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?

Ready to Try Your Hand at Freelancing?

I run into a lot of people who are interested in freelance writing, as I am sure most writers do. More and more people are losing their jobs or are in danger of doing so and are turning to freelancing for any extra income they can bring in. This is how I got started in freelance writing as well so I can relate.

Most freelance writing newbies aren't sure where to start though. They know about the higher paying content sites like Demand Studios, but usually aren't being accepted due to lack of experience and good samples. When I first applied at DS I was turned down, but I know it was because I had not written long enough to have some solid samples. A few months into writing I re-applied and was accepted. The trick is to start at some lower paying sites and start composing some great samples that you can use to get higher paying work.

For new writers I generally suggest two websites for them to start out with. Textbroker and Associated Content are great places to get exposure. If you would like some more options and information, please check the right hand side of this blog for some other great writing sites and resources.

For you seasoned freelance writers, how and where did you get your start?