The Great Debate — How Much Should A Writer Charge?
Several prominent bloggers have addressed this issue lately. In fact, I have found myself in the middle of this debate several times the last few weeks. What should you charge? What pay scale should you follow? What should you pay for outsourcing various services?
I admit that I pay too much for some things, and not enough for others. My biggest word of advice is to research, do your homework (aka competitor/industry espionage 
) and start off where you feel comfortable.
Many have complained about writing for less than $10 an article. It stinks, but in my opinion, you’ll take what you can get to make sure the rent gets paid at the end of the month. Do I recommend it? Yes and no.
I hated writing for peanuts, but with no education, no experience, and a dire need for extra money I took them. Lots of them. However, I gained more from those low paying jobs than I did from jobs that pay much higher.
When I made agreements for low paying work, I asked for information. I asked for feedback, which I used to gain higher paying jobs. I asked for information on SEO, and received valuable tips and hints from people who have been in the business for years. I asked confidentiality on pricing in exchange for recommendations and word of mouth advertising.
Eventually, I had a full workload that paid higher than I expected. Those small jobs helped me gain what I needed to enter the higher paying markets.
I no longer do these jobs, nor do I recommend that others follow my path. I’m simply stating that I think experienced writers are unfair when they look down on other writers who work for less when they don’t know the entire story. I understand that it holds prices down, but this generally shouldn’t be an issue.
Four reasons for this:
- While I dislike the basic principle, some customers are interested in an article stuffed with keywords, and only enough ‘filler words’ to keep Google from considering it spam. Generally, these articles fall towards the lower end of the pay scale. They aren’t interested in content or quality. For unconfident beginners who need the experience and the cash, these work well. These articles become a chance to test the waters and see what’s available. Experienced writers refuse to take this type of project. It all evens out in the end.
- Customers interested in quality content are looking at the higher end of the scale. These clients want quality, well-written content, and normally don’t have the patience to deal with newbie writers who have never composed a piece. I’m not saying there aren’t any, but they are few and far between. Anyone who has bid on a project can vouch for that. They see the higher price tag as an assurance that they will get exactly what they need. The first time.
- For writers a little short in the ‘fame’ department, big writing jobs might come along on a regular basis, but they aren’t enough to keep the wolves from the door. They have to take the smaller jobs to keep their head above water while they are chasing the bigger fish.
- Writers from other countries can afford to work for less because of the differences in our economies. Not their fault. In fact, I would do the same thing in their position.
I will launch a new site offering a completely new set of services in the next few weeks. This means I need an entirely new price structure. I will not be taking the same path, but I still need to choose wisely. The Internet leaves very little room for mistakes.
I have considered my pricing structure for writing/coaching here as well. While I would like to increase my prices, I feel that it would be unfair to the market I am currently targeting. I am out to make ends meet, and help others. So long as I can continue this way without going under, I will continue to do so. If I need or want the additional income, I will aim at a different market. My prices will remain the same for now.
All in all, I see working your way up the pay scale far more notable than waking up one morning and saying ‘I think I’m going to write for $200 an article today.’
If it was that easy, everyone would do it. I’d be retired, and living out my dream. End of story.
This may lead you to ask what the standard pricing method is. While I would like to lead you to a page that tells you exactly what to charge, I can’t. There isn’t one. You need to charge what you feel comfortable with. It should cover all of your expenses, and make a profit that meets your needs.
If you are trying to decide what to charge, or are looking to increase your rates, here are a set of posts that will give you insight into this area:
On deciding what to charge for your writing services…
- Hourly Rate Calculator from Freelance Switch
- Professional Practice from Step Inside Design
- Five Things To Know Before Setting Your Prices from CatalystBlogger
- A Pricing Strategy for Everyone from Startup Students
- How Much to Charge for Freelance Writing from Imagine This Writing.Net
- Calculating Your Freelance Rates (A four part series) from Freelance Sprout
- Setting Writer Rates: It Costs Money To Make Money by Men with Pens (aka The Original Pen Man)
On raising the prices for your written work…
- How To Get What You’re Worth from Self Made Chick
- 7 Ways to Wipe Out Price Resistance from Freelance Writing Success
- Freelance Blogging for Side Income: My Top 10 Tips from AnyWired
- Problogging Tips: Get Smart, Leverage Your Research from Performancing
- Bill More, Work Less: The #1 Way Freelancers Can Make More Money from Write to Done
- How to Start Charging Your Dream Rates, and Get Away with It from Freelance Switch
- A Simple Way to Stop Clients from Rejecting Your Proposals from Freelance Folder
January 24, 2009 at 10:49 pm | For the Writer | 11 comments
I’m a newbee to the whole freelancing journey, and I’ve tumbled upon this blog. Here’s my question: can one actually make a living freelancing? I’m a SAHM of four and am seriously considering freelancing as a way to supplement our income, but have no idea where to start! I have clips – in my former life I worked for a newspaper, writing feature stories and parenting articles for both the paper and a glossy mag. There is so much information out there! Where on earth do I start!
Hi Tonya,
First of all, welcome! And to put your mind at ease, yes! There are lots of us out here that make a full-time living from our freelancing profession. While I can’t speak for anyone else, I can tell you that I make considerably more writing from home than I did working outside of home for not a bad wage. I know many, many others that are highly successful. A large number of them have done well enough that they can outsource to other writers.
That being said, I want to mention that it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes work to get there. Writing online, working for yourself, balancing work/home, and finding the right clients takes persistence and a bit of a learning curve. It isn’t necessarily hard, but it isn’t a walk in the park either. (I only mention this because some become discouraged after missing their goal income the first few months.)
You’re right when you say there is a lot of information out there. The trick is to find out what works best for you, and what doesn’t. It boils down to trial and error. Start by deciding what topics to write about (some or all), what type of writing you would like to do (sales copy, blog posts, articles, etc.), and where to find your ideal clients.
I think this thread will help you out: http://www.professionalwebcontent.com/category/freelance-writing-101
I would suggest starting with these posts will help give you a bit of direction:
http://www.professionalwebcontent.com/freelance-writing-101/problems-solutions-freelance-writing-online-fridays-question-answer
http://www.professionalwebcontent.com/freelance-writing-101/freelance-writing-for-you-like-write
Try out some of the ideas presented there. If they work well, and you are happy doing it, start actively seeking clients
Hope that helps!
Angie
I’m glad to see some practical advice on this subject, and one that recognizes how complex the issue of what to charge can be. Thanks for the common sense, and for the resourceful links.
Amy’s last blog post..Writing Begins with One Word
Thank you. I guess that is the point that has frustrated me. So many can say don’t charge more than X or less than Y, but they don’t stop to consider the other factors that surround that. In fact, there was a very similar discussion at MenwithPens.Ca this morning on asking customers about their budgets. The reality is that there never will be a standard rate. I have set mine in line with others, and it works for me and my clients. The reality is that this job would be perfect if it wasn’t for a constant number game going on behind the scenes
Wouldn’t it be nice if customers would just line up and automatically paid us what we’re worth for each project?
Thanks for the links and input. It’s great to hear that one can make a living this way. With my kids’ schedules and wanting to be “there” for them, I really need something much more flexible than the writing jobs I’ve had in the past. And I’m in a good place right now to go through the trial and error – while extra income at this moment would be nice, we’re getting by on one. So I have a few years before my youngest goes to school to figure this out! Thanks again!
You are so very welcome! Be sure to keep in touch and let us know how you make out!
Wow, Angie, I’ve been missing out! I came over here digging through your archives looking for that post where you tagged me for the meme–and came across this! I love it. I gave it a stumble and review so other freelancers can find it and benefit from you wisdom. Way to go, girl–awesome post!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele’s last blog post..Don’t Let Your Past Keep You from Your Future
Thanks Michele! Yes, this little argument made me feel it was necessary to give my point of view. Most new writers underestimate themselves. Experienced writers often forget they need to work their way up the scale so to speak. Thank you for the stumble and the review! It’s greatly appreciated.
Angie
Hey there! You’re welcome.
I was digging for that meme post (I found it) ’cause I’m writing the post and was delighted when I ran across this post. You know, I earn different rates for different things (I think a lot of freelancers do) but my rates are increasing over time and I’m building my reputation so I’m enjoying the journey. 
*smiles*
Michele
Michele’s last blog post..Don’t Let Your Past Keep You from Your Future
Ha! I just realized I kept writing the word “post” in the comment above–sorry! My brain is in a gazillion directions. For instance, I’m currently writing 3 different blog posts on 3 different topics at the same time! LOL
Michele’s last blog post..Don’t Let Your Past Keep You from Your Future
lol You can edit it if you want to, but I think we all do that. I’m particularly bad at it on Twitter where I fail to think through each response. Glad to see you’re busy though. Busy is always good