Getting Paid…How Much is Enough?

Figuring out what your work is worth as a freelance writer is sometimes difficult. Here's a brief guide to the average pay rates for freelance writers.

Do you charge by the hour, by the project, by the word?

This all depends on what you're doing. Certain tasks just lend themselves to different pay styles. Here are some samples.

By the hour:

• Publicity/Public Relations
• Advertising or copy writing
• Evaluations, critiquing, editing
• Research, fact checking, proofreading

By the project:

• Speech writing
• Press kits, press releases
• Brochures, Newsletters
• Presentations to groups

By the word, line or page:

• Magazine/newspaper features
• Reviews

How do you decide what to charge?


That's different for everyone and for every task. The first thing you should do when you decide to freelance, part-time or full-time, is figure out how much you're going to charge. There are several things to consider.

First, look at your experience level. If you're a beginning freelance writer, remember that the byline and the clipping or résumé item are part of your salary. Yes, you'd like money in your pocket, and you should always be paid some amount for your work, but the experience can help you secure your next assignment. However, just because this is your first day as a freelancer doesn't mean you're completely inexperienced. Don't forget your educational background and if you have experience in certain fields from your past jobs.

Next, consider how much you need to make from your writing. Look at all aspects of your life. Is your writing going to pay for living expenses, your health insurance, car payment? Or is it supplemental income? For instance, if you spend two days doing a promotional brochure for a new dance school, you need to know how much those two days are worth to you and be prepared to ask for that amount.

Research what other people charge in your area for the same or similar work. Simply ask for a rate sheet from companies or other freelancers. You don't have to explain why. You can also join local writers groups or professional groups or search the Internet.

Are there national averages for pay rates?

Google "what writers are paid" and you'll get a number of websites for all different types of writers, from technical writers to screenwriters. WritersMarket.com has a pdf file entitled "How Much Should I Charge?" that has nine pages of charts showing pay rates for 10 different categories from advertising to audio visual to newspapers. This pdf is only available to subscribing members, but it is only about $3/month to subscribe. The document is well worth $3 if you don't use the site again. If you want to write for T.V. or film, the Writer Guild of America also has a pdf called the "Schedule of Minimums" that outlines the pay rates for a variety of tasks in T.V. and film. Although this is accessible to anyone, it applies only to WGA members, but it will give you an idea.


We can't consider every mitigating factor here, but generally, working from the lists above, hourly rates for such tasks as public relations, evaluations and research, the rates can run from a low of $20/hour to a high of $200. By the project rates vary even more widely between the tasks, locations and potential exposure. A press release may run as low as $125 while a presentation at a national event (if you have the right credentials) could earn you $30,000. Publications sometimes pay by the piece, in general smaller publications like city magazines pay as low as 10¢/word or $25 per short front section articles, while slick national magazines can pay $3/word and up for feature-length articles.

When planning your rate sheet, be realistic, but don't sell yourself short. Then when facing a client, be flexible when the potential is high, but be firm in your negotiations. Finally, keep moving forward to have a solid career as a freelance writer.