What to charge: guide to freelance writing rates

My first sale was a short story to a now-defunct magazine, for $10. Like Mimi in this week's strip, I never did cash the cheque. But now I'm curious...how many of you remember your First Sale? And did YOU cash your cheque?

I've had a growing number of e-mail queries asking me about freelance rates, so I thought I'd put together a list of some useful resources for this column instead. If you know of any others, feel free to suggest them in the comments section.




The print version of the annual Writer's Market always has a section devoted to pay rates for freelance writers.

How much should a freelancer charge? by Moira Allen, from Writing-World.com. Should you charge by the word or by the hour? Why time isn't the only factor.

Putting a price on your capabilities: How to set your fees as a freelance writer: by Debra Jason. According to this article, determining your fee depends on your overhead, your experience, and your geographic location.

What To Pay A Writer: Canadian freelance rates based on PWAC's rate guidelines.

NUJ freelance fees guide: part of the Freelance Fees Guide. Listed rates refer to articles that appear for the first time in a UK publication.

Freelance pricing strategies: articles on how home-based business services set pay rates.

Copywriting fees: Focus is on copywriting, but there's useful info here for freelancers in general.


Ultimately, however, freelance writing rates will be what the market will bear. Some writers post their rates online, you can find some of them by typing "rates for writing services" or "freelance writing rates" into Google.

You can also check Inkygirl's list of jobs/market resources for places where individuals and companies will sometimes post job listings, including what they are willing to pay writers, or search for writing-related job listings in general job boards.