One of the most important—and challenging—decisions for a new freelancer is learning how to price your writing. Set your rates too low, and you risk burnout with little to show for it. Set them too high without credibility, and you may scare clients away.
Whether you’re just starting out or trying to adjust your freelance rates, knowing how to price your writing correctly is key to attracting quality clients and growing your income. In this article, you’ll learn how to set competitive prices, boost earnings sustainably, and position yourself as a professional writer.
Why Learning to Price Your Writing Is Essential
As a beginner copywriter, your pricing doesn’t just determine how much you earn—it also affects how clients perceive your value. Pricing too low may suggest you lack confidence or experience. Meanwhile, proper pricing can:
- Position you as a skilled professional
- Attract better-quality clients
- Help you boost earnings and avoid burnout
- Allow you to grow a long-term, sustainable writing career
Pricing is not just about money—it’s about mindset, value, and positioning in a competitive market.
Common Pricing Models for Freelance Writers
💡 Understand Your Options Before You Price Your Writing
Before choosing your rates, it’s essential to understand the most common freelance writing pricing structures:
1. Per Word
- Most common for blog posts and web content.
- Rates range from $0.03 to $1.00+ per word, depending on experience and niche.
- Useful when the scope is clear and word count is fixed.
2. Per Hour
- Best for research-heavy or open-ended projects.
- Rates typically range from $20 to $100/hour.
- Clients appreciate transparency, but tracking time accurately is essential.
3. Per Project
- Great for packaging value and securing larger deals.
- Example: $150 for a 1,000-word blog post (including research, writing, and one revision).
- Helps you get paid for results, not just time.
4. Retainers
- Ongoing, monthly contracts for regular content delivery.
- Helps build consistent income and client loyalty.
📘 Learn more about pricing strategies from Freelancer’s Union and Content Marketing Institute.
Factors That Should Influence How You Price Your Writing
Pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Consider these variables to set realistic and competitive rates:
✅ 1. Experience Level
- Beginners typically charge less but can still aim for fair pay.
- As you build a portfolio, increase rates with confidence.
✅ 2. Complexity of Work
- Technical or specialized topics (like finance or health) should earn higher fees.
- Simple listicles or product descriptions may have lower rates.
✅ 3. Turnaround Time
- Rush jobs or tight deadlines should include a rush fee.
✅ 4. Client Budget
- Some startups have tight budgets. Corporations usually pay more.
- Adapt your offer without undervaluing your worth.
How to Set Your Initial Writing Rates (Without Underselling Yourself)
Setting your initial rate is a balance between competitive pricing and valuing your time and skill. Here’s a quick process to help you price your writing smartly:
📊 Step-by-Step Guide:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. | Estimate how many hours the task will take (include research, writing, editing). |
| 2. | Decide your ideal hourly rate (start with $25–$35/hour as a beginner). |
| 3. | Multiply hours × rate to determine a base project price. |
| 4. | Add a buffer for revisions and taxes (10–20%). |
| 5. | Round up for simplicity and confidence (e.g., $118 → $125). |
This method ensures you’re not guessing—you’re basing your price on time, effort, and realistic expectations.
Boost Earnings Without Working More Hours
💰 Want to Boost Earnings? Don’t Just Work More—Work Smarter.
There are plenty of ways to increase your income as a writer without adding hours to your schedule. Here are some of the most effective:
1. Specialize in a Niche
- Niche writers are perceived as experts and can charge more.
- Focus on high-paying industries: tech, SaaS, health, finance, legal.
2. Offer Value-Add Services
- SEO optimization
- Content strategy
- Keyword research
- Social media captions or repurposing content
Adding these boosts the value of your packages—and your rates.
3. Package Your Services
Instead of charging $100 for one blog post, offer:
- 4 blog posts/month for $400
- With free image sourcing and 2 rounds of edits
4. Upsell to Existing Clients
Already writing blog posts? Offer to create:
- Newsletters
- LinkedIn posts
- Case studies or whitepapers
Clients who trust you are more likely to buy again.
How to Communicate Your Prices With Confidence
Knowing how to price your writing is half the battle—communicating your rates with confidence is the other.
💬 Use Phrases Like:
- “For a project of this scope, my rate is…”
- “Based on your goals and timeline, the total investment would be…”
- “This package includes research, SEO, two revisions, and delivery within 7 days.”
Avoid saying:
- “I’m not sure what to charge…”
- “I can lower my rate if needed…”
- “What’s your budget?”
Confidence builds trust. And trust closes deals.
Pricing Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner Writer
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what works.
❌ Avoid These Common Pitfalls:
- Charging by instinct instead of strategy
- Saying yes to unpaid “exposure” work
- Ignoring taxes and payment processing fees
- Accepting low rates just to get clients
- Not raising your prices as you grow
You’re running a business—treat your pricing like it.
✅ Conclusão: Price Smart, Write Strong, and Boost Your Income
Learning to price your writing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a confident, thriving career. The more strategic you are about pricing and positioning, the faster you’ll boost your earnings and attract clients who value what you bring to the table.
👉 Now it’s your turn:
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to pricing your writing?
Share in the comments or tag someone who needs this guide!