How Much to Charge for Freelance Writing
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Determining How Much to Charge for Freelance Writing and Editing Services
Determining how much to charge for freelance writing and editing jobs can be difficult for new and experienced freelancers alike. Although many freelance writers or editors who only do one type of writing or editing work are able to figure and stick with a flat hourly or per-project rate, most writers and editors aren't so lucky. The majority of freelance writers and editors do various types of work and adjust their rates accordingly, depending on the project's specifications, difficulty level, and time commitment. The aimed for rate is often a combination that balances work per word, per hour, and/or for the entire project.
Factor a Realistic Goal
The first step in determining how much to charge for freelance writing and editing jobs is to make a basic plan for necessary income. Figuring required earning per year, per month, or per day, and dividing by the number of billable hours can generate basic hourly freelance writing rates and freelance editing rates to aim for. Freelance writers and editors must factor in expenses and overhead costs, such as insurance, taxes, equipment and software, as well as ordinary household expenses like mortgage or rent, utilities, and phone bills. Once a goal rate has been determined, it will be necessary to evaluate whether this rate is reasonable. After all, if a rate is too high, clients will simply hire another writer or editor.
Compare With Standard Market Rates
When figuring out how much to charge for freelance writing and editing work, learning how much other freelancers in the industry charge can help. Standard market rates for freelance writers and editors vary greatly depending on the type of writing or editing work. Freelance copywriting rates for advertisements average $100 per hour, $3000 per project. Freelance writing fees for press releases also average $100 per hour, but only $500 per project, because there are fewer pages of work involved. The average rate for content editing for textbooks is $50 per hour, $1800 per project. Copyeditors average $35 per hour, $3500 per project.
Consider What the Job Entails
When trying to decide how much to charge for freelance writing and editing, remember that no two writing or editing projects are the same. Some freelance writing jobs require extensive research and/or interviews. Other writing jobs, copywriting work in particular, will require carefully reviewing and studying a client's business plan, marketing materials or products. Corporate writing jobs often require in-person meetings or conference calls. Freelance editing jobs for book authors usually require frequent contact. Drafts, revisions, communications, research time, and expenses must all be factored in to a freelance writer's rates or a freelance editor's rates. Always learn what a job entails before quoting a rate.
Looking for freelance writing jobs or editing work? The Go Freelance job board features new freelance writing/editing jobs daily, plus resources like free ebooks and articles to help freelance writers and editors learn how to make more money freelancing.
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