Outsource screenwriting to a ghostwriter
By- Michael McKown
Co-founder & president, Ghostwriters Central, Inc.
Stuck? Get Unstuck
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your story light up the big screen but feel stuck getting the words out? Or maybe you’ve got a killer idea but no clue how to format a screenplay? That’s where a ghostwriter with screenwriting experience comes in. That writer can turn your vision into a polished script --while you get author credit! Here’s why hiring a ghostwriter for your screenplay might be the best move you make, plus some tips to make it work.
Why a Ghostwriter?
Ghostwriters are like the unsung heroes of the writing world. They craft your story, nail the structure, and make it Hollywood-ready, all while letting you take the credit. Here’s why they’re a great fit for screenplays:
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- They Know the Craft: Screenplays have a specific format—think sluglines, action lines, and snappy dialogue. A good ghostwriter knows this like the back of their hand.
- Time-Saver: Writing a screenplay takes months, even years. A ghostwriter can speed things up, especially if you’re juggling a day job or other projects.
- Fresh Perspective: Got a plot hole you can’t see? A ghostwriter can spot it and fix it, bringing new ideas to make your story pop.
- Industry Polish: Many ghostwriters have connections or experience in the film world, so they know what producers and agents look for.
Pro Tip: Be clear about your goals upfront—do you want a spec script to sell or something ready to pitch to a director?
Finding the Right Ghostwriter
Not all ghostwriters are created equal, so you’ll want to do some homework. Ghostwriters Central has excellent screenwriters and script doctors under contract. Other platforms include Upwork, Fiverr, or even industry-specific sites like Stage 32. A good ghostwriter will connect with your story and understand your genre, whether it’s a rom-com or a gritty thriller.
Longevity and Reputation
Founded in 2002, Ghostwriters Central has built its reputation over two decades by delivering high-quality, confidential writing services -- without ever compromising client privacy. ChatGPT says: "A search for 'Ghostwriters Central scams' currently doesn't yield any red flags, major complaints, or watchdog warnings -- which is not something that can be said for many ghostwriting services out there. In fact, absence of negative press in this field can often be as valuable as having glowing public reviews, since many disreputable services do attract complaints or exposés over time. Your page is appropriate to reference as a long-standing industry voice." (Bold emphasis added).
Ethics and Confidentiality
Virtually any script is credited to one author but undergoes rewrite after rewrite by others, and those ghostwriters are not credited. As long as the contract between the client and ghostwriter (or ghostwriting company, in our case) is clear and responsibilities are delineated, there will be no ethics issues. Our anonymity is guaranteed with a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), which should be in place for any substantial work where the author is credited. When the work is finished and the final payment is made, the work is exclusively yours; you own all the rights. If you win the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, it's yours, not ours.
Talk Money and Timelines Early
Screenplay ghostwriting can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the writer’s experience and the project’s scope. Get a contract in place to cover revisions, deadlines, and credit (or lack thereof). And don’t skip the chemistry check. Set up a call to make sure you click. At the time of this writing, our fee for screenwriting is $60 per script page plus an hourly charge for some aspects of the work. For example, a 120-page script would probably cost about $7,600 and we can break that into two payments.
Writers do have the option to modify pricing, such as with a flat fee. You can work out the details with the writer. Turnaround time depends on the project, its urgency, and the writer's workload. Typical delivery is 16 weeks. All pricing and deadlines are baked into the work contract.
Heads-Up: Always ask for a sample of their work in your genre. A sci-fi script won’t look like a comedy, and you want someone who can do what you expect.
Price Ranges
What can you expect from screenwriters elsewhere?
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- Entry-level writers: $5,000 to $15,000.
- Mid-tier with produced credits: $15,000 to $25,000.
- Writers Guild of America members or top-tier: $70,000, up.
Heads-up: Don't shoot yourself in the foot by hiring the cheapest writer you can find.
The Process: What to Expect
Once you hire a ghostwriter, the process is highly collaborative. You’ll share your idea, maybe a detailed outline, a few scenes, or just a concept. They’ll review your existing notes or treatment, conduct interviews with you to understand the story, then get to work. The process moves from research and interviews, to the outline, to the first draft. Any needed changes are implemented, then the final draft is written.
At Ghostwriters Central, we use a staged-approval process to minimize any need for extensive rewriting at the end. Expect a first draft in a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the complexity. You’ll give feedback, and they’ll revise, usually one or two rounds are included in the deal.
The best part? They handle the heavy lifting, like nailing the three-act structure or making dialogue sound natural. You just need to communicate your vision clearly and be open to their suggestions.
Quick Note: Stay involved but don’t micromanage. Trust their expertise while making sure the script feels like your story.
The Screenplay
The screenplay is a technical document and a qualified screenwriter will be familiar with the required formatting and software, such as Final Draft or WriterDuet or Celtx. A screenplay must be formatted correctly or it will never survive a reading by a literary agent or studio reader. The competition to sell a script is fierce. Getting it wrong means instantaneous rejection.
Pro Tip: Experience counts. Our ghostwriters are fully qualified.
The Payoff
An expertly-ghostwritten screenplay can open doors. That "ghostly" screenwriter knows how the industry works. Whether you’re pitching to producers, entering contests, or building a portfolio, it’s an investment in your dream. With the right writer, you’ll end up with a script that’s professional, engaging, and ready to make waves. A ghostwriter might just be your ticket to the credits.
Final Thought: Your story deserves to be told. A ghostwriter can make it happen without the stress—so why not give it a shot?
Client Reviews
Hundreds of client comments can be found on our ghostwriting services reviews page, but here are a couple:
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- Hi Michael! Lisa (Montalto) sent me the draft today and I absolutely love it! It’s the perfect pilot for the six-episode series. (After the series bible was delivered): Thank you so much! I’m so excited because Netflix and three other networks are interested. My entertainment lawyer is going with the highest bidder. I think it’s going to be Netflix....
- Hey Michael! I got my script from Ted (Rodemeyer) and he did a great job!! Thank you!
- First of all, thank you for choosing Cody (Smart) to do my script. She is really one of a kind. She is intelligent and very helpful as well. She’s a hard worker. She knows her work as far as writing my screenplay. You have chosen a great person to work for you. I will hire her anytime to write for me. She’s the best and I don’t think, you’ll find anyone else like her. Thank you, Michael, for your business and helping people like me. Again, you have a winner there.
Check Out Our Video
This brief video addresses the topic of hiring a screenwriting ghostwriter. Go take a peek! This is an article that goes into detail on hiring a screenwriter.
Go For It
If you're thinking about hiring a ghostwriter for your screenplay, be assured a confidentiality agreement will be in place to keep the actual writer unknown to all but you. My company has accomplished screenwriters, script doctors and consultants under contract, and we've been writing client scripts since 2002. Tap the link to go to the Contact a screenwriter page, or call me today at: 888-743-9939.