Freelance Writing Rates

[Donna Dralus]

We're looking to outsource some of our web writing, and have been discussing what rate we should offer freelance writers - particularly for feature articles. 

In my research, I'm finding a lot of different rates, from less than a penny a word to nearly a $1. I'm just wondering if any of you hire freelancers for this kind of work and, if so, what and how you pay them. (e.g. $.40/word, $100/article, etc.)

Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

[Ashley Festa]

Hi Donna,

I'm a freelance web writer and I would suggest that you investigate a writer's clips before deciding on which writer is right for you. As for price, I'd say that the saying "you get what you pay for" rings true with most freelancers. Sometimes you can get a bargain from an awesome writer (or designer, or whatever you're looking to outsource), but you have to get lucky. Reviewing a writer's clips will help you determine whether the writer is worth what you're paying.

I can't give you a per word price range because I price by the project. Talk over what you want with the writer, get them to give you a quote, and see whether you can afford it. Depending how much writing you need will of course affect the price.

Did this help at all?

Ashley Festa

[Donna Dralus]

Excellent points.  I was asked by a self-described "print dog" to find out what the going rate was.  He says he pays per word for the magazine.  But what you describe seems to be standard for a lot of web work.  This will help me discuss options with him.

[JAaronAnderson]

another thing to compliment Ashley's points Id think is important is if the chemistry of the person working with you fits your Brand ... I think harmony in this will translate in work produced. Is the writing team getting the vision of the university to even write about it ? are they on their own discovering the personality of the University's value proposition and is it translating in the work ? also have they written for academia before (or just science journals) ... hth

[Donna Dralus]

You make a great point. I hadn't really thought about this.  I was handed a freelancer and told "work with her." Luckily, the freelancer is an active alum, but I haven't seen past work.  I'll watch for this.

[Michael Fienen]

I'd also recommend not looking into hiring folks for one off, per/word or per/page type writers. I'd look into what you could do with a creative staffing firm to help out, for instance what they do at VitaminTalent. <disclaimer>I work for VT's parent company Aquent.</disclaimer> But that's one of the things they aim to help folks address when you're short handed or have special project needs, and you get away without needing to pay a full salary and get someone that you can be confident can handle the requirements.

[Donna Dralus]

Thanks. I'll check them out.