Losing someone you love is hard enough without the added stress of figuring out how to tell their story in writing. Hiring a professional obituary writer takes that burden off your shoulders — but before you reach out to anyone, it helps to know what you're likely to pay and what drives the price up or down.
What Does an Obituary Writing Service Typically Cost?
Most professional obituary writing services charge somewhere between $100 and $600, with the sweet spot for a standard obituary landing around $150–$300. That range covers a polished, publication-ready piece of roughly 300–500 words, written from information you provide.
Eulogy writing — meant to be delivered aloud at a service — tends to cost more, often $250–$800+, because the writing style, tone, and pacing are more complex. Some providers offer bundled packages that include both an obituary and a eulogy at a slight discount.
Factors That Affect the Price
Several things can move the needle significantly:
- Length and complexity — A brief 200-word notice costs less than a detailed 800-word life story.
- Turnaround time — Rush delivery (within 24–48 hours) often adds a 25–50% surcharge.
- Research and interviews — If the writer needs to interview family members or gather information themselves rather than working from notes you provide, expect to pay more.
- Revisions included — Some services offer one round of edits; others charge per revision after the first draft.
- Experience level — Freelancers on general platforms may charge $50–$100, while specialized obituary writers or those with journalism backgrounds typically charge more and deliver a noticeably higher quality result.
- Add-on services — Proofreading, newspaper submission formatting, or a printed memorial program can each add $25–$100 to your total.
Freelancer vs. Specialized Service: Which Is Better?
You have two main routes when hiring:
Freelance writers (found on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr) are often cheaper, starting as low as $50. The tradeoff is inconsistency — you may need to vet several candidates, and some lack experience with grief-sensitive material.
Specialized obituary and eulogy services focus exclusively on this type of writing. They typically come with sample work, defined processes, and writers who understand how to handle emotionally delicate content. The extra cost is usually worth it for a piece that will be read by family and friends for years to come.
Mercoly makes it easier to compare trusted obituary writing and eulogy service providers in one place, so you're not hunting across a dozen different websites during an already difficult time.
What to Look for Before Hiring
Before you pay anyone, check these boxes:
- Read samples — Any reputable writer will have examples of past obituaries or eulogies available on request.
- Ask about the intake process — A good writer will ask you detailed questions about the deceased before starting. If they don't ask, that's a red flag.
- Confirm turnaround time in writing — Especially if you have a newspaper submission deadline or a service date approaching.
- Understand the revision policy — Know exactly how many edits are included before additional charges apply.
- Look for grief sensitivity — The best providers in this space treat the process as more than a writing job; they listen, ask thoughtful questions, and handle your loss with care.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
A few things can catch people off guard:
- Newspaper submission fees — The writer's fee doesn't cover what the newspaper itself charges to publish. That cost is separate and varies widely by outlet.
- Photo formatting — Some services charge extra to resize or optimize a photo for publication.
- Platform fees — If you hire through a third-party marketplace, the platform may take a cut that inflates the posted price.
A Simple Hiring Process to Follow
- Gather your notes — dates, stories, accomplishments, relationships, and anything that defined the person's life.
- Set your budget and deadline before reaching out to anyone.
- Compare at least two or three providers and review their samples.
- Ask for a quote based on word count, turnaround time, and revision policy.
- Confirm everything in writing before sending payment.
The goal is a piece that feels true to the person you're honoring — not just something that fills column inches or takes up a few minutes at the service. The right writer will help you get there.
Start comparing obituary writing service providers today so you can focus on what matters most — being with the people who need you.