How Much Should You Charge as a Beginner Ghostwriter?
When I started ghostwriting, I made the biggest mistake beginners make.
I charged too low. I wrote 1,000 words for $2 because I was desperate for a client. The client took the work, never said thank you, and never came back. That's when I learned — if you charge too low, people don't respect your work.
If you are just starting ghostwriting, this is how much you should actually charge.
1. Don't Charge Per Page, Charge Per Word
This is the rule everywhere — on Upwork, Fiverr, and even on WhatsApp. Charging per page causes confusion. One page can be 200 words or 500 words. Always charge per word. It's clear for you and for the client.
2. My Price List as a Beginner (This Is What I Used)
You don't need to start high. But you need to start fair.
- For short writing like product description, Amazon book description, or LinkedIn bio: $10 to $15 for 300–500 words.
- For blog post or article ghostwriting: $0.02 to $0.04 per word. That means 1,000 words is $20 to $40.
- For e-book ghostwriting: $0.03 to $0.06 per word. So a 5,000-word e-book is $150 to $300.
When I was very new, I started at $0.02 per word. After I got 3 good reviews, I moved to $0.04. That's how you grow.
If your client is from Nigeria and can't pay in dollars, you can convert it. $20 is around 30k naira. Don't accept 2k for 1,000 words. You are a writer, not a beggar.
3. When Should You Increase Your Price?
Don't stay at beginner price forever. Increase your price when:
- You have finished 3 to 5 jobs with good feedback.
- You have samples to show.
- A client comes back to you again.
I added $5 to my price after every 2 clients. Small increase, but it worked. Now I don't write 1,000 words for less than $30.
4. Always Collect 70% Upfront
This saved me. Before you start writing, tell the client: "I collect 70% upfront to start, and 30% after delivery." If the client says no, they were not going to pay you at all. Real clients pay upfront.
I lost two jobs when I started because I trusted "I will pay you after." They collected the work and disappeared. Don't be like me. 70% upfront protects your time and your data.
5. Don't Work for Exposure
If someone says "I will give you exposure" or "do this one for free, I will bring big clients later" — run. Exposure does not buy data. It does not buy food. Your skill has value.
Ghostwriting is a real job. People pay $500, $1,000 for e-books. You are just starting, but your time still has value.
Start with $0.02 per word. Be good, be fast, be polite. Your price will grow by itself.
You don't need a laptop. You don't need a certificate. You just need to stop charging too low.
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