Rates & Packages
Invest in high-quality, personalised writing services that bring your story to life.
As a top-rated ghostwriter with years of experience at a premium level, I offer competitive and transparent rates for my services, crafted with care, creativity, and deep research. Whether you’re looking for a memoir ghostwriter, a children’s book ghostwriter, or a trauma memoir writer, I deliver professionally written, market-ready manuscripts designed to connect with your audience.
Writing Services
Base rate: USD 2.20 per 100 words
(This reflects premium ghostwriting quality for books, memoirs, and nonfiction titles. My direct clients receive focused attention, faster delivery, and personalised service at a fair, independent rate.) For South African Rand, feel free to contact me for a clear and reasonable quotation accordingly to the exchange rate.
Popular Projects & Estimated Rates
| Project Type | Rate Estimate |
|---|---|
| Memoir / Autobiography / Trauma Memoir | $1,000 – $5,000 (depending on length & complexity) |
| Children’s Book Ghostwriting | from $250 (based on word count + age range) |
| Self-Help Book Ghostwriting | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Publish Your Life Story (Memoir Package) | Custom Quote |
| White Paper Writing | from $300 per paper (2,000–3,000 words) |
| Developmental Editing | $2.40 per 100 words |
| Professional Outlines / Book Structuring | from $200 |
| Herbal or Natural Lifestyle Books | Custom Quote |
| SEO Articles / Website Ghostwriting | $0.08 – $0.12 per word |
Payment Options
Flexible installment plans available (typically 50% deposit, 50% upon completion).
- All projects require a signed contract and clear milestones.
- Rush fees apply for urgent projects (under 2 weeks).
Custom Quotes
Every story is unique. If you’re ready to hire a freelance writer in South Africa or beyond, let’s chat about your specific goals, and I’ll provide a no-obligation quote tailored to your project.
Sample Project Packages + Rates Calculator
Whether you’re looking to publish your life story, launch a nonfiction book, or bring a children’s story to life, I offer flexible packages that scale with your vision. Below are example packages to give you a sense of what’s possible.
Use these as a guide—I’ll create a custom quote based on your project’s word count, genre, goals, and timeline.
Starter Package – Perfect for Shorter Projects
From $250 USD
- Up to 5,000 words
- 1-on-1 consultation
- Professional ghostwriting
- 1 round of revision
- Ideal for short children’s books, personal essays, or mini-guides
Memoir or Self-Help Book Package – Most Popular
From $1,000 USD
- Up to 35,000 words
- Includes outline development
- Research + ghostwriting
- 2 revision rounds
- Basic formatting & publishing guidance
- Ideal for: trauma memoirs, legacy projects, or self-help
Premium Full-Length Book Package – Bestseller Quality
From $1,000 USD
- 50,000–70,000 words
- Full interviews, story structuring, and research
- 3 revision rounds
- Developmental editing + final polish
- Publishing & marketing consultation
- Ideal for: complete nonfiction books, business books, or full autobiographies
Children’s Book Ghostwriting Package
From $300 USD
- 500–1,500 words
- Tailored for a specific age range
- Rhyme, rhythm, or prose
- Up to 2 revisions
- Optional add-ons: professional illustrations, formatting, and publishing setup
White Paper or Thought Leadership Package
From $350 USD
- 2,000–3,000 words
- In-depth industry research
- Brand voice adaptation
- 1–2 rounds of feedback
- Ideal for entrepreneurs, coaches, and consultants
Add-Ons & Extras
| Service | USD | ZAR |
|---|
| Developmental Editing | $2.00 / 100 words | R38 / 100 words |
| Blurb or Book Description | $80 flat | R1,520 |
| KDP Upload Support | $100 flat | R1,900 |
| Plot or Chapter Outline | $150 flat | R2,800 |
| Children’s Book Illustration (Add-on) | from $20/image | from R380/image |
Quick Rates Calculator
Here’s a pricing guide to estimate your ghostwriting needs (USD/ZAR):
| Word Count | Basic (USD/ZAR) | Premium (USD/ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 words | $120 / R2,280 | $280 / R5,320 |
| 10,000 words | $240 / R4,560 | $560 / R10,640 |
| 25,000 words | $600 / R11,400 | $1,400 / R26,600 |
| 50,000 words | $1,200 / R22,800 | $2,800 / R53,200 |
| 70,000 words | $1,680 / R31,920 | $3,920 / R74,480 |
Premium = full service (outline, revisions, interviews, polish).
Basic = first-draft ghostwriting only.
Premium includes full ghostwriting, revisions, and publishing prep. Basic includes first-draft only.
Writing Ratings & Availability
I consistently receive high ratings for writing quality, structure, and clarity—especially on projects that resonate with me. Topics close to my heart often receive my fullest creative energy and may even lead to flexibility in pricing and delivery.
Request a Quote
If your book idea aligns with my passion or values, I’m open to discussing a custom rate that suits both our needs.
Please send me a brief overview of your project and let’s see if we’re a good fit—my heart guides my pen, and everything is negotiable.
Rates: Custom Illustrations and Art by Elizabeth van Staden
As your project is unique and all projects are different in size, medium, and urgency, the best way to estimate the pricing will be to request a quotation.
Hand-Drawn and Digital Artwork to Bring Your Vision to Life
Whether you’re publishing a children’s book, designing a cookbook, creating an exercise guide, or looking for one-of-a-kind wall art, Elizabeth offers unique, heartfelt illustrations tailored to your project’s needs. All illustrations are crafted either by hand or with professional graphic design tools, depending on your preference.
Services & Starting Rates
| Type of Illustration | Description | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Children’s Book Illustrations | Full-page or spot illustrations (ink or digital) | $25 – $45 per image |
| Cookbook Images | Stylised ingredient or dish illustrations | $30 – $50 per image |
| Exercise Book Figures | Clear, functional step-by-step drawings | $20 – $35 per figure |
| Wall Art & Paintings | Custom pieces (canvas, watercolour, digital) | $60+ per artwork |
| Decorative Mirror or Frame Art | Hand-painted details or printed motifs | $45+ per piece |
| Logo or Branding Illustration | Custom mascots, icons, or flourishes | $50+ per item |
✨ All rates depend on complexity, detail level, and licensing needs.
Request a Custom Quote
Interested in a one-of-a-kind illustration or full book package?
Message me directly with your project details, and we’ll get back to you with a tailored quote that fits your budget.
