Bob Olson is best contacted by email: bob@bobolson.com - you will get the quickest response and he will be able to send you additional information.

If emailing is a problem, you can leave a message from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Eastern) by calling toll-free 1-888-604-4317.

FEES FOR GHOSTWRITING

By The Word

Although every ghostwriting project is unique, ghostwriting fees are based on the number of words written. Most nonfiction books average about 50,000 to 80,000 words. A novelty book, however, might be as little as 30,000 words. Therefore, a book can be written around a budget set by the client (i.e. "I want an autobiography that is no more than 50,000 words."). My fees vary depending on the type of book you need written. If I need to do research or interview numerous people, for instance, the fee is higher than if I'm only interviewing one person for an autobiography.

Payment Schedule

Payment is made in four payments over the course of the writing. I require 25 percent down to lock in your position as my next client, 25 percent prior to writing, 25 percent half-way through, and the final 25 percent when the book is complete. This means that the final two payments are made around the third and sixth months, since the average book takes about six months to prepare, write and edit.

I require 50 percent down before writing begins because a great deal of preparation is necessary to begin a book, including: about 30 hours of interviews, transcribing those interviews (taking an additional 45-60 hours), and creating the book's outline. The outline alone can take up to two weeks or more to create. All this preparation comes before ever writing a word, which is why payment is set up in this manner.

Additional Fees

Expenses: If travel is required or desired by the client, there will be additional fees for expenses. For instance, if travel is necessary, the client is responsible for paying the expense of hotels, transportation and airfare.

Research & Interviews: In some cases, there is an additional expense for interview and research time. Many celebrities and business people are so busy that it may require a few weeks to complete the interview process, rather than simply doing the interviews within a few days, as normal. There may also be necessary research time where I need to take notes on movies, TV or radio interviews, books or magazine features. There may also be time necessary for interviewing friends, coworkers, family members and/or acquaintances. This preparation often requires an additional fee determined and paid prior to beginning the project.

A Share Of The Royalties?

I do not negotiate for a share of the royalties. That is, I do not ask for a percentage of your royalties once you obtain a publishing contract. I prefer to work with clients who are willing to invest in themselves and their books. By making this investment, these clients always end up being more successful. Their energy is higher, which elevates my energy—which results in a better book.

Although some ghostwriters are willing to waive their fee or reduce it for a percentage of royalties, I do not take that approach. I also do not ask for any credit or recognition on the cover of the book, which means that my clients' names are the only names listed on the cover as the author. For more information on this, please read my interview.

How Much Will Your Book Project Cost?

For a quote on your book project, please email me a brief synopsis of the story you wish to tell.

"Bob Olson writes books that sell!"
~ Larry Abramoff, publisher

"If you're looking for a smart, committed, top-notch writer who
knows his stuff, stop right here. You won't find anyone better than
Bob Olson."
~ Cheryl Richardson, New York Times bestselling author

"Bob Olson is an experienced writer with an intuitive sense of what readers crave."
~ John Holland, author

"Bob Olson is a gifted writer who entertains and involves the reader. I've interviewed Bob many times and have found his books to be well written and moving."
~ Jordan Rich, WBZ Radio host

"Bob Olson's the first ghostwriter I recommend when my colleagues ask for a referral."
~ Lynn Robinson, author

"Clear, concise, and clever. Bob Olson has a gift for writing about obscure or confusing concepts in a way that is easy to grasp. He's the only person I'd ever trust to write any part of my books."
~ Michael Gerrish, author