You have a book inside you — a thriller that’s been living in your head for years, or a business memoir that could change your industry. The problem? You don’t have the time, the writing skills, or simply the patience to sit down and turn those ideas into 80,000 polished words.
That’s exactly what ghostwriters are for.
But here’s the thing most people don’t tell you upfront: ghostwriting for fiction and ghostwriting for non-fiction are completely different crafts. And the company you hire should specialize in what you actually need.
In this guide, we break down the top ghostwriting companies for fiction novels versus non-fiction books, what separates a great ghostwriter from a mediocre one, and what you should ask before handing over your story — or your credibility.
Why Ghostwriting Is More Common Than You Think
Ghostwriting has been around for centuries. Presidents, CEOs, celebrities, and bestselling authors have all used ghostwriters at some point. According to publishing industry estimates, a significant percentage of traditionally published books — especially in business, memoir, and self-help — are written with professional help.
Fiction ghostwriting is growing fast too, especially in genre fiction (romance, thriller, fantasy) where readers expect a new book every few months. Many prolific indie authors work with ghostwriters to meet audience demand without sacrificing quality.
The stigma? It’s fading quickly. What matters is that your story gets told — and told well.
Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Ghostwriting: The Core Difference
Before comparing companies, you need to understand why these two categories require very different skill sets.
Fiction Ghostwriting
Fiction ghostwriting is about creative collaboration. A fiction ghostwriter needs to:
- Capture your unique voice and storytelling style
- Build believable characters with depth and arc
- Construct plot structures that keep readers turning pages
- Understand genre conventions (what readers of romance, sci-fi, or mystery expect)
- Create vivid settings and authentic dialogue
It’s a deeply creative process. The best fiction ghostwriters almost become you on the page.
Non-Fiction Ghostwriting
Non-fiction ghostwriting is about authority and clarity. A non-fiction ghostwriter needs to:
- Organize complex information into a readable, logical structure
- Interview you to extract your expertise and stories
- Match your professional tone and personal voice
- Conduct research and cite sources correctly
- Write for a specific audience (business readers, general public, academics)
Non-fiction ghostwriters are often journalists, content strategists, or subject-matter communicators by background.
Quick Comparison: Fiction vs. Non-Fiction Ghostwriting
| Feature | Fiction Ghostwriting | Non-Fiction Ghostwriting |
| Primary Skill | Storytelling & creativity | Research & structure |
| Starting Point | Your idea/outline/vision | Your expertise/story |
| Process | Co-creation & drafting | Interviews + research + writing |
| Typical Length | 60,000–120,000 words | 30,000–80,000 words |
| Average Cost Range | $15,000–$80,000+ | $10,000–$50,000+ |
| Turnaround Time | 3–12 months | 2–8 months |
| Rights | Full copyright to you | Full copyright to you |
Top Ghostwriting Companies for Fiction Novels
When evaluating fiction ghostwriting services, look for companies that showcase writing samples in your genre, offer a sample chapter before full commitment, and have client testimonials from published authors.
1. Reedsy
Reedsy is a marketplace that connects authors with vetted, professional ghostwriters — many of whom are traditionally published authors themselves. For fiction, this is a major advantage. You can browse portfolios, read sample chapters, and directly message writers before hiring.
Best for: Authors who want to personally vet their ghostwriter and work one-on-one.
Strengths: High-quality talent pool, full transparency, genre specialists available (romance, thriller, sci-fi, literary fiction).
Consideration: You’re managing the relationship yourself. There’s no project management layer.
2. Ghostwriter Inside
A boutique US-based service with a strong focus on narrative fiction. They use a discovery process to understand your voice before assigning a writer, and provide chapter-by-chapter feedback loops.
Best for: Authors who want more hand-holding through the creative process.
Strengths: Strong project management, dedicated editor alongside ghostwriter.
3. TCK Publishing’s Ghostwriting Division
TCK offers ghostwriting services tied to their publishing arm, which is useful if you’re also considering publishing support. Their fiction division handles genre work well, particularly action, thriller, and commercial fiction.
Best for: Authors who want ghostwriting and publishing under one roof.
4. Innovacia Publishers — Ghostwriting Service
At Innovacia Publishers, we work with authors to bring their fiction vision to life — from initial concept and character development to final manuscript. Unlike high-volume ghostwriting mills, we work with a limited number of authors at a time, ensuring your project gets real creative attention.
We specialize in culturally rich narratives, debut fiction, and books that have something genuinely different to say. Our process starts with a free consultation where we map out your story’s DNA before a single word is written.
| 📖 Thinking about ghostwriting your novel? Book a free 30-minute story consultation with Innovacia Publishers. We’ll tell you honestly whether ghostwriting is right for your project — and what it would look like. → Visit innovaciapublishers.com to get started |
Top Ghostwriting Companies for Non-Fiction Books
Non-fiction ghostwriting requires a different kind of alchemy — taking your knowledge, experience, and stories and turning them into a book that reads professionally while still sounding like you. Here’s who does it well.
1. Scribe Media
Scribe (formerly Book in a Box) is one of the best-known non-fiction ghostwriting and publishing companies. Their process is based on extended interviews that capture your knowledge and voice, which their writers then turn into a full manuscript.
Best for: Business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs writing thought leadership books.
Strengths: Highly structured process, strong track record, full publishing support available.
Consideration: Premium pricing. Packages typically start at $40,000+.
2. Gotham Ghostwriters
A New York-based agency that has placed ghostwriters for major publishers and has a deep bench of talent with journalism, academic, and industry backgrounds. Strong for memoir, business, health, and self-help.
Best for: Authors targeting traditional publishing deals.
Strengths: Credibility, experienced writers, good for complex or sensitive topics.
3. The Urban Writers
A high-volume platform that covers both fiction and non-fiction. More affordable than boutique agencies, and useful for authors on tighter budgets — though quality can vary by project.
Best for: Authors needing faster timelines or working with limited budgets.
Consideration: Vet your assigned writer carefully. Ask for samples in your specific niche.
4. Innovacia Publishers — Non-Fiction Ghostwriting
We also work with subject-matter experts, coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs to write non-fiction books that actually get read. Our process combines in-depth interviews with research support to produce manuscripts that are clear, credible, and compelling.
Whether you’re writing a business book, a memoir, or a how-to guide, we approach your project as a publishing partner — not just a writing service.
| 💼 Writing a business book or memoir? Get a free non-fiction book assessment from Innovacia Publishers. We’ll review your concept, audience, and goals — and map out a realistic path to a finished book. → Contact us at innovaciapublishers.com |
7 Questions to Ask Any Ghostwriting Company Before You Sign
Regardless of whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, these questions will help you separate professional services from expensive disappointments:
1. Can I see samples in my specific genre or topic area?
Generic samples don’t tell you much. Ask for a romance novel excerpt if you’re writing romance, or a business book chapter if that’s your project.
2. Who exactly will be writing my book?
Some companies are marketplaces; others assign their own writers. Know who you’re working with — and if possible, speak with them before committing.
3. What does the revision process look like?
How many revision rounds are included? What happens if the voice doesn’t feel right after two chapters? Clear revision policies protect both you and the ghostwriter.
4. Who owns the copyright?
This should never be ambiguous. You should own 100% of the copyright and the ghostwriter should agree in writing never to claim authorship.
5. What’s the communication cadence?
Will you have weekly check-ins? Chapter-by-chapter reviews? A Slack channel? The more expensive the project, the more structure you should expect.
6. What happens if timelines slip?
Life happens. Ask what contractual protections exist if the ghostwriter misses deadlines or if the project needs to pause.
7. Do you offer any publishing support after the manuscript is done?
Some companies help with editing, cover design, and publishing. Others hand you a Word document and wish you luck. Know what you’re getting.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No contract or vague intellectual property terms
- Prices that seem too low to be real (a full novel ghostwritten for $500 is not a novel)
- No direct communication with the person actually writing your book
- Promises of guaranteed bestseller status
- No sample chapter option before full project sign-off
- Ghostwriters who aren’t curious about your vision — they should ask lots of questions
Why Some Authors Choose Innovacia Publishers
We’re not the biggest ghostwriting company on this list. We don’t take on dozens of projects simultaneously, and we don’t have a flashy platform with a hundred writer profiles.
What we offer is genuine creative partnership. When you work with Innovacia Publishers on a ghostwriting project, you get:
- Direct access to your lead writer from day one
- A detailed story or book development session before writing begins
- Chapter reviews with real editorial feedback — not just proofreading
- A publishing-aware perspective (we know what editors and readers are looking for)
- Confidentiality guaranteed by contract
We work with both fiction and non-fiction authors, and we’re especially drawn to projects that have a distinct voice, a specific audience, and something real to say.
| Ready to Write Your Book? Whether it’s a novel that’s been in your head for years or a non-fiction book that could build your authority — Innovacia Publishers is ready to help you write it right. ✉ Book your free consultation at innovaciapublishers.com No obligation. No pressure. Just an honest conversation about your book. |
About Innovacia Publishers
Innovacia Publishers is an independent publishing house offering ghostwriting, editorial, and publishing services for fiction and non-fiction authors. We believe every story deserves to be told — and told well.