Glossary
Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting: Ghostwriting is writing a book that is published under someone else’s name, usually an expert, executive or public figure who has the knowledge but not the time or the craft. A ghostwritten non-fiction book costs from about 5,000 € for a short guide to 30,000 € and more for a full-length book, over three to nine months.
How the process works
- Interviews: the ghostwriter records hours of conversation to capture the author’s knowledge and voice.
- Outline agreed by both.
- Drafts chapter by chapter, with rounds of comments.
- Final manuscript; editing, cover and publishing are often separate services.
What it costs
Rates vary with length, the writer’s track record and the author’s profile. Rough public figures: a 15,000-word lead magnet or guide from 3,000 to 8,000 €; a 50,000-word business book from 15,000 to 50,000 €; celebrity memoirs far above. Freelance platforms list cheaper offers, with quality to match.
AI as the first draft
AI ebook generators occupy the space between doing it yourself and hiring a ghostwriter: a structured first draft in minutes for the price of a lunch, which the author then corrects and enriches with the stories and specifics no writer could invent. For lead magnets and short guides that is often enough; for a flagship book, a human editor on top is money well spent.
Frequently asked questions
Is ghostwriting legal and ethical?
Yes. The author owns the ideas and the rights; the writer is paid for the craft. Disclosure is a personal choice, common in memoirs, rare in business books.
Does a ghostwriter get royalties?
Usually a flat fee. Some agreements add a small royalty or a credit (“with …”) on the cover.
How does create-ebook compare to a ghostwriter?
See the comparison page: 29 € and minutes for a draft you edit, versus thousands and months for a book written from interviews.