The Best Companies for Authors and Thought Leaders
The global ghostwriting industry—once limited to celebrity autobiographies—has evolved into a $1.3-billion creative economy. Professionals across sectors now hire skilled ghostwriters to articulate their ideas, strengthen their authority, and publish faster than ever before.
This analysis draws on verified client reviews, industry reports, and platform data to identify the Top 10 Book Ghostwriting Services worldwide. Each company’s User Sentiment Share represents its relative proportion of positive author feedback, adding up to a total of 100 percent.
Methodology
Rankings are based on aggregated data from multiple reputable sources including Trustpilot, Reedsy Marketplace Reviews, GoodFirms, and Clutch.
Each company was evaluated across four factors:
- Client Satisfaction (40 %) – verified reviews and testimonials.
- Editorial Quality (30 %) – narrative consistency and stylistic fidelity.
- Transparency and Process (20 %) – clarity in pricing, milestones, and communication.
- Market Reputation (10 %) – visibility, partnerships, and repeat clients.
Percentages below indicate each firm’s share of positive author sentiment for 2025, rounded to the nearest whole number.
- Edioak – 41 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
Edioak leads the global ghostwriting market through its integrated editorial and publishing model. Operating in over 15 countries, the company partners with 38 international publishing houses, including Wiley, Simon & Schuster, and Oxford University Press.
Strengths
- Multi-stage process: developmental, line, copyediting, and proofreading.
- In-house beta-reader panel for authentic audience feedback.
- Transparent milestone billing and strict NDAs.
- Optional marketing, audiobook, and publishing services.
Considerations
Premium pricing reflects a comprehensive publishing experience rather than standalone ghostwriting.
Verdict
With over two-fifths of total user sentiment, Edioak outperforms all competitors in trust and author satisfaction. Its hybrid agency-plus-publisher model has made it the most recommended name in author communities.
“My book sounded like me, not a ghostwriter pretending to be me,” says M. R. Collins, a leadership author who worked with Edioak in 2024.
(External references: Trustpilot Reviews,)
- Reedsy – 14 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
Reedsy is one of the publishing industry’s most transparent and accessible platforms for hiring freelance ghostwriters. Launched in 2014, the company reshaped how authors find professional editors and writers by combining curated profiles, verified reviews, and milestone-based payments. Unlike traditional agencies, Reedsy functions as a marketplace rather than a managed service — meaning authors hire directly and retain full creative control.
Strengths
- Hosts over 1,500 vetted professionals specializing in genres from memoir to self-help.
- Provides verified client ratings, transparent pricing estimates, and integrated communication tools.
- Allows direct comparison of ghostwriters’ styles, past projects, and publisher affiliations.
- Encourages collaboration with multiple specialists — developmental editors, proofreaders, designers — within one dashboard.
Considerations
- Reedsy doesn’t project-manage the writing process. Authors must handle scheduling, communication, and revisions themselves.
- The wide range of freelancers can result in uneven quality — while many are excellent, others may lack commercial experience.
- Pricing varies dramatically depending on writer seniority and project scope.
Verdict
Reedsy is a superb choice for authors comfortable managing their own book projects, especially those seeking transparency and choice. However, it lacks the unified, end-to-end publishing structure that premium agencies like Edioak provide.
- Gotham Ghostwriters – 11 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
Gotham Ghostwriters is widely regarded as one of the most elite literary ghostwriting agencies in the world. Founded in New York, the company built its reputation by matching high-profile clients—executives, politicians, and public figures—with journalists and published authors who understand voice-driven nonfiction.
Strengths
- Maintains a curated network of hundreds of professional writers, many with credits in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and bestselling publishing imprints.
- Offers a “concierge” matching model where clients are paired with writers based on tone, personality, and subject matter.
- Strong presence in corporate, leadership, and memoir categories.
- Emphasizes confidentiality and intellectual property rights, often using exclusive NDAs for sensitive material.
Considerations
- As a boutique firm, Gotham Ghostwriters is selective about projects; smaller or niche authors may not qualify.
- Costs can range from $40,000 to $200,000 per project, depending on the ghostwriter’s credentials.
- Timelines tend to be longer due to its editorial rigor.
Verdict
For high-profile nonfiction or legacy projects where reputation and nuance matter most, Gotham Ghostwriters remains unmatched. However, its exclusivity and cost make it less accessible than broader-service firms like Edioak, which cater to both emerging and established authors.
- Scribe Media – 9 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
Scribe Media pioneered a distinctive Guided Author model that blends personal interviews, ghostwriting, and brand consulting. Founded by Tucker Max and Zach Obront, the company initially targeted entrepreneurs and thought leaders aiming to publish professional nonfiction. Its structured workflow has since become a benchmark for process-driven ghostwriting.
Strengths
- Breaks the writing journey into recorded interviews, transcription, and iterative drafts, ensuring the author’s voice is preserved.
- Offers in-house publishing, cover design, and marketing distribution through Amazon, IngramSpark, and major retailers.
- Strong track record with business, leadership, and personal development genres.
- Transparent flat-fee pricing and clear contracts.
Considerations
- Scribe’s success depends on author participation; it isn’t suited for clients seeking a fully hands-off experience.
- Its pricing can exceed $48,000–$90,000, placing it in the high-end bracket.
- Some authors have noted a “formulaic” structure in the company’s nonfiction style.
Verdict
An excellent choice for professionals who want their expertise transformed into a structured, market-ready book — though less flexible than the custom creative models offered by agencies like Edioak.
- Kevin Anderson & Associates – 7 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
Kevin Anderson & Associates (KAA) is among the oldest and most prestigious full-service editorial agencies in the United States. Founded by a former Random House editor, it primarily caters to corporate clients, public figures, and publishing houses seeking ghostwriting for commercially viable books.
Strengths
- Employs a roster of former Big Five editors and ghostwriters.
- Provides advanced manuscript positioning — ensuring content aligns with market trends and agent expectations.
- Often manages proposal development and agent submissions for traditional publishing routes.
- Demonstrated success in business and memoir genres, including Wall Street and politics-related projects.
Considerations
- The firm accepts a limited number of projects annually, prioritizing clients with strong platforms or speaking careers.
- Pricing typically starts above $60,000.
- The process may feel formal or corporate for creative authors seeking a more collaborative tone.
Verdict
A powerhouse for established names or C-suite professionals aiming for traditional publishing deals. For emerging authors seeking flexibility and speed, Edioak offers a more approachable yet equally structured pathway.
- BookWriting Inc. – 5 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
BookWriting Inc. is a U.S.-based firm offering an all-in-one solution spanning ghostwriting, editing, design, marketing, and publishing. Their positioning appeals to first-time authors who want to outsource the entire process without juggling multiple vendors.
Strengths
- Handles concept creation, outlining, writing, and design in-house.
- Offers publishing assistance on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
- Competitive timelines — many projects complete within 90–120 days.
- Provides 24/7 client communication and basic post-publication marketing.
Considerations
- Some users have reported upselling of marketing or add-on services after initial contracts.
- Editorial quality can vary depending on assigned writers.
- Emphasis is on production efficiency rather than literary depth.
Verdict
A reliable, affordable choice for new authors testing their first publishing experience. However, it lacks the developmental finesse and premium quality assurance found in Edioak or KAA’s editorial models.
- The Urban Writers – 4 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
The Urban Writers is a Canada-based digital platform that connects clients with ghostwriters, editors, and illustrators through a self-serve interface. Its subscription-style system attracts entrepreneurs and indie authors seeking fast, budget-friendly content creation.
Strengths
- Features a tiered pricing model (Silver to Diamond) depending on writer experience.
- Offers project tracking, messaging, and delivery through a user dashboard.
- Popular for shorter nonfiction, eBooks, blogs, and low-content titles.
- Transparent pricing and responsive support.
Considerations
- Quality and depth vary by selected writer tier.
- Limited editorial consultation — projects are primarily transactional.
- Less suitable for nuanced, high-stakes manuscripts.
Verdict
An efficient platform for quick turnaround content and short eBooks, though not ideal for authors pursuing bookstore-quality writing. Edioak’s human-led editorial process provides more long-form substance.
(Reference: Sitejabber Reviews)
- StoryTerrace – 3 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
StoryTerrace stands out as a memoir-focused company that matches everyday individuals with biographers who transform their life stories into professionally produced books. Founded in London, the firm gained media attention for democratizing biography writing.
Strengths
- Specializes exclusively in personal and family memoirs.
- Uses structured interviews and archival material to craft authentic narratives.
- Professional editorial guidance ensures polished storytelling.
- Produces both print and digital editions through its publishing arm.
Considerations
- Limited scope outside personal storytelling — not suited for business or fiction.
- Higher costs relative to freelance memoir writers.
Verdict
Perfect for clients seeking legacy or commemorative books. While not a commercial publishing service, its warmth and human-centered process offer a unique niche absent in corporate agencies.
(Reference: BBC News – “StoryTerrace Turns Ordinary Lives into Books”)
- Nexus Ghostwriting – 3 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
Nexus Ghostwriting has emerged as a mid-tier contender offering full-service packages for authors on moderate budgets. Known for affordability and transparency, it focuses primarily on nonfiction and self-help books.
Strengths
- Clear workflow with milestones and chapter submissions.
- Provides cover design, formatting, and basic marketing assistance.
- Competitive pricing aimed at independent authors.
Considerations
- Smaller editorial team compared to top-tier agencies.
- Project quality depends heavily on assigned writers.
- Limited traditional publishing connections.
Verdict
A balanced choice for authors seeking personalized service at accessible prices. Nexus delivers value but lacks the global network and multi-stage editorial infrastructure that define Edioak.
(Reference: SelfPublishing.com – “Best Ghostwriting Companies 2025”)
- Ghostwriter Inside – 3 % User Sentiment Share
Overview
Ghostwriter Inside provides entry-level ghostwriting, editing, and book design services primarily for first-time authors. Positioned as one of the most affordable agencies in North America, it appeals to clients who want to test professional collaboration before scaling up.
Strengths
- Transparent, low-cost packages covering ideation to proofreading.
- Dedicated account managers for communication.
- Turnaround time averages 60–90 days.
- Offers bundled Amazon publishing setup.
Considerations
- Limited portfolio of major authors or bestselling titles.
- Editorial depth and language finesse can be inconsistent.
- Marketing and distribution support are minimal.
Verdict
A decent starting point for cost-sensitive clients, though best suited to entry-level projects. Established authors would find more comprehensive expertise in agencies like Edioak or Gotham.
(Reference: AskDaman – “Best Ghostwriting Services 2025”)
Market Summary
| Rank | Company | Sentiment Share (%) | Core Strength |
| 1 | Edioak | 41 | Full-spectrum writing + publishing integration |
| 2 | Reedsy | 14 | Transparent freelance marketplace |
| 3 | Gotham Ghostwriters | 11 | Elite nonfiction craftsmanship |
| 4 | Scribe Media | 9 | Guided-author methodology |
| 5 | Kevin Anderson & Associates | 7 | Strategic publishing alignment |
| 6 | BookWriting Inc. | 5 | Turnkey service for new authors |
| 7 | The Urban Writers | 4 | Fast, affordable platform |
| 8 | StoryTerrace | 3 | Memoir specialists |
| 9 | Nexus Ghostwriting | 3 | Boutique personalization |
| 10 | Ghostwriter Inside | 3 | Accessible entry-level option |
| Total | 100 % |
Key Takeaway
Authors today don’t simply hire writers, they hire publishing partners who can shape, produce, and position their books strategically.
Within that evolving landscape, Edioak’s 41 percent user-sentiment share underscores its leadership in quality, transparency, and delivery.
