Does anyone do freelance writing out there? What do people charge?

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   Rhonda_Mposted 12 years ago

   Does anyone do freelance writing out there? What do people charge?
   
   Recently, without really making a huge effort I've had a lot of requests to write web content for private self employed individuals who want websites. I used to work as a freelancer some years ago, stopped doing it, and went into teaching. Now, it seems there's a market for it, except there's a huge range of what people charging/paying, so I run into people who want to pay a little and get a lot, then get huffy when I declare my (very reasonable rates). Hello freelancers out there. What are your thoughts.

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   VeronicaInspiresposted 12 years ago

   Yes.
   
   I use the Writer's Market by Robert Lee Brewer. It's updated every year and in addition to listing all of the paying markets, it sets freelance writing rates for the industry. HIGHLY recommend it--it's the writer's bible.
   
   Here's a great hub about the book also: http://profoundpuns.hubpages.com/hub/Writers-Market

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      Rhonda_Mposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks I'll check it out

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      VeronicaInspiresposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      No problem. I find that once you know what the average is--or standard going rate is, you've in a better position to adjust your rates high or low based on whatever factors go into generating an article for your client. Versus, throwing out numbers.

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   rb11posted 12 years ago

   Rhonda, go read this guys site - http://www.leavingworkbehind.com/
   
   He has some good info about the subject. I learned quite a bit about the business just from his blog.
   
   Regards..

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      C.V.Rajanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      A beginner, who is yet to establish himself, has started writing book on how to write freelance and make money and he starts selling that book for making money! What I found in that blog was nothing but blatant self-promotion! Not trust worthy!

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      rb11posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't get it -- Rhonda asked a question about freelance writing, Tom @ LWB has been making a living at freelancing for over a year, and sharing his successes, failures and resources, and you say it's not trust worthy.

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   misspeachesxposted 12 years ago

   I'm a 20 year old freelance writer who started writing when I was 18. I charge anywhere from $10 to $80+ for articles. My feature magazine articles run anywhere from $150 to $250+ depending on the word count and client.
   
   You're going to find a lot of people out their low-balling work. It's hard to compete with people who will charge $5 for an article that you would charge $20 for. The trick is to get away from content mills and websites like Elance (I've wasted so much time there) where "bidding" for work is done.
   
   Start looking into editorial work or finding independent clients. The Problogger Jobs Board is an excellent place. I'm nearly overbooked for work now thanks to that website I may have to hire help myself!
   
   As for clients who get huffy over payment, don't sweat it. Send them on their merry way and look for those who actually appreciate your work. When a client asks me for a price I tend to give them a higher one than I really would expect. If they go for it, great! If they want to haggle, I'll still get a decent price.
   
   Good luck!

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      Hunbbel Meerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      These are great tips!

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   Rhonda_Mposted 12 years ago

   Thanks everyone who has answered so far. I did do freelance writing a long time ago, in the  mid 80's and early 90's before the Internet. Rates were all over the map back then, but after doing it for 8 years got tired of always having to chase after my money. I have a paypal account, have been doing small jobs etc. It looks like some things haven't changed, and some things have. For the time being, I'll explore a bit more take it one step at a time. Yes, I've heard of all those content mills too (scary)!!

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   elayne001posted 12 years ago

   I write online for different blogs on a regular basis - usually I get paid $20 per 500 words, but I know there are others that offer more. My stories can be found at beachcomberpete.com. I really enjoy writing travel blogs and sharing my experiences. If you want some jobs do a search in google and enter "write for us for pay". You will find plenty of opportunities, but the main thing is to find something you enjoy writing about.

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   vibzposted 12 years ago

   Yes I charge $10 per article of 500 words. Let me know if you have any requirements.

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   Paul Maplesdenposted 12 years ago

   I run an editorial and proofreading business and we sometimes receive requests to write or rewrite content from scratch or from a brief. We tend to write content for businesses, so our rates reflect that. We generally charge £40 ($65) an hour for wiritng and development services.

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      Rhonda_Mposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks. I do get requests to develop blogging strategies for business and to write blog posts. FYI to you, thanks for being useful and not self promotional. Moderation note to everyone else, please refrain from backlinking to your professional site.

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