A good chunk of my work over the years has been as a ghostwriter. Always interesting finding ways to tell compelling stories in someone else's voice. Sometimes they're new, so you can help develop that voice for them. When you find a gem client, hang onto them. There are so many that aren't worth what it can do to your mental health. As for the pay, plenty don't even think about "per word," they think about the overall value of the work. I can't recall the last time I signed a per-word contract.