As a children’s ghostwriter, book doctor (rewriter), editor, and coach, I get a number of queries each month. And, interestingly, I never know if the potential client will think my prices are too high, too low, or just right.
It seems the norm for ghostwriting a middle-grade book of around 35,000 words is $10,000 to $25,000.
It seems like a lot of money, and it is. But there are variables that can lower the cost. It depends on whether you have a rough draft, an outline, notes, or just an idea. So, one way to be at the low end of the price range is to write as much as you can, even specific notes are helpful.
While it is a lot of money, there is a lot that goes into ghostwriting and rewriting children’s manuscripts.
This is some of what’s involved:
-Developing a storyline and an outline
-Writing for the age group
-Developing a story arc
-Knowing age-appropriate themes
-Developing a satisfying plot and conflict
-Possible research (even for fiction stories)
-Creating ‘the hook’
-Developing character arcs and crafting a relatable protagonist
-Crafting the story structure
-Developing the rhythm and momentum (pacing)
-Developing voice and tone
-If a picture book, writing tight with age-appropriate words
-Crafting age-appropriate sentence structure
-If a picture book, writing with illustrations in mind
-Writer/client discussions
There is also writing skill and a knowledge of the children’s writing industry.
PRICING IS TOO LOW.
I try to keep my writing fees affordable (at the low end of the price range) and within the reach of more people whose dream it is to be the author of a children’s book.
The same goes for writing picture books and chapter books.
I’ve actually had potential clients call and question why my fee for ghosting a children’s picture book was low. And I know I’ve lost a few projects because of this. I could tell they equated price with quality.
The same has happened with chapter books and middle-grade projects.
So, what’s a writer to do?
While I have raised my fees, they are still very reasonable. For me, charging more will kill the dreams of those who want a quality book but are on a budget.
PRICING IS TOO HIGH.
Yep, there is a flip side.
I’ve gotten queries from people who want a book written, but once they hear the price (which is too low for others), they can’t afford it.
But, getting back to the title question: Does price equate to quality?
NO! No, it doesn’t.
Over the years, I’ve ghosted, rewritten, and edited 450+ children’s books and gotten excellent testimonials from those who don’t mind sharing that they used my services. And I have repeat clients. I currently have three clients who have each hired me to write a series of books. Along with this, one of my prior clients received interest from MADD after rewriting a story for her. Another client is currently submitting to publishers and agents.
So, again, price does not equate to quality… at least not with experienced, professional ghostwriters.
But buyer beware: Some inexperienced writers simply set high rates hoping to attract clients even though they lack experience and skills. Unfortunately, in today’s AI world, they may have a professional-looking portfolio and glowing fake reviews.
Sure, I can up my prices. But, again, those who can’t afford it wouldn’t be able to hire a quality writer.
I’ve written for people all over the world: Norway, Italy, Jordan, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Saipan, the United Arab Emirates, and many states within the United States. These people now have the satisfaction of being a ‘children’s author’ of a quality, publishable book they are proud to be the author of. And I’ve gotten to help them achieve that particular dream. That makes me smile.
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW?
Know who you’re hiring.
I know I said price doesn’t necessarily equal quality, but you do need to know who you’ll be working with. Here are a few tips to help you determine the quality of the writer:
1. Check out the ghostwriter’s testimonials, website, and blog.
2. See if the site and everything on it look and sound professional.
3. See if the blog posts give evidence that the writer knows what she’s talking about.
4. You should also check out the About page. Learn who the writer is affiliated with and other tidbits of information.
5. Ask for samples of her or his writing.
Hot Tip: You should also do an online search, whether a on search engine or an AI. That’s how most of my clients find me. Google goes for quality. They won’t put known ‘scam or shabby’ websites in their results for a search query. This is a great test for quality, especially if the results (the link shown) aren’t paid ads.
You might also check out sites like Association of Ghostwriters and ALLi.
SUMMING IT UP
As a writer for hire, there is no ‘magic’ pricing point. You have to charge what you and the clients who hire you are satisfied with.
Don’t always equate price with quality. While in some cases this does matter, it doesn’t always.
As mentioned, research the children’s writer you’re thinking of working with. Using the tips above, you should be able to determine if that writer is legit.
MORE ON WRITING
What Makes a Good Story? Plot Driven vs. Character Driven
Editing a Children’s Book – 10 Tips Checklist for Authors
Being a Writer – Learn the Craft of Writing
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, book doctor, editor, and self-publisher. I help turn your idea, outline, or manuscript into a book you’ll be proud to call your own—and provide hands-on guidance through every step of the self-publishing process.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A 200+ page book that will help you write your own children’s book.
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4, 8, or 12 Weeks / 9 Sections / Instructor Guided Self-Study Program
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors (picture books and chapter books)
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
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