Charging for Freelance Work the Smart Way

Posted: August 11, 2015

When starting out as a freelance writer, figuring out what to charge can be the biggest challenge. Charging too much, or too little, may affect the growth of your business. These tips can help new freelance writers set project-based rates, that increase earning potential. Mike McDerment, contributor to The Write Life, shares the perks of switching from hourly to project-based rates.

The Smarter Way to Set Freelance Writing Rates: Avoid Hourly Work

The following is an excerpt from Breaking the Time Barrier: How to Unlock Your True Earning Potential, a free ebook offered by our friends at Freshbooks. In the ebook, Freshbooks co-founder, CEO and co-author Mike McDerment makes the case for independent workers earning what you deserve for your hard work. On Friday, Steve stepped into Karen’s café, a cozy spot with leather chairs and shelves lined with old books. He looked around, taking in the aroma of fresh coffee, then made his way to a back table, where Karen was waiting for him. After Karen greeted him warmly he settled into his chair, thanking her for meeting with him. “I’m happy to help,” she said before a server came and took their order. Then Karen invited Steve to sketch out his solopreneur journey, which he did over the clatter of coffee cups that surrounded them. When Steve was done she gave him a one-word verdict: “Pricing.” “Pricing?” he asked. She nodded as their coffees arrived. “Well…pricing and positioning. From what you’ve told me, it sounds like the way you think about pricing is holding you back.” “In what way?” “If someone wanted to know what exactly you sell to your clients, what would you tell them?” Read the entire article The Smarter Way to Set Freelance Writing Rates: Avoid Hourly Work on The Write Life.