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85-Year-Old Ghostwriter Thrives in Her 80s
Judy Katz has never been more in demand as an 85-year-old ghostwriter who charges high prices and embraces her wrinkles.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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Judy Katz, an 85-year-old ghostwriter based in New York City, has been running her own ghostwriting venture for the past 20 years. She has ghostwritten 60 memoirs, business books, inspirational books, health books, and novels, charging up to $150,000 for full ghostwriting services. Katz closed her PR firm in the early 2000s to focus on creative writing, her true passion. She never considered retiring and continues to work around 30 hours per week. Katz recently moved into her daughter's 615-square-foot studio apartment, which she had bought for her daughter 22 years earlier.
Why it matters
Katz's story challenges stereotypes about aging, as she remains active, healthy, and in high demand as a ghostwriter in her 80s. She encourages young people and baby boomers to trust themselves and not be deterred by complexity, and she is working to change the conversation around aging, embracing her wrinkles and living life to the fullest.
The details
After a successful career in PR, including roles at Madison Square Garden and the National MS Society, Katz started her own PR firm in the early 1980s. In 2005, just before her 65th birthday, she closed the agency and started searching for book clients, becoming a ghostwriter. Over the past 20 years, she has ghostwritten 60 books, charging up to $150,000 for full ghostwriting services. Three years ago, Katz sold her large co-op and moved into a rental, but when the rent was raised excessively, she bought her daughter an apartment and moved into her daughter's 615-square-foot studio.
- In 2005, just before her 65th birthday, Katz closed her PR agency and started working as a ghostwriter.
- Over the past 20 years, Katz has ghostwritten 60 books.
- Three years ago, Katz sold her large co-op and moved into a rental.
- In August, Katz's rent was raised by $700, which she considered excessive.
The players
Judy Katz
An 85-year-old ghostwriter based in New York City who has been running her own ghostwriting venture for the past 20 years.
Jen Wilson
A woman Katz co-authored the book "Galaxy: The Healing Powers of a Rescue Dog" with, and Katz is determined to help turn it into a movie.
What they’re saying
“I never say I can't do something. If I take on a complex project, I can always find a genius amoeba or a wise boomer to help me get it across the finish line.”
— Judy Katz
“Age is really just a number, and mine isn't up yet, so I will keep living full out.”
— Judy Katz
What’s next
Katz is determined to help turn the book "Galaxy: The Healing Powers of a Rescue Dog," which she co-authored with Jen Wilson, into a movie.
The takeaway
Judy Katz's story challenges stereotypes about aging and shows that it's possible to remain active, healthy, and in high demand as a professional even in one's 80s. Her embrace of her wrinkles and determination to live life to the fullest serve as an inspiration for others to not be limited by their age.
