by Aaron Belz
The first question most aspiring freelance writers ask themselves is, “Where do I find paying gigs?” But once a writer finds that first freelance gig, they often ask, “How much should I charge?”
They ask this question, because often their clients ask them. In the beginning, this can be one of the most stressful parts of the freelancing process: Trying to set rates that don’t scare away clients, but that also help put dinner on the table.
Maybe that’s why the “How Much Should I Charge?” pay rate chart is one of the most popular and useful pieces of the Writer’s Market. Freelancers use the rates to justify their worth on the market to potential clients, and clients use the chart as an objective third party authority on what the current market is paying.
Use the following chart to help you get started in figuring out your freelance rates. If you’re a beginner, it makes sense to price yourself closer to the lower end of the spectrum, but always use your gut in negotiating rates. The rate on that first assignment often helps set the expectations for future rates.
As you find success in securing work, your rates should naturally increase. If not, consider whether you’re building relationships with clients that lead to multiple assignments. Also, take into account whether you’re negotiating for higher rates on new assignments with familiar and newer clients.
Remember that smarter freelancers work toward the goal of higher rates, because better rates mean one of two things for writers: Either they’re able to earn money, or they’re able to earn the same money in less time. For some freelancers, having that extra time is worth more than anything money can buy.
Use the listings in Writer’s Market to find freelance work for magazines, book publishers, and other traditional publishing markets. But don’t restrict your search to the traditional markets if you want to make a serious living as a freelance writer.
As the pay rate chart shows, there are an incredible number of opportunities for writers to make a living doing what they love: writing. Maybe that writing critiques, editing anthologies, blogging, or something else entirely.
While this pay rate chart covers a wide variety of freelance writing gigs, there are some that are just too unique to get a going rate. If you can’t find a specific job listed here, try to find something that is similar to use as a guide for figuring out a rate. There are times when you just have to create the going rate yourself.
Thank you, Aaron Belz, for assembling this pay rate chart and sharing your sources in the sidebar below. I know it will help more than one freelance writer negotiate the freelance rates they deserve.
—Robert Lee Brewer
Here are the organizations surveyed to compile the “How Much Should I Charge?” pay rate chart. You can also find Professional Organizations in the Resources.
AARON BELZ is the author of The Bird Hoverer (BlazeVOX), Lovely, Raspberry (Persea), and Glitter Bomb (Persea). A St. Louis native, he now lives and works in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Visit him online at belz.net or follow him on Twitter @aaronbelz.