Writing Invoice Template

Free Ghostwriter Invoice Template

Invoice clients for ghostwritten books, articles, speeches, and thought leadership content. Get paid on time with Tidybill.

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What is a Ghostwriter invoice?

A ghostwriter invoice documents fees for writing content that will be published under the client's name. Ghostwriting spans a wide range of formats: business books, memoirs, thought leadership articles, LinkedIn posts, speeches, white papers, and online courses. Because the work will bear the client's name, not the ghostwriter's, confidentiality is a core part of every ghostwriting arrangement. Invoices should be discreet — referencing a project code rather than 'book ghostwriting' if the client requires privacy. Ghostwriting commands a significant premium over regular writing because of the confidentiality requirement, the collaboration involved, and the loss of the writer's own authorship credit. Projects are typically billed at a flat project fee or a combination of upfront payment and milestones.

What to include on a Ghostwriter invoice

Common ghostwriter invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Ghostwritten Business Book (60,000 words) £8,000 - £40,000 per book
Ghostwritten Article (1,000-2,000 words) £200 - £600 per article
LinkedIn Thought Leadership (per month) £400 - £1,500 per month
Speech Writing £500 - £3,000 per speech
Memoir Ghostwriting (per chapter) £500 - £2,000 per chapter
Interview & Research Sessions £80 - £150 per hour

How to invoice as a ghostwriter

For large projects (books, lengthy articles series), invoice in milestones: typically 33% on signing, 33% at a manuscript midpoint, and 33% on final delivery. For ongoing thought leadership content, invoice monthly. Keep invoice descriptions professional and discreet — some clients will ask you to use a project code rather than describe the content. Include an IP assignment note: all rights in the work transfer to the client on full payment.

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Frequently asked questions

Why does ghostwriting cost more than regular writing?
Ghostwriting commands a premium because: the writer receives no public credit, significant collaboration and research time is required, a confidentiality agreement restricts the writer from referencing the work, and the writer must capture the client's voice convincingly. All of these factors add value and constraint that justify higher fees.
How do I protect myself in a ghostwriting arrangement?
Use a written ghostwriting agreement that covers: scope, payment schedule, milestones, confidentiality, IP assignment on full payment, and what happens if the client does not provide required interviews or materials. Get a significant deposit (30-50%) before starting. Never release the full manuscript until full payment is received.
What happens if a client does not pay after I have delivered the manuscript?
Your IP assignment clause protects you: rights transfer only on full payment. If the client uses the manuscript without paying, they are using your copyrighted work without authorisation. Issue a formal written demand and consider seeking legal advice. This is why contracts and deposits are essential in ghostwriting.
Should I ask clients to sign a non-disclosure agreement?
Yes. Both parties benefit from an NDA: the client wants the arrangement kept private; you may want to protect your methods and client list. A mutual NDA protects both parties. Some ghostwriters include NDA provisions in their main ghostwriting agreement rather than as a separate document.
How do I invoice for LinkedIn ghostwriting on a monthly retainer?
LinkedIn ghostwriting is typically invoiced monthly for a set number of posts (usually 3-8 per month). Include the post count in the invoice. Invoice at the start of each month and provide posts throughout the month according to an agreed calendar. Net 7 to Net 14 is appropriate given the monthly service nature.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Ghostwriter invoice template straight away after signing up.