Ghostwriting pricing has no standard rates. Here's the framework I use to price every engagement, from single posts to six-figure book projects.

Every pricing conversation I've had with new ghostwriters follows the same pattern: they undercharge, wonder why clients don't respect their time, raise prices too suddenly, lose work, then settle at slightly-higher-than-appropriate rates permanently. This guide is designed to short-circuit that cycle.

The Value-Based Pricing Principle

You should price based on the value you create, not the time you spend. If a LinkedIn post helps a CEO land a $2 million investor meeting, that post is worth far more than your hourly rate would suggest.

Value-based pricing requires understanding your client's ROI. An executive generating $50 million in annual revenue needs their thought leadership positioned correctly. Premium pricing reflects that positioning.

Platform-Specific Pricing

LinkedIn Posts: - Emerging executives: $200-400 - Established leaders: $400-700 - Fortune 500 / high-profile: $700-1,200

Monthly LinkedIn packages (4-6 posts): $2,000-6,000

Email Newsletters: - Weekly newsletters: $3,000-8,000/month - Bi-weekly: $2,000-4,000/month - Monthly: $1,000-2,000/month

Speeches: - Conference presentations: $5,000-15,000 - Keynotes: $15,000-30,000 - Board presentations: $3,000-10,000

Books: - Complete ghostwriting: $75,000-250,000 - Co-authoring (credit given): $30,000-75,000 - Developmental editing + writing: $50,000-150,000

Retainer vs. Per-Project Economics

Per-project work creates income volatility. Retainers create stability.

A $5,000/month retainer equals $60,000 annual revenue. You know it's coming in. You can plan around it. A per-project model means constant pitching and proposal writing.

My recommendation: offer per-project pricing to new clients to build trust, then transition to retainers within 60 days. Never stay per-project long-term.

The Hourly Rate Reality Check

Calculate your effective hourly rate on recent projects. If it's below $100/hour, you're undercharging. If it's below $75/hour, you're working against yourself. Ghostwriting at $50/hour is not a business—it's expensive hobby.

Build in friction. Charge for research time, for revision rounds, for client calls. Every hour you spend on a project should be billable.

When to Raise Rates

Raise rates annually. Even if everything else stays the same, annual raises protect against inflation and signal that you're improving. A ghostwriter charging the same rates as five years ago is either not improving or not paying attention.

Raise rates when: - You have more inquiries than you can handle - Clients never negotiate or push back - You're turning down work monthly - Your portfolio has meaningfully improved

Package Pricing Strategies

The best packaging bundles related services together. Instead of pricing each LinkedIn post separately, offer monthly packages that include strategy, writing, and light optimization. This increases average transaction value and reduces per-project negotiation.

Example package: "Executive Presence Bundle" at $4,500/month includes 6 LinkedIn posts, 2 article ideas, monthly strategy call, and email support. Clients love knowing exactly what they're getting. You love predictable revenue.

Geographic and Market Adjustments

Rates vary by market. Ghostwriters in New York or San Francisco command higher rates than those in smaller markets. Remote work has compressed this somewhat, but premium clients in major markets expect to pay premium rates.

Adjust for: - Client's industry (tech and finance pay more than non-profits) - Client's company stage ( Series B+ startups and Fortune 500 pay premium) - Project complexity (speechwriting costs more than social posts) - Timeline pressure (rush projects warrant 50% premium)

The framework is simple: price based on value delivered, not hours spent. Your ghostwriting practice will be more profitable and more respected.