Freelance Writing Rates: And the Debate Rages On . . .

Hi – just noticed your web site for freelance writers and was a little perplexed. I’ve been a writer for about 26 years and I’m a member of the National Writer’s Union, San Francisco, California. In fact there are standards for writers which have been set and which are suggested as the base line for all writers to charge (of course no one has to, it’s merely suggested).

 Without going into lots of detail this is what the going rate is supposed to be:   Writing content for creative writing, reporting, journalism   MINIMUM  $1.00 per word; Marketing, SEO content, corporate journalism — MINIMUM $2.00 per word.  

I know that might sound outrageous because so many writers have fallen for the global crunch and lowered their fee as well as their self esteem just to get some work, however, this is the going rate for English speaking American writers.  

Please consider carefully before suggesting your writers accept positions for $10.00 per story or article. That was the going rate in 1973 when I first began writing. We deserve far more than that. In 1993 I was making $1.00 per word; my 1,200 words stories brought in $1,200.00 This allowed us to write excellent copy because we didn’t have to write a hundred stories a month just to keep bread on the table.  

I’m convinced that good writers need to be aware of what we are really worth and begin holding out for the pay that we are really worth.  

If you would like information about the National Writer’s Union, which by the way was started about 20 years ago in hopes writers would unite in order to forestall the Internet/global problems we’re experiencing now, I’d be happy to send you a phone number for the president.  

Thanks,
[Name was left]
##

My Response

Dear Reader:

Thank you for taking the time to write in on this subject.
 
As a writer with many years under your belt, I’m sure you know that the debate over freelance writing rates is one that is not about to subside anytime soon.
 
What I always advise writers to do is to do their research (eg, what are the norms, for my experience, in my niche, etc.) and then set rates according to what works for them. With the web opening up the world as a market, while this may lower the rate for some, it actually helps others to gain entre into the marketplace.
 
There will always be tiers. Some will shun assignments that they feel are beneath them, while others will be glad to get them. In the end, it is the marketplace that sets the rate for all of us. And that’s as it should be.
 
It’s one of the reasons I like living in a capitalist society. For better or worse, it constantly keeps entrepreneurs (eg, freelance writers) on their feet.
 
Again, thanks for lending your voice of experience to the debate, and continued success to you.

What Do You Think?

Back to my questions, what do you think? Eg:

Should long-time freelance writers accustomed to charging more adjust their rates?  Are you having a hard time landing new gigs? Are “higher-end” freelance writers hurting more now? [Boy, this smacks so much of classism and elitism to me that I cringe even typing it.]

Eliticism, Classism Among Freelance Writers?

I’ll tell you where I’m coming from here. The finger has been pointed a lot to the SEO writing niche for bringing down freelance writing rates. While this may be justified on many levels, some writers seem to suggest that those of us who do this type of writing and/or are not charging “properly” are somehow less qualified, less skilled and just plain desperate for work.

As an SEO writer, I can say that nothing could be further from the truth for me. I have a college degree, have owned two businesses and can write with the best of them. Maybe it’s because I started out in trade publishing, which is notoriously low paying. Or maybe it’s because I never had an interest in pursing higher-paying magazine work that I just don’t get why you have to charge $1/word to be considered legit.

I set my freelance writing rates according to what I need to be able to work from home, pay my mortgage comfortably, save for retirement and still have a life. It seems to me that those at the higher level of the pay scale are the ones scrambling for work now. I know a few SEO writers — and we seem to be busier than ever. 

I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face (ok, purple as black people don’t turn blue), charge according to what you feel comfortable with. If $5 for 500-words works for you, go for it. You’ll soon figure out that that ain’t much of a living and adjust your rates.

But, I won’t knock you over the head with my rate if you don’t.

Your thoughts?

P.S.: For even more food for thought on SEO writing in particular and freelance writing rates in general, read the great post, SEO Copywriters: Real Freelance Writers or Not?

Copyright © Originally posted on June 26, 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).