[Hidden-tech] writing rates

[Hunter Golden]

If you're looking for someone to do the work, I'd strongly recommend finding
someone who gives you a flat rate for the entire project. Paying by the word
or by the hour IS usually counterproductive. Good writers write concisely
(thus per word makes no sense) and most good writers can write it quickly
(less time means less money). Now I know plenty of writers who do charge by
the hour and swear by it, but I find that in most cases - If you're looking
for someone who's going to turn out a good product, I'd advise going with
someone who's going to charge you a flat rate. Most copywriters should have
fee schedules that should give you a ballpark idea of the going rate. In
most cases, you'll find that any parameters of the project are outlined (for
example, the deadline, number of revisions, and if applicable - word count)
in their contracts. Most copywriters are fairly flexible on terms so don't
be afraid to give them some parameters of your own if you see fit. 

 

Rates are going to vary according to the skill level of the copywriter and
market of the client. This market (Western Mass) is especially funky when it
comes to your run of the mill copywriting rates. For example, brochures and
press releases I've found to be well below Writer's Market rates. However ad
scripting and direct sales copy rates (locally) are through the roof. I
remember landing my first video scripting job years ago and almost falling
out of my chair when the company offered me what they did. I've talked to
writers who've had the exact opposite experience I've had and get paid more
for run-of-the-mill collateral. It really depends on the project, the writer
and where you so happen to be located. I hate being so publically
wishy-washy, but that's the way it is around here. 

 

Most importantly- consider the value of the piece to the company. A well
written article can generate a lot of leads. A bad one can make you look
terrible. Don't rate shop. Don't blow your budget apart, either, but get the
best bang for your buck and don't let price be the end-all-be-all. A
well-written article/marketing piece can pay for itself 30-fold.

 

Some other things to consider:

 

-          I've been doing this a while and let me tell you - I've met some
fantastic direct sales writers who can't write web content to save their
lives. I've met great web content writers who can't write technical manuals
to save their lives. Copywriters are not a one-size fits all deal. Most have
different specialties. Those who can write really well in all those fields
are going to be very expensive (but worth it). However, they're very
difficult to come by.

-          Give careful consideration to what you want your article to do.
Is it to ramp up hit counts? Is it to sell a product? Is it to inform
customers? Consider what you want your piece to accomplish. Then look for a
writer who can best execute and communicate that vision. 

-          Stay away from content farms. They're awful. Thank god they exist
because I make a lot of money re-doing their work, but it's a waste of
money. Usually they have amateurs, casual part-timers or people in foreign
countries on staff and they're paying them rock-bottom rates for bottom of
the barrel work. I literally get 2-3 jobs a month from people who've had
awful experiences at content farms. Just stay away from them.

-          Your best bet is to find a copywriter who is 1.) full time and
2.) can show you plenty of samples of their work. There are a lot of people
who moonlight in this industry, and they stink. On the other hand, there are
some who are moonlighting and are sensational. Don't always count them out,
just be wary. Either way you go, be sure to see copies of their work.
That'll tell you everything you need to know.  

-          If they call themselves a guru/queen/king/master of the universe
- be very wary. Like the old saying goes, if it seems too good to be true,
it usually is and that applies in particular to copywriters. The truth is
(in any industry) that anyone can provide themselves with a title and call
themselves a copywriter. What people read, how they read, etc varies so much
that you're better off going with someone who's an ongoing student of the
market rather than someone who claims to have everything figured out. Us
copywriters can be a VERY egotistical group and we can get ahead of
ourselves. Be wary of those who promise the world and wear funny hats. 

-          Be sure to make sure they can provide comprehensive, written
agreements. I've seen people on both ends get burned on projects because
there isn't something rock-solid on paper. I know it should go without
saying, but you'd be surprised how many copywriters don't use written
agreements. If they can't provide one that looks like a real agreement (not
something they tossed together in an email), then stay away. 

 

I hope that helps a bit! If you (or anyone for that matter) has any
questions, let me know!

 

Best,

 

 

Hunter Golden

Write Stuff Copywriting

PO Box 61072

Longmeadow, MA 01116

Phone: (860) 305-1684

Fax: (866) 644-0401

hunter at writestuffcopywriting.com

www.writestuffcopywriting.com

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From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
[mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of
Edbride-PR
Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2010 6:40 PM
To: hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net
Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] writing rates

 

Although Susanna is correct in principle, some projects have built-in
parameters, such as a 750-word case study, a 1,500-word ghost-written
article, etc.  Some freelancers have two different rates, one for editorial
and one for Marketing clients.

 

Ed

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Susanna Opper <mailto:susanna at shawenon.com>  

To: 'Holly <mailto:hollygivens29 at gmail.com>  Givens' ;
hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net 

Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2010 4:37 PM

Subject: Re: [Hidden-tech] writing rates

 

  

  _____  

I'll be eager to hear other opinions, but to me paying by the word is
counterproductive. The best online writing is tight and concise. The better
you are, the less you make. Not sure why you'd do this.

--Susanna

 

-------------------------------------

Susanna Opper

Shawenon Communications

Our distinction is communicating your distinction

413-528-6494

susanna at shawenon.com

www.shawenon.com

Twitter: @SusannaOpper

 

From: hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net
[mailto:hidden-discuss-bounces at lists.hidden-tech.net] On Behalf Of Holly
Givens
Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2010 1:13 PM
To: <hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net>
Subject: [Hidden-tech] writing rates

 

Hello all!

 

One of my potential clients wants to pay for online content by the word.
What's the going rate these days?

 

Thanks for any information you can share!...

 

 

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