Work fluctuates, with some days having several pieces due at one time. I try to space things out, but those days can be very stressful!

Linsey

Generally, because we are “experts” it is assumed that it should take no more than an hour. I would even say that it should take less than that, as I can do 2 an hour (more or less) of these types of articles. Every writer is different, but $200 an hour for “actual” writing time is not unreasonable. You have to remember that your billable hours are different than your writing hours. You still have to pay for your time spent marketing, job hunting, bill-collecting, insurance, vacation time, sick time, etc. When you figure all that in, $100-$200 an hour is not asking for too much for a freelancer that relies solely on their work to support themselves (or a family.)

That’s just my experience, however. I’m sure others have their own take on it.

At my current level, I keep writing them to pay the bills. I am still at a full time publishing job, but even at the lower-paying level, my freelance income is approaching what I make at my day job. I am also still trying to build a diverse portfolio to exhibit an expert level on multiple topics. Recently (as in the last month), I started landing those $100+ gigs; I pitched my services and offered the price up front, to much success. I needed those well-written $20 articles to get the $100 gigs, which may prove the point that those articles are worth more than $20.

At this point, I’m not finding many $100 gigs advertised, but I am getting business from referrals before I even complete the jobs. I’m also confined to searching for them on evenings and a one hour lunch break. The $20 articles are the foundation of my ability to potentially consider this as a full time opportunity in the future, now that the income is rivaling that of my day job.

I also keep getting the feeling that my $100+ clients are sure they’ve found a ‘gem’ when they hire me. Perhaps that is also an indication of a potential increase in prices.

A 500 word article on a typical blog might average $40-50, assuming you don’t have to link much.

If it’s an article for a corporate blog or a company website, then I’d expect at least $60, and more likely $100.

If it’s an article for a print magazine that is being published exclusively online, I’d expect somewhere around $200.

It also depends on how much work I’ll be getting, the length of the contract, and how pleasant the editors are. Nasty people aren’t worth working with at lower rates. Nicer clients that pay quickly and regularly are worth a discount.

My rates are so varied, that it is difficult to place a single rate on an article. I would guess that I’m making anywhere from $50 for a 500-word article (low end) all the way up to 5-7 cents a character (including spaces) for web content in the 500-word range.

Business is better now that the economy is turning, in my opinion. Freelancers are cheaper to keep, even at premium rates. And for all of you who think there is no $100+ work online, you are mistaken. I thought that too, at first. I set my rates at whatever I could get, and gradually, I found higher and higher rates with each new job. The key is to only accept higher paying, and never lower paying. Work your way up and replace the low-pay jobs as the high-pay come in.

I have found much of my very high paying work from the ad listings on places like this. Also from networking with other writers, writer’s forums, and from directly contacting websites that I know use freelance writers via LinkedIn. Just keep networking! If you can write, sell, and meet deadlines, the business will grow. Consider Reading the Well-Fed Writer books for inspiration on selling your self. It’s hard work, but really, really worth it.

Thanks for the awesome survey!