Real Words

I recently posted my thoughts here on whether or not you should reveal your writing rates on your blog or website. That sparked some discussions with my Facebook friends and Twitter friends about writing rates in general. What I learned is that a lot of my writing friends don’t actually have any set writing rates.

I found this to be somewhat shocking. I am definitely flexible about my own writing rates. I offer discounts to certain types of businesses (particualrly green businesses and local businesses). I take on jobs that don’t meet my standard writing writes because the jobs interest me or they seem easy enough or, frankly, because I need the money at that time.

But despite being flexible about my rates, I think it’s extremely important that I do have set rates. It makes discussing work with clients easier and it makes me feel more stable in my work. It’s professional and, in my opinions, it’s a necessity.

There are many many great articles out there on how to set your own writing rates. But I just came across a set of three posts that were recently done over at About Freelance Writing that I think sums it up best. These posts discuss how to track expenses and consider your need for a savings account so that you can determine your rates.

I think that most freelance writers are setting their rates based on the market value of their work. That’s definitely something to take into consideration. However, as a business person, you really need to have an understanding of what amount of money you need to be making to figure out if your business is worth staying in. If you spend more than you make for too many years in a row, you’re not going to last as a freelance writer.

How is everyone else figuring out their writing rates? And how flexible are you about them?