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Freelance Writing Rates: What to Charge for Proofreading, Copyediting, Writing, Etc.

February 28, 2005

Originally Titled: How to Determine What to Charge as an Editorial Freelancer

The following is an age-old question, “What/how do I charge?” Specifically, the inquirer writes:

I’ve recently left a staff job after a few years, and I’m now planning to stick to freelancing. But, I’m not sure of what the going rates are for writing, various types and levels of editing, proofreading, and other editorial work. I understand that different industries and types of organizations have varying rates, but can you give me any “sample ranges:\” for rates to charge, i.e., hourly rates, project rates, page rates, or word rates, or tell me where I can find current rates?

This question is too broad to answer because pricing a job depends on so many factors (breadth of assignment; type of work to be done; discipline (general, scientific, legal, etc.); field (magazine, tech firm, nonprofit, etc.); experience; etc. So, I will give a general answer.

Remember, this is a very general answer. Feel free to chime in and give the writer some feedback based on your experience.

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Read here how I routinely make $250+/day as an SEO writer– and you can too!

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General proofreading/copyediting rates range from a low of $15/hour to a pretty standard $35-$40/hour. Usually, the more specialized the discipline, the more you can charge for these services. Also, your experience level will count here. I’ve rarely seen copyediting go beyond $50/hour though. And, that’s usually for highly specialized disciplines like medical and/or technical copyediting.

$35/hour is about the standard rate for general and $40 is the standard for more technical work.

Proofreading (just proofreading) usually tops out at $25/hour. The lines b/t proofreading and copyediting are so blurred though that most freelancers don’t differentiate between the two.

Editing and writing usually start at a low of $25 hour and can go up to $75 or $100+. Again, the more specialized the discipline, the more you can charge. The lines between editing and writing can sometimes be blurred, but they usually aren’t. A standard rate for editing is $40-$50/hour; for writing, most start at $45 and work their way up.

It’s hard to raise rates in the editorial industry, so I always advise freelancers, especially if they have more than 5 years experience, to start with what they plan to charge for the next 3 years or so because the industry just doesn’t accept too much movement in fees. At least, this was my experience with clients.

One client in my e-book, How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer noted that rates hadn’t changed for copyediting at their firm in 5+ years (they were paying $25/hour). This is a well-respected financial firm that hires a lot of freelancers.

When you are working with companies, you will usually charge by the hour, or a job rate. When you are working with individuals, you might get away with a page rate, depending on what the job is. Again, this is just in my experience.

A note of caution: I would only charge a job rate if I had a lot of experience with the material at hand and knew that I could work through it pretty quickly. Most clients like job rates because they know up front what they will be paying; and, this can work in your favor if you are a fast, efficient worker.

Read more on setting your freelance rates for writing, editing, proofreading, etc. (these are firsthand accounts and discussions). Good luck!

Originally Titled: How to Determine What to Charge as an Editorial Freelancer

The following is an age-old question, “What/how do I charge?” Specifically, the inquirer writes:

I’ve recently left a staff job after a few years, and I’m now planning to stick to freelancing. But, I’m not sure of what the going rates are for writing, various types and levels of editing, proofreading, and other editorial work. I understand that different industries and types of organizations have varying rates, but can you give me any “sample ranges:\” for rates to charge, i.e., hourly rates, project rates, page rates, or word rates, or tell me where I can find current rates?

This question is too broad to answer because pricing a job depends on so many factors (breadth of assignment; type of work to be done; discipline (general, scientific, legal, etc.); field (magazine, tech firm, nonprofit, etc.); experience; etc. So, I will give a general answer.

Remember, this is a very general answer. Feel free to chime in and give the writer some feedback based on your experience.

********************************

Read here how I routinely make $250+/day as an SEO writer– and you can too!

********************************

General proofreading/copyediting rates range from a low of $15/hour to a pretty standard $35-$40/hour. Usually, the more specialized the discipline, the more you can charge for these services. Also, your experience level will count here. I’ve rarely seen copyediting go beyond $50/hour though. And, that’s usually for highly specialized disciplines like medical and/or technical copyediting.

$35/hour is about the standard rate for general and $40 is the standard for more technical work.

Proofreading (just proofreading) usually tops out at $25/hour. The lines b/t proofreading and copyediting are so blurred though that most freelancers don’t differentiate between the two.

Editing and writing usually start at a low of $25 hour and can go up to $75 or $100+. Again, the more specialized the discipline, the more you can charge. The lines between editing and writing can sometimes be blurred, but they usually aren’t. A standard rate for editing is $40-$50/hour; for writing, most start at $45 and work their way up.

It’s hard to raise rates in the editorial industry, so I always advise freelancers, especially if they have more than 5 years experience, to start with what they plan to charge for the next 3 years or so because the industry just doesn’t accept too much movement in fees. At least, this was my experience with clients.

One client in my e-book, How to Really Make a Living as an Editorial Freelancer noted that rates hadn’t changed for copyediting at their firm in 5+ years (they were paying $25/hour). This is a well-respected financial firm that hires a lot of freelancers.

When you are working with companies, you will usually charge by the hour, or a job rate. When you are working with individuals, you might get away with a page rate, depending on what the job is. Again, this is just in my experience.

A note of caution: I would only charge a job rate if I had a lot of experience with the material at hand and knew that I could work through it pretty quickly. Most clients like job rates because they know up front what they will be paying; and, this can work in your favor if you are a fast, efficient worker.

Copyright © Originally published in 2008. Republished 2010: All material on this site is copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written consent (linking to is fine).

Freelance Writing Job Hunting Advice: What NOT to Do When Submtting a Cover Letter for a Job and/or Freelance Assignment

February 24, 2005

Originally Titled: What NOT to do when Submitting a Cover/Intro Letter for a Job/Freelance Assignment

When I was recruiting, I always advised applicants to submit cover letters only on request, specifically in instances of switching from one field to another (therefore the need to explain what skills you think are transferable) and/or to explain gaps in time.

HOWEVER, as a job search drags on and on, a well-written cover letter can be just the trick to get your foot in the door. Following are some guidelines to make yours stand out.

1. DO NOT assume that you can lead the horse to water and he will automatically drink: To explain, when I was recruiting, many applicants would send in the same cover letter and just change the name of the position for which they were applying. This does little to explain how you are best suited for a particular position.

You wouldn’t believe how many recruiters can’t make the connection between your current job and the position for which they are hiring. One possible explanation is that there are many facets of the editorial industry and they all tend to operate differently. Eg, ad agencies are organized and operate differently than magazines, which are different from nonprofits, which are different from tech firms, etc.

So take the time to lay out for the prospective employer exactly how your skills are transferable. If an employer has requested a cover letter, believe me, they read them. Make this work to your benefit by leading the reader gently through your credentials and how you are best suited for the job.

For Freelancers: If you are just starting to freelance, it is particularly important to highlight how duties you performed in your full-time position can benefit an employer.

Don’t state that you are just starting to freelance, simply highlight how your skills are relevant to the position at hand.

2. DO NOT submit a general cover letter: Underscore 2-3 major requirements of the job for which you are applying. One good tip is to take the wording directly from the job description and outline how you did that exact thing in your last/current position. This spoon feeds the reader of your cover letter your credentials in their words.

It’s a subliminal technique that works because the reader instinctively feels that you “get” what the job is all about; you understand what the position entails. At the very least, it keeps your credentials out of the slush pile.

For Freelancers: Ask yourself why this firm uses freelancers and let them know exactly how they can benefit from your experience. Take wording from their website, sales materials, etc. so they get the feeling that you know/can relate to their wants/needs/desires.

3. DO NOT ramble on and on: In the majority of cases, a cover letter should be one page. Your resume gives the nitty gritty details; your cover letter is what makes them want to read further.

For Freelancers: You would write an introductory/sales letter. Keep it brief and attach a brochure or a professional profile; offer to show them your portfolio and/or direct them to your website for more detailed info.

Something to keep in mind: When you are submitting samples (clips, articles, photos, etc.), more is not better. Send in exactly what the job seeker requests. Sending in piles of material only frustrates the screening process and could get your submission sent to the slush pile almost immediately.

This is simply because there are so many applications to wade through when considering freelancers for an assignment that those who don’t follow specific instructions are almost immediately weeded out as potential candidates.

Trust me, I know. I’ve been recruiting editorial professionals like freelance writers since 1997.

Read more on what to do — and what not to do — when applying for freelance writing jobs in Freelance Writer Job Hunting Mistakes to Avoid: Are You Doing Any of These? You Could be Losing Gigs

Good luck when applying!

Note: As of April 6, you must be a subscriber to read new content on InkwellEditorial.com and its sister site on SEO writing, SeoWritingJobs.com. New content includes all posts written after 4/6/2010 (4/7/2010 on SeoWritingJobs.com). Don’t worry, it’s free!

How to Subscribe to Inkwell Editorial & SEO Writing Jobs

There’s a sign-up box on every page of InkwellEditorial.com — right-hand side of the page. Use this to subscribe to both sites (InkwellEditorial.com and SeoWritingJobs.com). When you subscribe, you immediately receive the most recent posts from both sites, as well as all previous posts.

Recent posts you may have missed by not being a subscriber include:

Why I Turned Down a $2,000 – $3,000 Freelance Writing Job That Could Have Led to Even More Work and

How to Land More Clients by Making Your SEO Writing Stand Out from Others.

I look forward to having you as a subscriber.

Yuwanda, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
SeoWritingJobs.com

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Copyright © Originally Published 2005; Republished in 2010. Except where noted, all material on this site is copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written consent (linking to is fine).

Freelance Writer Job Hunting Mistakes to Avoid: Are You Doing Any of These? You Could be Losing Gigs

February 21, 2005

Original Title: One BIG Mistake Editorial Freelancers Make When Applying for Jobs/Assignments

Many freelancers/job seekers fail to follow specific instructions. Although this may seem minor, it is the difference between getting your credentials reviewed, or not.

For example, say you ran across an ad for a freelance assignment and it says send: a) one recent sample on this subject; and b) a professional profile pasted in the body of an email.

I can’t tell you how many times an applicant will send in 2 or 3 samples that are NOT related to the topic at hand and documents attached as Word, .pdf, WordPerfect, etc. This is one sure way to get your application tossed immediately.

Hiring managers make specific requests for specific reasons. Going outside of what is asked for is almost never a good idea because the job poster knows that whenever they seek a freelancer, especially, they are going to be inundated with submissions. So, they set specific guidelines so that they can easily filter through submissions.

For example, if you attach a document instead of pasting it into the body of an email as requested, it may never get read because the person in charge of reviewing submissions may have a policy of not opening attachments because of viruses; or, they may not have the program you submitted your attachment in.

I know you may be applying for many different positions/assignments and that taking the time to cut/paste this resume, attach that one, send that one as a .pdf file can be time-consuming and frustrating. However, this is just part of the process of seeking jobs/assignments.

Do You Make More Money as an Editorial Freelancer When You Specialize?

February 18, 2005

Most editorial freelancers can do a myriad of jobs — and do them quite well, I might add. However, it’s hard to convince employers of that, so I always advise freelancers to specialize to increase income.

This can be explained by just looking at the “human side” of hiring. I got an up close and personal look at this during my 7+ years of recruiting for on- and off-site editorial jobs/assignments when I owned my staffing agency in New York City (1996-2004).

When a company decides to hire a freelancer, it usually means they are on deadline. In-house staff are usually either too busy or don’t have the skill set to complete the job on time. So, hiring a freelancer who already has the skills/knowledge necessary to complete the job makes the most sense — time and money wise.

With the advent of the Internet, many freelancers take the position of “all it takes is a little research and I could handle that assignment.” BUT, it’s human nature to be more comfortable with someone who specializes than deal with a generalist, a jack-of-all-trades if you will.

Further, the person responsible for hiring freelancers has a lot on the line. Just think, if the freelancer fails to turn in the project as specified, they will be in the hot seat. And, if the freelancer’s credentials don’t measure up, how will they explain that to higher-ups?

Many times I had what I felt were extremely qualified applicants who didn’t have the “exact” skill set, but had easily transferable skills. However, many clients had stringent requirements — particularly for freelancers — from which they would not deviate.

Every once in a while, I was able to convince an employer to give a freelancer a chance to prove him/herself on an assignment, but it wasn’t often. These were usually long-time clients who had come to trust my judgment over the years. My take: it’s human nature to protect your own carcass — and that is basically the bottom line.

So, cultivating a specialty — eg, medical editing, legal translation, insurance content provider, etc. — makes it infinitely easier to target your marketing messsage and get more assignments.

To garner even more assignments, broaden your reach within your speciality. For example, if you are a medical editor, try hosting a teleconference teaching others how to be a medical editor (broadens your speaking skills); and/or writing an e-book on how to become a medical editor (heightens your professional profile).

An article on Entrepreneur.com expounds upon this idea, stating:

There are a number of very valid reasons for choosing a well-defined market niche. By targeting a very specific market segment, you can tailor your service menu, marketing efforts and customer service system to meet that segment’s needs. You can refine your marketing efforts and gain a reputation within the industry for expertise in certain areas–which means you can charge more.

Think about it: In the medical field, who earns more–a family practitioner or a neurosurgeon? The neurosurgeon, naturally, because he’s a specialist, and what he does requires greater skill.”

What’s your opinion, experience, comment, feedback? Do you specialize? Why or why not?

Editorially yours,
Yuwanda Black, Publisher
InkwellEditorial.com
SeoWritingJobs.com
P.S.: Find this post informative? Follow Inkwell Editorial on Twitter.

P.P.S.: Want an easy, fast way to get started in affiliate marketing, making as much as $50, $100 or $150/day?

Get How to Make Money Placing Ads on Free Classified Ad Sites (ie, Backpage.com). If you want to make some easy money promoting affiliate products on free classified ad sites, this ebook is for you. I’ve personally sold tens of thousands of dollars of e-products (my own and affiliate products) doing this since January 2009.

Copyright © 2005: All material on this site is copyright protected and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without my written consent (linking to is fine).