Many skilled and talented writers will spend a considerable amount of time researching the possibility of being a freelance writer before jumping head first into the job. They want to make sure they will be properly compensated for their efforts and that the pay rate of freelance writing assignments will support their lifestyle. If you are like many who have researched this information yourself, you may have seen some stats that reflect an annual income for freelance writers of $50,000, $60,000 or more per year. However, some freelance writers are realistically struggling to make ends meet and are barely earning more than minimum wage.
What Your Skills Are Worth
When you talk to your friends, family and even new acquaintances about what you do for a living, many may be fascinated by the idea that you can support yourself by writing for a living. However, there is also a general misconception that everyone can do this job. Most people may be able to write, and some may be able to write well. However, the ability to write well, write on a wide variety of topics and write quality content at a fast enough rate to earn a living are unique abilities. Plus, you will want to consider that many people lack the mental stamina to write at such a high level each and every day for hours on end. The fact is that if you have these abilities, they are indeed worth something. Further, there are people who will pay you for your abilities.
Placing Value on Your Skills
In order to get paid what your skills are really worth, you must somehow place value on your skills. One way to see what other freelance writers may be getting paid is to visit bid websites. Some sites seal bids so that you cannot see what rates others are requesting for their work. However, there are some bid sites that will allow you to view the writing samples, rates requested and even projects others have completed in the past. The fact is that if other people are getting paid rates for comparable writing services, you can, too. You simply have to be persistent in your efforts to find those projects. Also, keep in mind that if you spend your time spinning your wheels on lower paying assignments, you may miss out on the opportunity to find more lucrative assignments.
Finding the Right Projects
Once you have determined how much you should be charging for your services, you will then need to take time to find clients who are willing to pay you those rates. Every potential client will have a different budget in mind for the work they want completed. Some may want high quality work but will only have a limited budget available. Others may have a larger budget in mind, and they may be more willing to accept the rate you demand. With this in mind, avoid feeling discouraged if your requests to work on certain projects are denied initially. With persistence in your efforts, you may find greater success as you try to make more money for your services.
If you feel as though you may be working for a lower rate than what your services are worth today, the fact is that you may be. You can take time to research going rates for similar services. If you find that your rates are too low, you can make an effort to seek out higher paying projects today.
