Setting the right freelance writing rates is one of the most critical—and confusing—tasks for any new or seasoned writer. Charge too little and you’ll burn out. Charge too much without justification, and you’ll lose clients. So how do you strike the right balance?

Understand the Different Pricing Models

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The best pricing model depends on the type of content, your experience, and the client’s expectations.

Per Word

• Best for: Blog posts, product descriptions, and articles.
• Common Range: $0.05 – $0.30 for beginners; $0.50 – $1+ for experienced writers.

Per Hour

• Best for: Ongoing content creation, editing, or projects with unclear word counts.
• Common Range: $25 – $100 per hour depending on your skill level and region.

Per Project

• Best for: E-books, website copy, whitepapers.
• Common Range: Can range from $200 to $5,000+ depending on project scope.

Monthly Retainers

• Best for: Long-term clients who want consistent content each month.
• Benefits: Predictable income and better client relationships.

Calculate Your Minimum Acceptable Rate (MAR)

Before quoting any client, calculate your minimum rate to ensure you’re earning a livable wage.

Formula:

1. Desired monthly income
   • Business expenses (software, marketing, etc.)
   • Taxes (20–30%)
2. ÷ Billable hours per month

This gives you your MAR, which helps you set a floor price below which you never go.

Consider Your Experience and Value

Your rate should reflect not just word count, but the value you provide. If your content helps a brand rank on Google or close a sale, you’re delivering ROI—not just words.

• New writers: Start at the lower end but raise rates as you gain testimonials and samples.
• Experienced writers: Show past results (traffic, leads, conversions) to justify premium pricing.

Know What Your Competition Charges

Research what other freelancers in your niche and experience level are charging. Use platforms like:

• Upwork
• ClearVoice
• Contena
• ProBlogger job board

Factors That Can Influence Rates

• Niche: Technical, medical, and legal content pay more.
• Client Type: Startups may pay less than established companies or agencies.
• Urgency: Rush jobs justify a premium.
• Project Complexity: Research-heavy or strategy-based projects pay better.

When and How to Raise Your Rates

• After six months or major client wins
• When you’re fully booked
• If your workload outpaces your income

Let existing clients know ahead of time and always express continued value delivery to justify the increase.

Pricing Mistakes to Avoid

• Underselling Yourself: Don’t charge less than your MAR.
• Overpromising: Stay realistic about what you can deliver.
• Being Inconsistent: Have a clear rate card or base structure.
• Avoiding Negotiation: Be open to packages, not discounts.

Tools to Help You Price Like a Pro

• And.co – for time tracking and invoicing
• FreshBooks – for expense tracking
• Fiverr/Upwork dashboards – for market comparisons