What to include in your costs as a writer & copywriter
- Writing and grammar tools, research subscriptions
- Portfolio site
- Laptop and home office
- Pitching time — unpaid but essential
How freelance writers and copywriters usually price their work
Writers are often asked for a per-word rate, but per-project pricing usually pays better because research, interviews and edits are hidden in a per-word fee. To convert: divide your hourly rate by the number of finished words you produce per hour, including research and revisions.
Tip: Track how long a typical piece really takes from brief to final edit. Most writers underestimate research and revision time.
How the calculation works
Your rate = (target take-home ÷ (1 − tax rate) + business expenses) × (1 + buffer) ÷ billable hours. Billable hours are your working weeks × hours per week × the share of time you can actually bill. More about the method →