You’ve got a powerful story. Or an idea that’s been sitting in your heart for years. But when it comes to actually writing the book… you’re stuck.
Enter the ghostwriter.
Hiring a ghostwriter can be the best decision a first-time author makes—or the most expensive regret. That depends entirely on how informed you are before signing any agreement.
At Mayobook, we’ve worked with hundreds of aspiring authors, many of whom either hired the wrong ghostwriter… or waited too long to hire the right one.
This guide pulls back the curtain and gives you everything you need to know before hiring a ghostwriter—so your book gets written, your voice stays authentic, and your dream becomes real.
What Is a Ghostwriter, Really?
A ghostwriter is a professional writer who creates a manuscript based on your idea, life story, message, or outline—without taking public credit.
They might write:
– Memoirs
– Business books
– How-to guides
– Wellness and self-help content
– Fiction, speeches, scripts, and more
You stay the author. They remain invisible (hence the “ghost”). In most cases, they sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and transfer copyright to you.
Why First-Time Authors Hire Ghostwriters
- You don’t have time to write the book yourself
- You’re not confident in your writing skills (yet)
- You want your story told professionally, fast
- You need help organizing your ideas into a book-worthy structure
- You want to publish and build credibility sooner rather than later
But here’s where most new authors go wrong…
5 Costly Mistakes First-Time Authors Make When Hiring a Ghostwriter
1. Hiring Based on Price Alone
If it’s too cheap to be true, it is. Many ghostwriters charging $500–$1,000 produce poor-quality content, plagiarize, or disappear halfway through. Worse: you’ll end up paying double to fix it.
What to do instead: Expect to invest $5,000–$20,000+ depending on word count, genre, and complexity. Ask for writing samples, contract terms, and clear deliverables.
2. Choosing Someone Who Doesn’t Understand Your Voice or Genre
A ghostwriter can be talented but totally wrong for your story. You don’t want a corporate copywriter handling your spiritual memoir—or a fiction writer ghosting your business how-to.
What to do instead: Choose a writer who has written (or ghosted) books similar to yours. Ask them how they plan to preserve your voice and tone.
3. Not Clarifying Ownership and Rights Up Front
If you don’t have a contract that spells out who owns the work—you might not own it at all.
What to do instead: Always sign a ghostwriting agreement. It should include:
– Timeline
– Total price and payment plan
– Copyright transfer
– Revisions included
– Confidentiality clause
4. Expecting the Writer to “Magically” Know Everything
Your ghostwriter is not a mind reader. If you’re not clear on your vision, message, or structure—you’ll end up frustrated or disappointed.
What to do instead: Be prepared to collaborate. Provide voice notes, recordings, outlines, or reference materials. The more input you give, the better the outcome.
5. Not Knowing What You’re Actually Paying For
Is it just a rough draft? Are editing and formatting included? Is publishing support part of the package?
What to do instead: Know exactly what’s included (and what isn’t). Ask for a sample outline or one chapter before committing to the full project.
How Much Does a Ghostwriter Really Cost?
Prices vary wildly based on experience, timeline, and complexity.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
– $3,000–$7,500: Entry-level (basic self-help or short books, often outsourced)
– $8,000–$20,000: Mid-tier professional (memoirs, wellness, brand books)
– $25,000–$50,000+: Elite ghostwriters (celebrity books, multi-phase projects)
📌 At Mayobook, we offer transparent flat-rate ghostwriting packages starting at $7,500—tailored for indie authors ready to publish a high-quality book without the overwhelm.
How to Find the Right Ghostwriter for Your First Book
- Get referrals from other authors or platforms like Mayobook
- Ask for a consultation call before committing
- Review their writing samples in your genre
- Clarify revision rounds and expectations
- Make sure there’s a clear contract and timeline
- Ensure you’re emotionally aligned—this is a trust-based relationship
What Ghostwriting with Mayobook Looks Like
– Personal kickoff call to define your story arc and audience
– Voice-matching system to capture your tone
– Full manuscript writing in 6–12 weeks (50k–70k words)
– Two full rounds of revisions
– Complete copyright transfer to you
– Option to include formatting, cover design, and publishing
Bonus: You also get access to launch services, marketing support, and your own author page on Mayobook’s platform.
“I never thought I could actually finish a book. Mayobook’s ghostwriting team turned my scattered ideas into something professional—and so personal. I cried when I read the first draft.” — Kemi A., wellness coach
You Deserve to Tell Your Story—Your Way
If you’ve got a message to share, you don’t need to wait for perfection. You need the right partner.
Hiring a ghostwriter is an investment in your book, your brand, and your legacy. Done right, it’s the fastest path from idea to finished product—and from dream to bookshelf.
Let Mayobook help you bring it to life—with dignity, excellence, and your unique voice intact.