Is Reedsy the Right Platform for Your Ghostwriting Project?

If you’ve ever Googled “how to hire a ghostwriter,” chances are you’ve come across Reedsy. Known for its polished website and curated network of publishing professionals, Reedsy has carved out a place in the crowded online literary marketplace.

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But for first-time authors—especially those writing memoir, thought leadership, or other nonfiction—navigating Reedsy’s ghostwriting options can feel overwhelming. How does the platform work? How much does it cost? And is it worth it compared to other ghostwriting services?

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In this post, we’ll walk you through the Reedsy ghostwriting experience from both the author’s and the writer’s perspective—what you can expect, what you’ll pay, and how to know if it’s the right fit for your book.

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What Is Reedsy?

Reedsy is a freelance marketplace designed specifically for the publishing world. Founded in 2014, it connects authors with vetted professionals across a wide range of services: editing, design, marketing, publishing strategy—and yes, ghostwriting.

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Unlike gig platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, Reedsy claims to work only with experienced, industry-grade professionals. According to their site, every ghostwriter on Reedsy has experience with Big 5 publishers or bestselling authors and is manually vetted before being approved to list services.

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Reedsy’s curated approach gives authors peace of mind that the professionals they’re working with are not just freelancers but individuals with deep expertise in the literary field.

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In short, Reedsy pitches itself as one of the best ghostwriting platforms for serious authors.

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It also offers educational resources, templates, webinars, and courses that are particularly helpful for newer authors trying to understand the publishing process. Whether you’re trying to write your first book proposal or simply want to learn about book marketing, Reedsy provides value beyond direct services.

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How Does Reedsy Ghostwriting Work?

Hiring a ghostwriter on Reedsy typically follows a five-step process, though your mileage may vary depending on how far along you are in your book journey.

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1. Create a Free Account

You’ll need to sign up for a Reedsy account (no cost) to start browsing professionals or submitting requests. Creating a profile also gives you access to other tools, like Reedsy’s book formatting tool and marketplace-wide communication.

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2. Post a Project Brief

Once logged in, you create a project brief that outlines what you’re looking for—genre, word count, timeline, tone, audience, and any sample materials you can share. The more specific you are, the better your matches will be.

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This is a crucial step. A well-crafted brief increases the chances of attracting the right ghostwriter for your project. Try to include a summary of your book idea, what you're hoping to achieve, any writing you've already done, and your expectations for voice, collaboration, and process.

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3. Request Quotes

Reedsy allows you to reach out to up to five ghostwriters at a time. Ghostwriters can then respond with a proposal that includes their rates, timeline, and a short note about why they’re a good fit.

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These quotes are typically fixed-fee proposals, although some flexibility may be offered depending on the writer. Expect each proposal to contain:

• Estimated word count
  
  
• Proposed deadlines and milestones
  
  
• Number of included revisions
  
  
• Payment schedule
  
  
• Notes on collaboration style
  

4. Review Proposals and Portfolios

You can compare proposals, read past client reviews, and view sample projects. Some writers list client work they've ghostwritten (with permission), but most portfolios will be anonymous or fictionalized due to the confidential nature of book collaboration.

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Look closely at writing samples—even anonymized ones—and pay attention to voice, structure, and polish. Reviews can also tell you a lot about communication style, professionalism, and reliability.

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5. Hire and Contract Through Reedsy

Once you choose a ghostwriter, you’ll work with them directly through Reedsy’s project dashboard. Payments are handled securely through the platform, and milestones are tracked in the timeline feature.

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One additional feature worth noting is the Reedsy messaging system. It keeps all communication centralized, and also offers a timeline feature where you and your ghostwriter can track milestones, submit drafts, and handle revisions in one place.

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Reedsy Cost: What You'll Pay for a Ghostwriter

If you’ve gotten this far and you’re wondering, “Okay, but how much does Reedsy cost?”—the answer varies, but here’s what we’ve seen based on user reviews, ghostwriter listings, and our own client inquiries:

• $15,000 – $35,000 for a full-length memoir or nonfiction book (50,000–80,000 words)
  
  
• $8,000 – $15,000 for a shorter guide, thought leadership book, or partial manuscript
  
  
• $1,500 – $5,000 for proposal writing, coaching, or developmental support
  

Most ghostwriter rates on Reedsy are project-based, not hourly. The price you pay will depend on the complexity, length, and amount of research involved—as well as the ghostwriter’s experience level and availability.

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Compared to traditional agencies, these prices are mid- to high-range. However, the value of Reedsy lies in its transparency: you’re able to review writer profiles, compare real proposals, and negotiate directly with your chosen writer.

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Keep in mind that these quotes usually don’t include publishing support. You may need to budget separately for editing, interior design, cover design, or marketing services if you're hoping to self-publish or release your book commercially.

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Pros of Using Reedsy for Ghostwriting

Reedsy ghostwriting comes with several notable benefits—especially for authors who want to be actively involved in the process.

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1. Vetted Professionals

Unlike open marketplaces, Reedsy hand-picks its ghostwriters. Many have years of publishing experience, and you can see client reviews up front. You're not wading through unverified listings.

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2. Direct Communication

You speak directly with your ghostwriter from day one. This allows for a more customized process compared to ghostwriting agencies, which sometimes act as middlemen or gatekeepers.

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3. Custom Proposals

You're not locked into a flat fee or template package. Each proposal is tailored to your specific needs, which can be helpful for memoirs, narrative nonfiction, or books requiring a deeply personal tone.

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4. Flexible Contracts

Reedsy’s contracts are managed through their platform, but you and the writer negotiate the terms. You can agree on milestones, payment schedules, and editorial rights before work begins.

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5. Niche Expertise

Reedsy’s writers span dozens of genres and sub-genres, so you’re likely to find someone with deep experience in your topic area, whether it’s trauma memoir, leadership books, or scientific writing.

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6. Transparency and Reviews

The platform emphasizes client feedback. Most ghostwriters have verified reviews that speak to communication, professionalism, and overall project satisfaction.

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7. Built-in Tools

Reedsy offers timeline tracking, document sharing, and secure payments. These features help streamline the ghostwriting process, especially when managing large projects over months.

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Cons of Using Reedsy for Ghostwriting

Of course, Reedsy isn’t perfect—and it may not be ideal for every author. Here are a few potential drawbacks:

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1. You Still Have to Manage the Project

Reedsy is a marketplace, not a concierge service. If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of evaluating ghostwriters, managing timelines, or giving feedback, it can feel like a lot to juggle.

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2. No Project Oversight

Unlike full-service publishing services or ghostwriting agencies, Reedsy doesn’t oversee your book from start to finish. You’re responsible for moving the project along, managing revisions, and hiring additional support if needed.

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3. Cost Can Still Be High

While transparent, Reedsy’s ghostwriting fees are still a significant investment. If you’re looking for a deeply collaborative experience or need help beyond the manuscript (such as publishing strategy or marketing), you may need additional providers.

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4. Limited Support for Post-Writing Services

Once your manuscript is complete, you’re mostly on your own. Reedsy offers freelancers in other categories (editors, designers, marketers), but you’ll need to initiate and manage those relationships yourself.

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5. Not All Writers Are Equal

Although Reedsy vets its professionals, experience levels and writing styles vary widely. You still need to evaluate each ghostwriter carefully to make sure you’re a fit.

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6. Limited Access to Ghostwritten Samples

Due to the confidential nature of ghostwriting, most writers can’t show you the full extent of their work. This makes vetting a challenge unless you’re comfortable judging based on anonymized or speculative samples.

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What Kinds of Books Work Well on Reedsy?

Reedsy ghostwriting is best suited to authors who have a clear book idea and want to hire an experienced professional to help them execute it. Popular categories include:

• Memoirs
  
  
• Business or leadership books
  
  
• Self-help and personal development
  
  
• Health and wellness
  
  
• Narrative nonfiction
  
  
• Scientific and medical writing
  
  
• Personal finance
  

If you’re looking for a memoir ghostwriter, in particular, Reedsy offers a relatively wide selection. You can browse by genre specialty and choose someone who aligns with your voice, values, and goals.

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Reedsy is less ideal for fiction writers looking for help with plot development or speculative worldbuilding. While those services do exist on the platform, nonfiction ghostwriting dominates.

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Tips for Hiring a Ghostwriter on Reedsy

Here are a few practical tips to help you get the most out of the platform:

• Be specific in your project brief. Include word count, tone, audience, goals, and any material you’ve already written.
  
  
• Ask about process. Every ghostwriter works differently—some do interviews, others prefer outlines or written input.
  
  
• Clarify rights and credits. Ghostwriters on Reedsy are used to working anonymously, but it’s always worth confirming.
  
  
• Discuss revisions up front. Make sure the number of revisions and rounds of feedback are clear in your contract.
  
  
• Look at client reviews. Reedsy reviews are verified, and they offer insights into communication styles and outcomes.
  
  
• Consider doing a paid test. If you’re unsure about fit, ask for a paid sample chapter or outline before committing to a full project.
  
  
• Budget for additional services. Editing, design, and publishing costs are separate. Plan accordingly.
  
  

Alternatives to Reedsy Ghostwriting

If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience or a managed publishing process, Reedsy might not be the only option. Alternatives include:

• Ghostwriting agencies that offer end-to-end support (e.g., editorial oversight, publishing coordination, brand development)
  
  
• Independent ghostwriters found via referral or LinkedIn
  
  
• Book coaches or developmental editors, for authors who want to co-write or retain more control
  
  
• Hybrid publishing firms, which package writing, editing, and publishing together. These may come at a higher price point but offer more convenience and oversight.
  
  
• Traditional literary agents (if you have a strong concept and are seeking a traditional deal)
  
  

Choosing the right path depends on your goals, budget, and how involved you want to be.

Final Thoughts: Is Reedsy Ghostwriting Right for You?

Reedsy is a strong option for authors who want access to professional ghostwriters without going through a traditional agency. It offers a clear, transparent way to compare talent and pricing—especially helpful if you’re new to the process.

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That said, Reedsy is best for those who are comfortable managing their own book project. If you’re looking for strategy, coaching, or publishing support beyond writing, you may need to build your own team—or consider a more full-service solution.

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At the end of the day, ghostwriting is a relationship-driven process. Whether you find your collaborator on Reedsy or elsewhere, the most important factor is finding someone who understands your story and your voice.

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Reedsy makes it easier to discover those collaborators—but like any marketplace, it puts the final decision in your hands.

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Still deciding if Reedsy ghostwriting is right for you? Start by creating a project brief and browsing profiles. Then compare your top candidates to outside options, including bespoke agencies or referrals. With the right expectations and a clear project scope, Reedsy can be a highly effective tool for bringing your book to life.

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