
Other books that require extensive research or even interviews with experts will also cost more. For instance, writing a historical biography or technical book will require much more time and effort than, for example, a guide novel.
- Research-Intensive Projects: Add 10-20% on top of the base cost.
- Light Research Projects: Projects that do not need any research will cost you less.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the basic writing fees lies another category of costs contributing to your book’s final production. There are the following:
- Editing and proofreading: Professional editing services can cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
- Cover Design: Self-published authors will want a professional cover- anywhere from $500 to $2,500.
- Formatting: This ranges between $500 and 1,500 for formatting books on print or e-book platforms.
- Marketing services: This is marketing your book. Marketing packages can range from $1,000 to $10,000+ depending on the strategy and reach.
Why invest in professional book writing services?
Professional book writing is a beneficial profession. Especially when there is the privilege of reading, buying, and selling them online. Some people have best-selling ideas but can’t write on their own. They know their book will be sold in no time. Still, they do not have the talent or time to write it properly. There come the ghostwriters who will understand your goal and vision first and then keep them in mind while writing for you. The advantages far outstrip the costs, especially for those who lack the time or writing expertise to produce a very good book. Here is why: it is simply wise to invest in professional book writing services:
- Quality: When you hire a professional, they will take care of every aspect of the book. They will not compromise on the quality, which is why they are charging. They will keep putting in effort until the client is satisfied.
- Saves time: Writing a book takes months if not years. You can do other things during your career or personal life while leaving the tough work to the ghostwriter.
- Expertise: Writing professionally is always in the business. Professional writers have expertise and experience in the industry. They are used to storytelling and what sells the book. With experience, your book is assured of better prospects of success.
Finding the Right Book Writing Services
When searching for professional book writing services, it’s crucial to do some homework. Look for writers with a solid portfolio, positive reviews, and an understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, ensure the contract outlines the cost, timeline, and deliverables to avoid confusion later.
- Reedsy: One popular site for seeking professional book writing services is Reedsy. It is a marketplace where writers can hire vetted professionals.
- Upwork/Fiverr: Freelance platforms where you can find bookwriters of varying experience levels.
- Author’s Time: All-in-one writing and publishing books in which professionals can coach you from idea to publication.
Conclusion
It all depends on the complexity and length of your book and how much experience the writer has. Of course, you could see this as an unnecessary cost, but it will give your book all the opportunities to be the best it can be while saving you time. Whether it is a novel, memoir, or business book, investing in professional book writing services is a step toward ensuring the book is polished, engaging, and ready for publication. If you’re considering hiring a professional to write your book, start your search today by exploring reputable platforms like Author’s Time, where experienced writers are ready to bring your vision to life.
