Setting Freelancing Rates

Recently I was asked what my rates are as a freelancer writer. I had to stop and think. I didn't know! I have always been told what the assignment paid and then I accepted or I passed on it. And since I write mostly for content sites, negotiating is not really an option. So, what did I do? I sat down and set some rates for myself.

Boy, it sure was hard though! It's difficult to know how to judge the value of my work. I surfed the Internet and looked at the rates of other writers, both new writers and more experienced writers. Then I thought about what I earn now. Too many times I find myself writing something and thinking, "If I just got paid an extra $5 I wouldn't complain as much."

All this resulted in me setting some rates I feel are reasonable. These rates are much lower than what seasoned writers charge, but they are also a little higher than what some new writers are willing to work for. Granted I am writing for content sites that pay less, but I don't want to do that forever.

These are my rates:

Original Articles
250-400 words $15
401-600 words $20
601-750 words $25
751-1000 words $30

Article Rewrites
250-400 words $6
401-600 words $10
601-750 words $15
751-1000 words $20

Editing Services
Up to 500 words $4
501-750 words $6
751-1000 words $8

I hope this post will inspire you to think about your own rates. Those of you who have set your rates, how did you decide?