In the competitive landscape of higher education, a concerning trend is on the rise: students outsourcing their long essays to professional ghost-writers.
This practice, while ethically questionable, has become a significant side hustle for many writers.
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| Ghost writers help students to finish their research work (Source: writing source) |
As more students turn to these services to ease their academic burden, ghost-writers are reaping substantial financial rewards, albeit at a cost to their well-being.
According to Industry Growth Insight the global ghostwriting services market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period, from 2021 to 2030.
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| Some students cannot contain the pressure of academics |
Ghost-writing student essays can be highly lucrative. Writers typically charge between GHS 100 to GHS 500 per page, depending on the complexity and urgency of the assignment.
Beatrice Dotsey Yenu a teacher and mother who is a beneficiary of ghostwriting said some of the ghost writers charge huge amount of money.
"Actually the person that was recommended decided to take GHS 3000 but honestly I didn't have it ", she said.
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| Beatrice Yenu a teacher and mother who is striving to get her degree |
For a 20-page essay, this can mean earning anywhere from GHS 2,000 to GHS 3, 000 and even more.
With consistent demand, some ghost-writers report making upwards of GHS 15,000 to GHS 25,000 a month.
This influx of cash can be particularly appealing to freelancers, graduate students, or anyone looking to supplement their income.
The money earned can cover significant personal expenses, contribute to savings, or even fund further education. However, the financial benefits come with their own set of challenges.
While the financial rewards are substantial, the stress associated with ghost-writing student essays cannot be underestimated.
Ghost-writers often work under tight deadlines, sometimes with as little as 24 hours to complete a detailed, research-intensive paper.
"Sometimes I decline some of the work because I cannot meet deadlines", the ghost writer said
The pressure to deliver high-quality work consistently can lead to long hours, sleep deprivation, and burnout.
Additionally, ghost-writers must navigate the ethical dilemmas and potential legal ramifications of their work.
Academic institutions strictly prohibit plagiarism and fraud, and ghost-writing falls into a grey area that could jeopardize both the writer’s and the student’s academic and professional future if discovered.
The table below outlines the daily and monthly expenses for various categories for Beatrice Yenu's estimated expenses.
As illustrated, the cost of outsourcing just two 20-page essays per month can significantly increase a student’s monthly expenses by nearly 125%.
This added financial burden can strain already tight budgets and may necessitate additional part-time work or loans, further complicating a student’s financial and academic life.
The practice of ghostwriting essays for students is a double-edged sword. While it provides a lucrative income stream for writers, it also brings substantial stress and ethical challenges.
For students, the convenience of outsourcing their work comes at a steep financial cost, adding to their already considerable daily expenses.
As this trend continues, it raises important questions about the pressures of academic performance and the lengths to which students will go to succeed.
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