Article Writing as a Profession - A Penny for your Thoughts!

Hi

I realize there's a big difference between swimming with the Guppies and swimming with the Sharks. So how does one transit from Freelance to Professional? I invite seasoned copywriters as well as fresh entrants to participate in this discussion.

I look forward to you comments on the subject.

 

I'm not sure I understand your question. Based on what you are asking, maybe you think freelance means working for free?

Many full time writers (myself included) are professional freelancers. We are not hired as a corporate writer for one company exclusively and, instead, are business owners writing for many different clients. Becoming a full time freelancer (is that more your question?) involves building your business by developing relationships and some sort of reputation for quality (a good reputation is the best choice here ) until you can support yourself on what you make.

Okay that is an oversimplified answer, but until I really "get" your question I think it's all I can give .

 

So we start with reputation.

Where does one start?

 

By getting clients and living up to their expectations.

If your next question is going to be about how to get clients, I would advise you to look around this forum and the countless freelance writing blogs out there, since this topic has been beaten to death with wet noodles--which is really difficult.

 

I get your drift

 

Then you already have 50% better chance of being successful than some others who've ventured through these parts

 

lol... Yeah! It's all there... I didn't look hard enough

 

I think its really going to depend on what your income expectations. The average article writer makes between $2-5 per acticle. So if have a full time job and your used to making $80,000 a year your going to have a ways to go. On the other hand if you only need to make a couple hundred dollars a week, then doing full time article writing can be a great job.

 

I hate to be disagreeable, but the "average" writer does not make $2 to $5 per article. There are writers here who charge $200 for a 500-word article. I charge more in the $35 to $50 range. I occasionally write $10 or $12 articles if they need no research (I know the topic very well because of my education or work experience) and only need to be 300 or 400 words long.

Yes, some people here charge $2 or $3 for an article. But we should not be duplicating the myth that that's all you can make from writing. I can name several people who make upwards of $70K/year from freelancing. Try reading Kristen King's Inkthinker blog or Lori Widmer's "Words on the Page" for more accurate information about pricing and freelance writing income.

 

I'm going to jump in here because I write articles on lots of different levels price range. There are some that are short for the low range and then there are the higher end 700 dollar range. It entirely depends on your skill level and what kind of clients you get.
First order of business before you commence business of any kind Do the Research.

 

Nice posts, guys.

One thing that's on my mind about becca's post: where do you do the research? Some argue that the Internet IS the place to do it. But that would suit lower-end gigs. Field research can get overwhelming, especially when you have other obligations like rearing small kiddies.

 

I don't get Miliani. How does Internet research only suit lower-end gigs? Where else would you research if not on the Internet? You have more instant info at your fingertips immediately, than running to your local library - or anywhere else for that matter. Nothing beats the Internet for research. Punch in one topic and you get 10,000 results. That means you can read up on a subject from at least 10 or 20 good perspectives. What other kind of research beats that? Besides, when you talk about "field" research, what do you mean? If I'm writing an article on the Space Station, how would I do "field" research? Write to NASA and ask if I can go and have a look around?

 

I second this - the internet is by far the best way of getting gigs. I'd agree that a lot of the marketing forums and the like are geared toward the lower end gigs, but that doesn't write the entire concept of the internet off altogether.

The internet helps copywriters target clients direct to their email when pitching, which is endlessly valuable. It also gives writers a voice and exposure that previous generations could only dream of.

 

Wow, did not know that these kinds of amounts were achieveable. Thanks for the information.

 

Good post; $2 is by no means the average for quality writers.

 

The easiest way to live good off of copy writing is to live somewhere where your money stretches a lot further. Seriously, living in a beach house in the Philippines while writing a few articles a day to the sounds of the surf crashing and the wind rustling in the palm trees... it doesn't get much better. But that's just me.

 

Yeah, rates really differ from writer to writer and from client to client. But the only truth is that in recessin period clients tend to pay less than usual.

 

This is not true. Your clients may be paying less, but not all clients are. If your clients are paying less, it's time to find new clients.

 

I don't know if I can speak for everyone, but I have been a writer for the last four years. Whether I call myself freelance or professional... it doesn't matter. What truly matters is the work you create, and whether you can bring in the work to make the profit you desire.

As for what one writer should make their rate... I vary depending on the specific project. I have written some quick pieces for barely $1, as well I have written pieces for $125 each. The best way to ensure you are make the most success for yourself is to market your writing services as much (and effectively) as possible... just follow a similar branding campaign as your top competitors do, but be sure to make it your own by adding your own twist to it.

 

Totally agree, as I mentioned before... if you market yourself out well enough, you can be the one in charge of pricing and not your customer.