How to Raise Freelance Writing Fees

Freelance writing can be a very rewarding career as you work from home and create your own hours. However, it can be quite difficult to figure out how much money you should be making. Many freelance writers struggle with this for the beginning times in their careers. Unfortunately, some freelance writers agree to lower rates than they have to or should, simply because they do not know that they could be earning so much more. Freelance writers tend to be, for the most part, solitary. Not many will speak of their earnings. This leaves it up to individual freelance writers and client to agree upon a fee, and lowers the overall rate freelance writers earn. Even if you are in this predicament now, you can move from it and raise your freelance writing fees without harm.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• Client contact information
• Computer
• Internet access
• Microsoft Word or equivalent

Instructions

1. Figure out how much you need to make per hour. Since you are self employed as a freelance writer you need to figure your expenses. This includes your rent or mortgage, office supplies, internet access, work related phone calls, office furniture and other expenses. Fortunately, freelance writing does not require much overhead. In order to begin making a profit, you must make sure that you make more money than what you are spending on your expenses. Even if you invoice flat fees, figuring out how much you want to make per hour is important. This will help you create an even flow of steady income every week or month. You'll know how many hours you need to work and how much you will make. It just makes everything easier. So, if you can write a 500 word article in one hour and you need to make $25 per hour, you know that you need to charge at least $25 per hour.

2. Write out the writing services you offer and how much you charge for each one. It could be by the word, hour or project. That is up to you. Sometimes it can make more sense to charge by the word for a blog and for the project for a sales page. You must realize what works best for you. Your freelance writing fees may change as you realize some you need to charge more for, and some less. Do not be afraid to change it as needed.

3. Drop underpaying clients. If you have clients you work for that do not meet your new hourly rate you need to let them go. There is no reason to work for less than you are worth. You can get the pay you deserve, but if your time is taken up by a client that won't pay your new rate, just drop them. Finish up the last piece of work if you have to, but let them go after that. Email them an attachment of your new writing fees as explained in the next step.

4. Send all of your clients an email letting them know you have raised your freelance writing fees. Attach your new freelance writing fees in a document listing out your writing services. Prepare a date for when your raised freelance writing fees will take effect. Give it at least 14 days' time. If you have clients that will not agree to the new fees, let them know that you will finish what you have already agreed upon but cannot work with them after that, unless the fees are met. They will either agree to meet your new freelance writing fees, or move on to another writer. It is all right.

5. Writing clients will often try to get work out of freelance writers for less pay by stringing them along. Some will state that they are paying less than what you are asking for because they have a lot of work for you, or the experience is perfect, etc. It does not matter. If a potential client tries this just move on. Remember that you need to make your hourly rate to pay your bills and earn a profit. It's not worth it to lower your rates.

Tips & Warnings

• Be persistentl

• Be firm.

• The calculations in the resource links can be very helpful.

• Stay confident.

• Do not let any potential clients talk you out of your set fees.

Resources

• Putting a Price On Your Capabilities
• 2007 Writing / Editing Average Salaries