Comments on: The Great Debate — How Much Should A Writer Charge?

By: Angie H

Angie H — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:27:58 +0000

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

By: Michele

Michele — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:24:49 +0000

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

By: Michele

Michele — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:21:09 +0000

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

By: Angie H

Angie H — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:17:13 +0000

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

By: Michele

Michele — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 17:04:01 +0000

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

By: Angie H

Angie H — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:51:57 +0000

You are so very welcome! Be sure to keep in touch and let us know how you make out!

By: Tonya P.

Tonya P. — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:18:48 +0000

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!

By: Angie H

Angie H — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 02:23:16 +0000

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?

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:28:40 +0000

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

By: Angie H

Angie H — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:11:15 +0000

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