Charging Per Word - Just Needing Some Perspective

[angeleyez410]

Hiya! I usually charge per article when writing for clients. I've been writing for about 5-6 years now. However, I recently spoke with a potential client that is looking to pay out 0.05 cents per word. For those of you who are freelance writing vets, do you think this is a fair rate? I am just curious of perspectives. Thanks in advance.

[Jenna P]

It's a decent rate, but I'd try and negotiate more if you can with your experience. (Says the person who can't find clients willing to pay 3 cents right now :/).

[angeleyez410]

Thanks, Jenna

[Kiernansmom]

Yep, it's decent, but you might be able to get more. My current clients pay anywhere between $.03 and $.20 per word. I do shoot for at least $.10 per word these days, but I occasionally take less for easy work that pays fast. I would take $.05 on a slower week, but if I was pretty busy, I'd try to get more.

[angeleyez410]

Thank you, Kiernansmom.

[thewriteoption]

I personally aim for at least $.10 per word at a minimum. However, as others have said, I have occasionally taken less for simple projects. $.05 per word is not an awful rate for content requiring little research/work.

[nm2015]

Fun fact: Entry level writers with a Bachelor's degree earn .05 cents per word.

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-co...nd-authors.htm

(Assuming a 500 word article per hour...)

[ShayinSC]

It's decent. Not great, but decent.

[theworkathomemom]

5 cents per word is acceptable, but I would think with your years of experience you can aim for higher. I've been writing for years, but only started it full-time last September, and 5 cents per word is the very lowest I'll accept. I have several clients paying more than that, and I keep working with the clients with the lower rate simply because they are so easy to work with and have never missed or messed up payments.

So, if it's a really awesome client, I stick with them regardless of the lower pay. I feel like it's always a good idea to have extra clients floating around anyway, in case one doesn't work out well. Always good to have backups!