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 romcom or a gritty thriller.
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.
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.
The Process: What to Expect
Once you hire a ghostwriter, the process is pretty collaborative. You’ll share your idea, maybe a detailed outline, a few scenes, or just a concept. They’ll ask questions to flesh it out, then get to work. 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 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?
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.