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During these hard economic times, freelance writers should be flexible with their rates, but shouldn’t settle for less than they’re worth. As the media is suggesting freelancing as a way to supplement your income as stable jobs are at risk, there is more competition out there, and businesses, either trying to take advantage of the desperate times, or suffering economically themselves are trying to pay professional writers and editors pennies. While it can be tempting to take one of these poor paying jobs to bring in more work, it’s important to set your limits and stick to them or it can hurt your reputation and set a precedent for future rates.

The majority of my client base has come from Craig’s List postings in the US and Canada, and no matter how much or how little work I have, I am always looking through the postings to see what’s happening with the market and keeping my eyes open for interesting projects. While there are always people looking to pay absurd rates for blog posts and web copy, now more than ever, the word “internship” is popping up all over the board. While these advertisements are trying to recruit people by offering beneficial industry experience and references if you do a good job, it’s just a coy way to avoid saying what it really means, “we want you to work for free”.

Internships are a great idea for students and those with no relevant experience on their resumes, beware, because offsite freelance internships won’t accomplish the same goal that working in an established organization will. Internships are usually meant to show you the ropes and expose you to different aspects of the industry. If you are a freelance intern, you will likely be expected to figure things out on your own and deliver while working independently. It might put another notch on your freelance belt, but you’d get the same benefit through paid experience. So, if you need to build experience, find out as much information as possible about the position before you agree to work for free, and if you’re an experienced professional, move on; get paid what you’re worth.

I see a lot of jobs posted where people expect writers to complete 400-800 word blogs, articles and web copy for a lump sum of $2-$5, including all relevant research, writing and editing of the completed materials. Some of these businesses say they will offer you an unlimited amount of work per day, so while it may help you pay the bills, if you’re a professional, this should be well below your minimum. According to Writers.ca, per word rates to higher a professional freelance writer should range anywhere from $0.10 – $3 dependent upon the type of content and experience of the freelancer. The complete rate chart for freelance writers and editors is available here: http://www.writers.ca/whattopay.htm

Understanding what’s happening with the economy, my rates are on the lower end of the spectrum, typically starting at $0.12/word or $13/hr for writing. For a great project, especially one with ongoing potential, I’m always willing to negotiate my rates. For example, I received a quote request today for industry specific articles that would require substantial research; I provided my standard rates, and also said that I would be willing to go as low as $20 for a 400-600 word article and would be willing to negotiate based on the budget the company had in mind. The response I got back was a straight forward “that’s nowhere near what I’d be willing to pay”, so clearly it was understood that even if I bent a little more, their pay would never meet my expectations and they were wasting my time. In this case, on the job posting the rate was listed “commensurate upon experience” with a slew of requirements…so, apparently not. Maybe the economy has limited their outsourcing budget, but if it’s a professional they want at those rates, they are taking advantage of desperate times and it certainly won’t be me.

So, as a freelance writer when you apply for jobs, make sure that you have a minimum rate in mind and further assess how reasonable that rate would be once you have a better grasp upon the scope of the job. Find out upfront what they’re willing to pay before you undergo further negotiations so they don’t waste your time, and walk away if they aren’t willing to pay you what you’re worth.

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