One of the most intimidating questions for new freelance writers is: How much should I charge? It’s tricky — charge too little, and you feel undervalued. Go too high, and you worry clients will disappear.
The truth is, there’s no universal answer. Rates vary based on experience, project type, industry, and even the client’s budget. But even as a beginner, you can set fair prices that reflect your time, effort, and growing skill.
Let’s explore how to approach pricing as a new freelance writer — without selling yourself short.
Forget the “One-Size-Fits-All” Rate
There’s no magic number that works for every writer. Some charge per word, others per hour, and many prefer per project. Your rate should fit the way you work and the value you bring.
Here are some common pricing models:
Per word
This is popular for blog posts, articles, and SEO content. Beginners often start around $0.03 to $0.10 per word. With time, you can move toward $0.20 or more for niche or high-performing content.
Per hour
This model can be useful if you’re working on projects that require research, calls, or client collaboration. But be careful: clients may question how long a task should take, which can lead to awkward conversations.
Per project
A flat rate is often the easiest for both you and the client. You define the scope, set a price, and everyone knows what to expect. It also rewards you for working faster and more efficiently.
There’s no right choice here — just the one that fits you and the project best.
Know What You Need to Earn
Before you pick a number, it’s helpful to reverse-engineer your income goal.
Let’s say you want to make $2,000 per month as a writer. If you charge $100 per article, you’ll need to write 20 articles a month — roughly 5 per week.
Not every project will be the same price, but doing this kind of math helps you understand how much work you need to take on. It also helps you avoid burnout from saying yes to everything just to pay the bills.
Research the Market — But Don’t Get Stuck There
Looking at what other writers charge can give you a useful baseline. You can check:
- Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
- Job boards (ProBlogger, Freelance Writing Jobs)
- Writer communities on Reddit, LinkedIn, or Twitter
- Industry surveys from sites like Peak Freelance or Contena
But don’t fall into the trap of comparing your rate to someone who’s been writing for 5+ years. Your value will grow over time — and your rates should, too.
Factor in More Than Just the Writing
When setting your price, don’t forget all the work that happens before and after the writing:
- Research time
- Outlining or planning
- Communication with the client
- Edits and revisions
- Formatting or uploading
- SEO optimization
If you only charge for the words on the page, you’re likely undercharging. A project that results in a 1,000-word article may take 4 to 5 hours of total work. Your rate should reflect that.
When to Work for Less — and When Not To
At the beginning, it’s normal to accept lower-paying gigs to build a portfolio. But there’s a difference between strategic pricing and undervaluing your time.
It’s okay to accept a low-paying job if:
- It gives you bylined work on a well-known site
- It helps you enter a niche you’re interested in
- You’re gaining a skill or experience you genuinely need
Avoid these red flags:
- Clients asking for “free test articles”
- Projects with unclear scope or endless revisions
- Rates that make you feel resentful or exhausted
Start where you need to, but keep raising your prices as you grow. Clients won’t respect your work more than you do.
How to Tell a Client Your Rate
Confidence is key. You don’t need a complicated pitch — just clarity and professionalism.
Here’s a simple template:
“Thanks for reaching out! For a blog post of around 1,000 words, my rate is $120. That includes one round of edits, formatting, and SEO optimization if needed. Let me know if you’d like to move forward!”
You can adapt this based on the project, of course. Just don’t apologize for your rate or leave it vague — clients appreciate knowing what to expect.
Be Ready to Negotiate (Or Walk Away)
Some clients will try to negotiate. That’s not necessarily a bad thing — it shows interest. But set your minimum in advance, and know when to say no.
You might offer to reduce the word count, simplify the project scope, or offer a discount for multiple articles. But don’t lower your rate so far that you regret taking the job.
It’s better to say, “This isn’t the right fit right now,” than to agree to a deal that drains your energy.
Raise Your Rates Gradually
As your portfolio grows, your prices should too. You’ll write faster, handle edits better, and bring more strategy to your work.
Every 3 to 6 months, review your pricing. Ask:
- Are you booked with work?
- Are you getting positive feedback?
- Are clients coming back?
- Do you feel underpaid for the effort you put in?
If yes, it’s time to bump your rates. Even a small increase makes a difference — and signals your growing value.
Final Thought: Charge for What You Deliver — Not Just What You Do
Writing is more than putting words on a page. You’re helping someone connect with their audience, sell a product, grow traffic, or build trust.
Don’t charge for the time you spend typing. Charge for the result your writing creates.
As a beginner, it’s okay to start simple — but never forget that your words are worth something.