by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: February 11, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

For 20+ years, I've been freelancing for corporate and agency clients. My fees have varied somewhat, depending on the project. (I've had special-interest articles published for $25, and I've billed clients upwards of $100 per hour.)

The simplest answer is this:

If you were working full-time for a given client, what would be your annual salary? (Be honest here. Run a check on a website like www.salary.com, if you're not sure.)

Take that number, and divide it by 2,000. (40 hours x 50 weeks). Now you have a starting point for an hourly rate. You can bill clients by the hour, or you can project an estimate and bill them for the total project.

However, several variables apply:

1) If you are just getting started, then it will be important to build your client base and your portfolio. You might consider taking your first assignments on a fee-per-job basis. You may even accept a lower pay-rate, just to get things rolling. (Even pro bono/free projects may prove worthwhile, for network-building.)

2) Different types of writing tend to earn different amounts, based on the levels of experience and expertise that may be required. A highly technical piece or a top-level executive speech may command a higher billable rate than a simple media release or newsletter article.

3) If you are trying to branch out into a new field, then you may decide to reduce your rates. You might consider this an investment in new business development.

4) Poetry, short fiction, essays, and other creative writing pieces are priced altogether differently. Check the current issue of the annual WRITER'S MARKET for details.

Most of all, the writing business can be very rewarding, but it can also be brutal. If you love it, you won't be able to live without it. It's got to be a passion - so that you will want to write every day - whether folks are willing to pay you for it or not! A true writer will keep on writing, no matter what.

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