Writers occasionally ask why my fees change from anywhere between €15 and €35 per 1,000 words: It is called supply and demand. If as occasionally happens journalism is keeping me busy I am not too enthusiastic about taking on more work. As ghost-writing is not something you can sub-contract out I can either say, ‘thanks but no thanks’, or I can put my fees up.
Right now a change in circumstances means I have more free time and I am open to €15 per 1,000 words. The savings are considerable. On a 50,000 word manuscript it is a saving of €1,000.
I cannot put a date on prices going up; this will happen as soon as circumstances change again. If you have been mulling it over but have yet to take the plunge this may be the time for you to go for it.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Don’t make the mistake of looking a gift horse in the mouth. My fee for two chapters; a synopsis and essential publishers letter of introduction is approximately €250 at my present rate. A commercial ghost-writing company like
www.ghostwritingcompany.co.uk charge (click ‘fees’) £1,500.
I always invite enquirers to shop around first; ask for prices, testimonials, and examples of work done. If you use other ghost-writing companies or freelances you will find that a small 60,000 word novel costs between £4,000 and £8,000. My fee would be €900 at 15 Euros per 1,000 words or 1,500 Euros at €25 per 1,000 words.
IF YOU ARE A SERIOUS WRITER
Remember, the chances of a book being considered, let alone published or reviewed is remote. Even professional writers can find it difficult to have their book accepted so what chance the novice?
If you plan to sell your novel or biography as an e-book potential readers will peruse sample chapters and reviews. If it isn’t written to retail standards it simply will not appeal to buyers. All those hours you spent writing your blockbuster will be nothing other than therapeutic; now that isn’t much value for money.