If you’re a writer looking for a steady stream of work, or an established professional with experience and expertise to offer, writing articles is a great way to earn extra cash. However, determining how much you’ll get paid for writing articles can be tricky. The answer depends on the type of writing you do, your industry and the client you’re working with.
A ‘Client-Based’ Approach
The most common way to earn money as a freelance writer is by charging per word or by flat project rates. This model allows clients to estimate what they need, and the writer can set a price accordingly.
When pricing a job, it’s also important to consider the amount of time that will be required to complete the work. For example, if you need to research the topic of an article and interview a few experts, that time will take up more than your quoted rate might indicate.
In these situations, it’s best to charge a higher per-word rate than your average. For instance, if you estimate that it will take you about 30 minutes to write an article, you should quote at least $200.
Alternatively, if you’ve been asked to write a 1,000-word article that requires extensive research and interviews, it may be better to charge $1,500. You could even quote $3,500 if the article is in an industry with high demand.
Another option is to work with a content-writing service. These services have large, stable clienteles and tend to be more credible in their customers’ eyes than freelancers.
They usually charge between $0.05 and $1 per word for blog or high-volume content sites, and up to $2.50 or more for elite news sites, trade publications and other high-end outlets. The service will usually handle a wide range of projects, from writing blogs to editing and formatting articles for websites or newsletters.
Many freelancers choose to work with these platforms because they have a proven track record of providing high-quality work and reliable, predictable earnings. In addition, they provide an extra layer of security and protection in the event that you have an issue with a client.
Some of these services also have a ‘no-fuss’ approach to payment. For instance, some of them will pay you a guaranteed amount every week or month, so you don’t need to worry about having to negotiate with the client.
When choosing to work with these services, make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully and understand their fees. Some also offer a discount for larger volume of work, which can help you to save on time and expenses.
A ‘Stay-at-Home’ Approach
Lastly, some writers opt to work from home instead of working with a client in person. This allows them to avoid wasting time on travel and maintain their normal schedules.
A ‘Stay-at-Home’ approach to freelance writing can allow you to work when and where you want, while still earning a decent income. It’s also a great way to build your portfolio, get a feel for different industries and niches and use the experience to secure higher paying work in the future.
