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.

How to Raise Rates Gracefully

Never surprise existing clients with sudden rate increases. Instead, communicate increases 60-90 days before renewal. Most clients accept modest increases rather than find new providers.

If a client refuses a rate increase, thank them for the relationship and offer a reduced scope at the new rate. Often they'll find budget rather than lose you.

The Minimum Engagement Rule

Never work for less than your minimum. My minimum monthly retainer is $3,000. Below that, the administrative overhead of client management eats all profit. Below $2,000/month, you're working for less than minimum wage.

Calculate your minimum hourly equivalent. If you want $100/hour and an engagement takes 20 hours monthly, your minimum is $2,000. Charge accordingly.