How should you charge for your writing? It’s one of the first (and most important) decisions every freelancer faces. Some writers swear by per-word rates. Others prefer hourly billing or flat project fees. Each method has its perks and pitfalls—and choosing the right one can affect how much you earn, how efficiently you work, and how clients perceive your value. If you’ve ever struggled to pick a pricing model or wondered if it’s time to switch things up, this breakdown will help you make a smarter, more confident choice.
Per Word
Charging per word is one of the most common pricing models in freelance writing, especially for blogs, articles, and web content. It’s simple to understand and easy to quote: if you charge 10 cents per word and write a 1,000-word article, the client pays $100. Many online platforms and clients are already familiar with this structure, which makes negotiations quicker.
Pros:
- Straightforward and predictable: Both you and the client know exactly what the cost will be based on the final word count. This minimizes confusion and makes invoicing easy.
- Encourages concise writing: Since you’re paid for each word, there’s motivation to be intentional with language and avoid unnecessary filler. For some writers, this results in tighter, more focused content.
- Easy to scale: More words mean more money. If you’re a fast writer and can consistently produce clean, high-quality content, this model can be profitable.
Cons:
- May reward length over substance: Some clients might expect longer content just to get their money’s worth, even if the topic doesn’t call for it. You could also feel pressure to stretch content unnecessarily.
- Doesn’t account for research time: A 1,000-word article on personal finance can take twice as long as one about vacation tips, but if you’re paid the same per word, you might not be fairly compensated for the extra work.
- Clients may fixate on word count: Some clients view per-word pricing as a commodity approach, treating writing like a measurable output rather than a creative service. You may run into clients who negotiate aggressively over a few cents per word.
Best for: SEO blog posts, product descriptions, simple listicles, and ongoing article work where the format is repeatable and research is minimal.
If you choose to go with per-word pricing, make sure to clarify whether you’re charging based on the final word count, the draft, or the published version. Also, consider setting minimums for shorter assignments to ensure your time is still well-compensated.
Per Hour
Charging by the hour is less common in freelance writing but can be a smart choice in certain scenarios. It works well when project scope is unclear, tasks are ongoing, or the work involves a lot of collaboration or revisions. With this model, you simply track your time and invoice based on the hours worked.
Pros:
- Fair compensation for all tasks: Writing isn’t always just writing. Research, meetings, revisions, emails, and formatting take time. Charging hourly ensures you’re paid for all of it, not just the final product.
- Flexible for evolving projects: When the scope or deliverables aren’t fully defined, hourly pricing protects you from being underpaid as the project shifts. It also avoids the need to constantly renegotiate pricing.
- Ideal for retainer clients or admin-heavy work: If you’re doing ongoing content updates, light editing, or content strategy support, hourly billing can be efficient and fair for both sides.
Cons:
- Requires time tracking: You’ll need to use a timer or tracking software, and keep detailed records. This can feel tedious and may not suit writers who like to work in short, interrupted bursts.
- Less predictable for clients: Many clients prefer fixed costs so they can budget in advance. Hourly pricing can make them nervous if they’re unsure how long a project will take.
- May penalize efficient writers: The better and faster you get, the less you make per project. If you can write a polished article in an hour that used to take three, you’re now earning less unless your hourly rate is adjusted accordingly.
Best for: Editing jobs, ghostwriting with lots of interviews or collaboration, content strategy sessions, long-term client work, and anything where the scope can’t be pinned down up front.
When offering hourly rates, it helps to give clients an estimate or range so they’re not surprised. For example: “My rate is $60/hour. For a typical blog post with light research and formatting, this usually comes out to about $180 to $240.”
Some writers also set a minimum block (such as a one-hour minimum) to avoid underbilling on quick tasks.
Per Project
Charging per project means you quote a flat fee for the entire job, regardless of how long it takes or how many words it includes. This model works best when the scope of work is clearly defined. It’s especially useful for more complex or high-value writing where word count doesn’t fully reflect the time and skill involved.
Pros:
- Clear expectations for both sides: The client knows what they’ll pay upfront, and you know what you’ll earn. This reduces back-and-forth and makes budgeting simple for everyone.
- Better reflects value over volume: A persuasive 500-word landing page can be worth far more than a 1,500-word blog post. Project pricing allows you to price based on outcomes, not just length or time.
- Encourages efficiency: If you finish quickly, you still get paid the full amount. This rewards experienced writers who’ve honed their speed and process over time.
- Easy to scale income: Once you’ve priced similar projects a few times, it’s easier to build packages, upsell services, and grow your earnings without tracking every hour or word.
Cons:
- Risk of underestimating effort: If the project turns out to be more work than expected — due to extra research, revisions, or unclear instructions — your hourly rate drops fast.
- Scope creep: Without a clear contract or defined limits, clients may ask for “just one more thing” again and again. This can quickly eat into your time and profit.
- Requires more up-front planning: You’ll need to ask detailed questions, understand the client’s expectations, and possibly build in revision policies to avoid surprises.
Best for: Website copy, case studies, white papers, newsletters, ebooks, and full-service content packages that may include research, formatting, SEO, and strategy.
If you go with project pricing, always outline what’s included. Spell out how many revisions are covered, whether meetings are included, and what deliverables the client will receive. You can also include add-on pricing for extra rounds of edits or additional tasks, which helps protect your time and maintain boundaries.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If you’re just starting out, per word can be a good way to get your footing. As you gain experience, consider switching to per project to better reflect your value. Per hour may work for long-term relationships or tasks that require more flexibility.
It’s okay to mix and match based on the client and project. The goal is to get paid fairly for your time and talent, while also offering pricing that makes sense to the people hiring you.
Which payment model to you prefer? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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