How to Price Your Writing and Boost Earnings as a Beginner Copywriter

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.

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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!