If you’re a freelance writer or looking to hire a freelance writer, you might be curious what the rate per word is.
After all, it’s not obvious how much you should be charging or paying.
Is a 1,000 word article worth $50? $100? More? Less?
It’s hard to determine.
So in this article, we cover the average per-word rate for freelance writers in 2024.
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How much should I charge per word for freelance writing?
There is a wide range, anywhere from $0.02 to $1+ per word.
For higher word volume content, such as long-form content, generally the price per word comes down.
For highly skilled sales copywriters who are doing a landing page, they might charge $1 per word or even more.
After all, this makes sense.
If you’re writing long-form content, then the business model might be display ads of affiliate marketing. Or it might be used to help get backlinks to increase the authority of a site.
Over the article’s life, how much revenue does it make? The owner of a business will want to make sure they can get a profit.
If it’s a sales landing page, they expect to make money from that directly, so may be willing to pay a higher per word rate.
How much do freelance writers make per article?
This depends on the length of the article and the skills and experience of the writer.
For legal writing, finance writing, or similarly specialized fields, a writer can command more than $0.10 per word.
For beginning writers or those who are not native English speakers, they may charge as low as $0.02 per word.
How much should I charge for a 2000-word article?
It’s typical to charge anywhere from $40 to $200 for a 2000-word article.
For $40, the work may be done by someone who is not a native speaker and it may not be error-free copy.
For $200, you expect something quite polished, free of spelling and grammatical errors, and perhaps even subject matter expertise.
Then there’s the range in between.
Some copywriters may charge even more than that if their skills demand it.
How much should I charge for a 1000-word article?
Given the typical rate of $0.02-$0.10 per word for longer form, you might expect to charge (or pay) $20 to $100 for a 1000 word article.
$20 might be lower-quality while $100 should be higher-quality.
$50 would be a middle ground.
Tiers of Freelance Writers
Tier 1
Tier 1 is the best of the best and they tend to be very selective about who they work with.
This includes publications like the WSJ, Time, NYT, and others.
They tend to charge $1 per word and above.
Tier 2
These are skilled professional writers with lots of experience and high demand.
They often have a strong personal brand.
Their writing is high quality but may not be at the same level as Tier 1.
They usually command $0.50-$1 per word.
Tier 3
This group is the largest and most freelance writers fall into it.
They may or may not have a personal brand.
They likely have some specialty areas and generally provide good quality copywriting services.
Rates vary depending on skills and experience but are typically in the $0.10-$0.50 per word range.
Tier 4
Tier 4 writers tend to be those demanded by small and mid sized blogs given they can get the job done and aren’t quite as expensive as those in Tiers 1 to 3.
They tend to typically charge anywhere from $0.05-$0.10 per word.
Tier 5
Tier 5 writers are typically from developing countries or those with less experience.
They are often non-native English speakers.
They might charge as low as $0.02 per word or may work for exposure only.
Factors That Impact Rates
There are a few key factors that impact freelance writer rates:
Quality
The quality of writing is the biggest factor that impacts freelance writer rates.
A freelance writer who produces high-quality, error-free copy will command a higher rate than one who doesn’t.
Experience
Experience is also a major factor in freelance writer rates.
Writers with more experience can usually command higher rates than those who are just starting out.
This is because they have a stronger portfolio and track record to show potential clients.
Specialization
Writers who specialize in a particular topic or industry can also command higher rates than generalists.
This is because they have expertise in a specific area that clients are willing to pay for.
Location
Location also plays a role in freelance writer rates.
For example, freelance writers in New York City will usually command higher rates than those in smaller cities or rural areas.
This is because the cost of living is higher in NYC and writers need to make enough to cover their expenses.
Negotiating Rates with Clients
When it comes to negotiating freelance writer rates with clients, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Know your worth
First, know your worth. Research what other freelance writers with similar experience and skills are charging.
Use this information to come up with a rate that you feel is fair.
Negotiation and compromise
Second, be prepared to negotiate. Clients may not always be willing to pay your full rate, so be prepared to compromise.
Walk away if necessary
Third, don’t be afraid to walk away. If a client is not willing to pay your rate, it’s okay to walk away from the project.
It’s better to get paid what you’re worth than to work for less than you deserve.
Value of exposure
Finally, don’t forget about the value of exposure. While it’s important to get paid for your work, sometimes the exposure can be just as valuable.
If a client is not willing to pay your rate but the project has the potential to be beneficial for your career, it may be worth considering.
How Much to Charge for Freelance Writing: 3 Ways to Determine Your Rates
Why paying based on a per word rate is a good idea
Some charge by the hour, which can be a reasonable arrangement.
However, writing is an output-based job.
And both the freelance writer or copywriter and the client can see the number of words as an indication of output. It’s transparent and easy to keep track of.
Advantages of per word rate compensation
There can be a lot of advantages to freelance writers paying themselves on a per word rate.
It allows them to:
-Keep track of their productivity
-Easily see how much they’re earning
-More easily compare earnings between different projects
-Avoid getting paid less for working more quickly
-Can lead to higher earnings overall
Disadvantages of per word rate compensation
Of course, there are also some disadvantages to freelance writers charging by the word.
Mainly, it can incentivize quantity over quality.
Writers may be tempted to churn out low quality work just to hit their word count and earn their fee.
However, if you’re a freelance writer who is able to produce high quality work quickly, charging per word can be a great way to maximize your earnings.
Freelance writing – FAQs
What’s the average freelance writer’s rate per word?
There is no definitive answer to this question as freelance writers’ rates vary based on a number of factors, including quality, experience, specialization, and location.
However, a general range for freelance writers’ rates per word is $0.02 to $0.30, though it can go higher.
What’s the best way to charge for freelance writing services?
The best way to charge for freelance writing services depends on the project and the client. Some clients may be willing to pay by the hour, while others may prefer to pay by the word or project. The most important thing is to come to an agreement that is fair for both parties involved.
What are some tips for negotiating freelance writing rates?
Some tips for negotiating freelance writing rates include:
– Knowing your worth: do your research and find out what other freelance writers with similar experience and skills are charging.
– Being prepared to negotiate: clients may not always be willing to pay your full rate, so be prepared to compromise.
– Walking away if necessary: if a client is not willing to pay your rate, it’s okay to walk away from the project.
– Don’t forget about the value of exposure: sometimes the exposure can be just as valuable as the fee. If a project has the potential to be beneficial for your career, it may be worth considering even if the client is not willing to pay your full rate.
What are some advantages of per word rate compensation?
Some advantages of per word rate compensation include:
– Keep track of their productivity
– Easily see how much they’re earning
– More easily compare earnings between different projects
– Avoid getting paid less for working more quickly
– Can lead to higher earnings overall
Charging by the word can be a great way to maximize your earnings.
This method is also advantageous if you’re a freelance writer who is able to produce high-quality work quickly.
What are some disadvantages of per word rate compensation?
Some disadvantages of per word rate compensation include:
– Incentivizes quantity over quality
– Writers may be tempted to churn out low-quality work just to hit their word count and earn their fee
– Difficult to estimate how long a project will take
– May not be suitable for all types of projects
How Much Freelance Writers Should Charge (This might make you mad)
Summary – The Average Freelance Writer’s Rate Per Word
Freelance writers need to be aware of the average freelance writer’s rate per word in order to determine what they should be charging for their work.
Rates vary depending on factors such as quality, experience, specialization, and location.
When negotiating rates with clients, freelance writers should know their worth and be prepared to compromise.
However, they should also not be afraid to walk away from a project if the client is not willing to pay their rate.
Paying by the word can be a good idea for freelance writers for a number of reasons.
It’s transparent, easy to keep track of, and can lead to higher earnings overall.
However, it’s important to remember that quality should always come first.
If you’re able to produce high-quality work quickly, charging per word can be a great way to maximize your earnings.
