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How Much Can You Earn Writing Freelance?

Most of us enjoy the freedom that comes with independent working and flexible hours but often wonder how much we can actually earn as a freelance writer. Truth is, it depends on many factors and there is no set answer. However, with a little research and a realistic outlook, you can certainly end up making a lot more than you would as a salaried employee.

What is a freelancer?

A freelancer is a contractor who undertakes creative work for paying customers on a project-by-project basis. As a contractor, you are your own boss and can choose your own hours. You will be expected to deliver the project on time and comply with any relevant regulations. You will also be required to follow any necessary safety procedures.

What does that mean for me as a writer?

If you are a creative writer with a solid portfolio and an attention to detail, you can certainly earn a decent amount of money as a freelance writer. You will mostly be hired to write for brands, publications or small businesses, which are all paying clients. You will not be required to sell any products or services other than those that you would already be using in your daily life. (For example, if you are a travel writer, you may be asked to cover a luxury cruise ship or an upscale resort in the Bahamas.)

What you should know and consider

While there is no exact figure for how much you can earn as a freelance writer, industry experts put the average yearly salary at around £30,000. This figure takes into consideration a variety of factors, including your experience, your location and the number of hours you can put in.

For instance, a New York City-based freelance writer with three years of experience can expect to earn around £45,000 annually. However, you need to put in the hours and work hard to reach that level. If you are looking for an entry-level job as a writer, you may have to settle for less. What is important is that you feel you are doing well for yourself, even if it is not a lot of money. Remember, you are your own boss and you set your own hours.

Are You Willing To Negotiate?

As a freelance writer, you need to be willing to negotiate. This is especially important if you are in the beginning stages of your career or if you are pursuing a particular project that is well-merited but comes with a high price tag. If you are not willing to negotiate, you are missing out on potentially earning a lot of money. When you are presented with an offer, you must remember to ask for more. Always be keen to ask for more money or better terms. (For example, ‘Would you be willing to split the earnings with me?’ or ‘I believe this project is worth so much more than the initial offer. Can we have a meeting to discuss the terms?’) Always be ready to walk away if the terms are not right or if the pay is not adequate. Remember, you get paid what the customer is willing to pay you, not what you want to charge them for. You cannot, and should not, expect to be paid what you think your work is worth. (This is called ‘overcharging’ and can get you in serious trouble. As a freelancer, you are responsible for ensuring that you do not overcharge your customers and you get paid what you are worth.)

Where Do I Start?

If you are just starting out as a writer and do not yet have a portfolio to show your work, consider submitting applications to become a contributor to online publications. These will often provide you with excellent opportunities to gain writing experience and showcase your work. What is more, if you are able to establish yourself as a reliable and consistent writer, you can certainly move into higher paying projects over time.

The Bottom Line

As a freelancer, you have complete control over your working conditions and can set your own hours. What you should know is that there is no exact figure for how much you can earn but it is certainly worth it. As long as you are willing to put in the time and effort, you can certainly end up making a lot of money as a freelance writer. Make sure you enjoy what you do and that you put in the work to establish yourself as a reliable and experienced writer before you decide to take on a full-time job as a salaried employee. (Just kidding.)