Where Can I Find Legit Book Writers for Hire in the USA?

Question

I’ve been searching for book writers for hire in the USA, but honestly — it’s hard to tell who’s legit and who’s just good at marketing.

I’m looking for someone (or a company) that delivers quality work, knows the U.S. publishing market, and doesn’t outsource everything overseas.

Some things I’m hoping to find:

1. A book writer with experience in memoirs or business books
2. Someone who offers a contract, NDA, and clear timeline
3. Native English-speaking writers — not AI-generated or templated junk
4. Editing and formatting would be a huge bonus too

I came across a few platforms, but most felt like content mills. I also checked out Book Writing Inc. — they seem like a full-service book writing company based in the U.S. that handles everything from ghostwriting to publishing. Has anyone worked with them before?

If you've hired a book writer recently (especially in the U.S.), I’d love to hear:

1. How did you find them?
2. What did they charge?
3. Were you happy with the final book?
4. Did they help with publishing, too?

Just trying to avoid getting burned by someone who over-promises and under-delivers.

Thanks in advance — this forum has been more helpful than Google so far 🙌

Answer 1

Hello,

I am a writer/ghostwriter, and I've also hired writers to save time, so I understand what you are going through.

I often write screenplays, legal documents, business documents, articles, and business books.

A good full-service writing and publishing service is around USD $5,000–$15,000 for shorter projects/proposals to full-length books with interviews, drafting, revisions, and editing.

ISBN/print/distribution and marketing are optional add-ons.

I’m familiar with the marketing companies you described. They’re set up for branding and promotion and may route writing to different people. They can be fine if your main goal is marketing. I've come across companies that have pre-printed text and a personalized cover is made with your face on it. Voila -- your book! I have not hired that service -- does not make sense unless all I wanted was marketing to show I have a book. How good is it -- that is a different question.

If you want someone to capture your voice from start to finish, hiring an individual ghostwriter is usually a better fit.

When I write for others, I connect deeply to the material so I can reflect on the published writer's voice and goals. I provide a contract, NDA, and timeline with milestones.

If you’re comparing options, ask:

1. Who is the actual writer and where is this person based?
2. Will there be a contract + NDA + milestone schedule?
3. What’s included (interviews, word count, revision rounds, editing/formatting)?

When you hire a ghostwriter, make sure the person matches your voice in writing and will adjust accordingly.

Susan

Answer 2

Hi Ruth!

I am a ghostwriter and collaborative editor who has worked in both of the genres you mention. I am also a published author of nonfiction (all University of Texas Press). I'd be happy to discuss your project with you.

Additionally, I'd also suggest looking into writers' organizations in your area, which typically have a resource page where its members promote services along the lines of what you're looking for.

Answer 3

What do you mean by "legit?" I would also ask you more about the book you are trying to contract to have written. What is the book or genre? Who have you tried to find?

I have written books under contracts such as what you describe, so it is not out of scope. You might want to consider advertising for your gig if you have not tried that.

Answer 4

I am a professional writer who has authored over a dozen books and ghost written others. You are welcome to reach out to me to discuss the particulars.

If you can't find a contract writer through Wyzant, you may also want to consider reaching out to literary agents. I have ghost written a number of book proposals and books for clients through literary agents. I was paid $2,500 to write the proposal -- and received 20 percent from royalties and advances upon acceptance and pubilcation.

Some people charge anywhere between $5,000 to $20,000 to write book proposals...and you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $150,000 or more for ghost writers. Some work on an hourly basis or offer a flat fee. Some charge per word or based upon the time commitment involved.

You would want to be actively engaged throughout the process to gauge's the book's progress and quality. Put some thought into your book's outline and organize the source material. Since this is your book, you will want to provide the research or documentation for the writer, sample articles or written materials you have produces so the writer can capture your voice and understand your perspective.

If you are actively engaged throughout the process, you will be happy with the final book.

Yes, ghosts can help with publishing. They can work with your write the book proposal and pitch literary agents who can then negotiate a book deal for you. If your book idea is sufficiently compelling, and you have a sufficiently strong platform, the agent (or publisher) may connect you to a writer if don't feel comfortable writing the book yourself.

Otherwise you can always self-publish and market a book through Amazon, which provides resources for book design, formatting, and marketing.

You're welcome to reach out to me as a prospective ghost or for any other publication assistance.

Answer 5

This is an interesting and pragmatic question to ask.

It is great to hear that you are already considering your genres of interest as well as third-party agencies to work with.

If you are able to pursue it, networking may help you filter out lower-quality AI options (that is becoming a potential pitfall all over the world, and I completely understand where you are coming from with the concern) and settle on writers who are the best fit for your projects.

Best of luck to you in your endeavors!

Answer 6

Your best bet, if you have the budget, is to try a literary agent or manager. Don’t be afraid to state your budget up front - it’s their job to get work for their clients. It helps to have touchstones for your project (comparable titles) and an idea of the market you want to sell to. In terms of over-promising and under-delivering, you need to do your diligence. Speak to the writer and get a sense of them.Typically, the writing process is interactive.You’re not paying for service, you’re developing a creative relationship - so you need to find someone you click with.