Ghostwriting vs. Editing: What’s the difference?

What is ghostwriting anyway?

Based on the number of “ghostwriting” requests I receive in my inbox (lots) versus the number of actual clients I’ve scored from said requests (none thus far), it appears that lots of people are extremely fuzzy on the concept of ghostwriting. Most of the people who have written to ask about my ghostwriting fees are actually looking to hire an editor, not a writer, so here’s a quick flowchart to help you decide which would be best for your project:

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Basically, if you want help with an existing piece of writing, you want an editor. If you are starting from scratch and have no time or talent for writing, you want a ghostwriter.

Keep in mind that editors are significantly less expensive than ghostwriters, as the editor is helping you make your own writing better, while the ghostwriter is doing all the work for you.

To break it down by the numbers, editors typically charge anywhere from $35 to $100 an hour, whereas ghostwriters are paid in lump sums for projects, commanding anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 for a single book. If you’re even considering hiring a ghostwriter, you had better have some serious bank to back your project up; many people who hire ghostwriters have already secured a publishing deal with an advance they can offer to the writer. Beyond that, the independently (or self-made) wealthy are typical clients for ghostwriters.

If you’re looking for someone to help you through the editing process, there are several different options around Austin. To hire an experienced writer that will help guide you through writing a novel at your own pace, or to have a professional editor read and critique your work for a small fee, check out WriteByNight. Services start at just $35 an hour, cover all aspects of the writing process and are suitable for writers from all backgrounds and levels of experience.

Another option is to check out some of Austin Community College’s writing courses, where you can always turn to your professor for help. Whether you’re a complete beginner, want to brush up on more advanced material, or even want to obtain a degree in Creative Writing at an affordable price, check out ACC’s Creative Writing Department for course offerings and information.

Finally, for more informal writing events and networking opportunities, check out the Austin Writers Meetup Group. For the price of a coffee-shop latté, you’ll find a great group of writers willing to help you with your work at all stages of the process, with discussion groups, readings, and writing events held across Austin.

Got more questions about ghostwriting, editing, or the writing process? Let us know in the comments section below!

Laura Roberts is the editor of the rebellious literary magazine Black Heart, and a writing coach & manuscript consultant at WriteByNight. You can follow her on Twitter @originaloflaura, or check out her personal website.

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